I got our dog Jess 2 years ago. She's a miniature schnauzer and at about 6 months old became snappy and barky. I took her to the vet and he referred us to an APBC behaviourist. I found out that Jess was a very nervous and anxious dog and the behaviourist helped us put various things in place to help her feel more secure.
She's got a lot better over the past 2 years and during that time I've also been doing loads of reading and have started on a Tellington Touch course.
I've also started volunteering at my local rescue and am really falling in love in working with the dogs and cats there.
I'm seriously considering this as a possible future for myself, as the children are getting older and I'm thinking about what "career" I could maybe carve out for myself in the future (I don't want to go back to my old job).
I've looked at various options on how to train as a behaviourist. To become one affiliated to the APBC I'd have to do Biology A level and then a 3 year degree course, the first 2 years of which you're with the biology students and only start working with animals in the final year. I don't really want to spend so long not working with animals as I feel time is passing by already and it is Very theoretical.
I've noticed that many of you recommend looking for someone who's a member of the APBT, but looking at the course it covers mainly dog training (eg class structure, basic commands and so on) and not so much on behaviour. Have I got this right? I don't really want to do dog training but maybe it would be a good grounding.
People have also recommended the courses run by COAPE but I don't see that mentioned much on here..
My main aim is to help in whatever way I can the dogs in the rescue to find a new home as a volunteer but also to have some private client work to actually earn some money.
Any thoughts? TIA for reading all of this... Some clarity would be very very welcome!