Responsible dog owner certificate

[TeenDivided]

https://www.britishcollegeofcaninestudies.com/product/responsible-dog-ownership-certificate/

Does anyone know anything about either this organisation or the responsible dog owner certificate itself? How many hours to complete it (and do you need a dog to hand to do it?)

We don't have a dog (mean Mum) but DD is doing occasional shifts at a kennels and wants to work with dogs in some way as a career. Her animal care courses at college do cover dogs, but a whole host of other animals too, so not a massive amount of detail.

I don't personally know anything about this course in itself, though I have seen so many people buy cheap online courses that provide very basic/ incorrect information and be disappointed with the content.
They're usually not worth the time or money as they offer no real qualification. At £10 I would expect that this one is likely just going to discuss the most basic requirements of dog ownership, with maybe a few slightly more in depth details thrown in.
That said, it's not too expensive so if you think she'd benefit from the knowledge given that you don't have a dog of your own currently there's no harm in her having a look through it.

If she's wanting something more dog-centric than an animal management course offers I'd suggest looking here:
https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/ipet-network-canine-and-feline-qualifications/our-qualifications/
iPet is well recognised and offers a wide range of courses and subjects for your DD to look through.

If she's ever considered Dog Grooming as a career I'm happy to answer any questions she may have on the subject. It's not for everyone but if she finds a passion for it it can be a very fulfilling job.

Personally I wouldn't bother with any of these random online courses. There's no regulatory body for them and no guarantee that her "qualification" will be recognised or help her get a job in the future.

Practical experience or a registered college course would be much better options.

Thank you both. I did wonder if that might be the case.

@PowderPuffGirl she has actually done weekly work experience at a groomers for 4 months (so 16 days) and enjoyed it, but couldn't continue for various reasons. It may be possible after Christmas, must remember that.

It is hard helping an animal loving DD when I myself am really not into pets.

How old is she? If she's over sixteen she could maybe approach a local daycare or dog walker for some work experience - I know I'd be happy to have a teenager tag along with me for some experience ☺️

Animal health and welfare
Animal feed level 2
Dog control
City and Guilds ?
Those are the things our LA would look for. Plus lots of experience working or volunteering.

Thanks.

She is on a kind of gap year having done 2 years doing C&G level 1 animal care at college. Going back in September to do level 2.

She has been doing weekly kennels work experience since Sept, and did 4 months weekly at a groomers. Also had a day with each of dog walker and pet visitor. She has done a canine first aid certificate.

I just came across the thing I linked to and wondered if it was worth it. I am aware that us not having our own dog puts her at a disadvantage so if there are odd things we can supplement with then all the better.

Google KC good citizen dog scheme, the paperwork is free yo download....

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-training/good-citizen-dog-training-scheme/taking-part-in-the-good-citizen-dog-training-scheme/

I think if your DD wants to work with dogs, she will eventually need to get one.

I have had several dog trainers, know 2 people training seach & rescue dogs, know an ex police dog trainer, my vet & 2 of the nurses, professional dog walker in the neighbourhood, the guy that runs the kennels near us and his staff, .... they all have one thing in common: they own a (often several) dog.

We also have 2 teenagers with their own dogs at my local dog training club (agility & obedience) both want to work with animals... that's the competition your DD is looking at.

On the flip side, the lady who does physio for k9 sports dogs came into it from humans, via horses to dogs. She doesn't own one... yet.

@Ylvamoon Thank you, I will look at that.

I know my DD is starting with the disadvantage of no dog, but we have looked into it, and i really really couldn't cope. Hence trying to do everything else reasonable to help her. (We do now own 2 guinea pigs and a snake!)

Any organisation which uses the term 'pack structure and dominance' in understanding dog behaviour is a red flag.

@TeenDivided if you don't mind me asking, how old is your daughter and what are your reasons for not getting a dog?
No judgement, just generally interested and maybe there is a way around it.

Have a look at Writtle college, though I think they might be a University now.

She's 19.
I am the person at home most.
I at best am indifferent to dogs. I would feel really smothered by having a dog in the house.
DD doesn't have the stamina to take full responsibility (recovering from mh issues) and will be back at college in Sept.
Plus my parents are some distance away and 94&88 and needing more visits too.

@TeenDivided definitely sensible not to have one... but I think once your DD is better she should look a bit more into it if she wants to work with dogs. Maybe she can offer a bit of dog walking/ sitting over the summer?
But yes, they are a huge responsibility and a bloody pain in the backside at times- I've just done a training session in the rain - can't miss one as doggo has to learn quite a complex command!