Hey, I’m considering training as a dog trainer and maybe behaviourist eventually. I’m coming up to a stage in life where we will hopefully soon have some more time and money to pursue interests, and career change is on the cards. I’ve struggled to find a field I care about, I’m a bookkeeper in my current life and so bored of it! Being self employed would also help with flexibility of work hours as my toddler starts school next year.
How I’ve come to consider this is because of my own dog who has been more challenging to deal with than I imagined when we got him as a puppy 5 years ago. Due to series of unfortunate events and my own inexperience he has struggled with reactivity and anxiety, that I’ve worked hard to help him with. I’ve read books and listened to podcasts about dog training and behaviour, I’ve worked with trainers and behaviourists 1:1 and attended classes, we’ve dabbled in agility, mantrailing and scentwork. Recently in a class the trainer misinterpreted his signals (commenting how an appeasement lick was him enjoying the exercise) which got me thinking that I could definitely do this, it kind of gave me confidence to start considering it. I know I need training and experience, so far I’ve only had one dog but have had to solve issues many pet owners never have to think about.
I'd like to hear some real life experiences of being a dog trainer with a behaviour interest. I can imagine it can be really rewarding, but I’m sure there are many downsides too.