First Post, Appreciate Advice On Becoming A Trainer

[Lollipup]

hello all, i am new to the forum but have come here for info many times in the past. this is my first post and i'm not sure if i'm putting it in the right spot but here are some things i'm wondering about:

I have always been an animal lover and always wanted to work with animals. I worked casually at a vet while i was in school for a while, then when i left school i did volunteer wildlife rescue, and i had many pets. My passion is strongest for dogs though, they are my best friends. I found that working with animals was hard to get into as a living so eventually did some admin work to "get me by" but since then i've moved out and got married and for the last 5 years i am sad to say that office work is all i have done, even though i always swore that i would never work in an office. Well, now i've had enough and i'm desperate for a change. I always wish I had stuck to animal work so that I had more experience now.

First step is that I've decided to do the Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training through the NDTF - distance learning. Last week and the week before, I spoke to someone there who informed me that the block training would soon be available in Queensland but they are waiting on the details. The first course to offer Queensland blocks is meant to start next month. They said they would get back to me as soon as they had the details so I am trying to be patient but I can't wait to get started so the waiting is driving me mental. Should I call again? Its been a week.

Secondly, can anyone who has recently done the course give me any tips on what to expect in regards to how much time it will take up? I wish I could spend all day every day on it but I am stuck in a full time job at the moment.

Thirdly, have many people done the course and been able to make a living out of dog training? I realise it would be hard and not make much money to start off with but at least I would be doing something I am passionate about. I get all these great ideas for it but then someone comes along with some negative comment about how I won't be able to do it and it gives me doubts in my own ability. I live in a small city, population of almost 50,000 people. There are 3 obedience clubs and a boarding kennel that offers a home training service but they dont advertise much and are hard to find info on if you're searching. Thats all there is in the way of dog training. I would like to be a trainer that goes to the owner's home to help them with training their dogs. There's other dog related services I would offer as well.

So, what do you think?

[FranVT]

I'll also be watching this thread with interest as I would like to get into dog training in the future, even on a volunteer basis. I'm just learning at the minute doing basic obedience with my dog but I can't get enough of it and I want to help people in my local area.

[Kavik]

I did the NDTF course in 2000 Was a great way to start learning about dog training methodology and terminology. I did it before distance learning was offered (I went to Melbourne for all the seminars/lectures and was able to do prac in Sydney).

I have worked with dogs since, but not much as a trainer. Mostly as animal attendant/dog daycare attendent/groomer/vet nurse etc with some training on the side within the business I worked for at the time. I have also done volunteer instructing. Training is difficult to get into and if you work for someone else you will have to use their methods (difficult if it conflicts a lot with the method you would like to use). I have been tossing up starting my own business for a while now but I don't know much about running a business so a bit hesitant.

Do you have a dog at the moment? Taking your dog to classes and getting to a high level in a club is a good way to get experience training and also a good way to lead into instructing at your club. I have instructed at 3 clubs on a volunteer basis, very good to help you learn how to help people train their dogs. Competing with your dog will show that you can accomplish polished work in a distracting environment. There are a lot of dog sports to choose from.

Another thing that helps with experience is to volunteer at a shelter/rescue organisation. This gives you experience with a wide range of dogs that probably have had little training and may have behavioural problems.

[Lollipup]

I did the NDTF course in 2000 Was a great way to start learning about dog training methodology and terminology. I did it before distance learning was offered (I went to Melbourne for all the seminars/lectures and was able to do prac in Sydney).

I have worked with dogs since, but not much as a trainer. Mostly as animal attendant/dog daycare attendent/groomer/vet nurse etc with some training on the side within the business I worked for at the time. I have also done volunteer instructing. Training is difficult to get into and if you work for someone else you will have to use their methods (difficult if it conflicts a lot with the method you would like to use). I have been tossing up starting my own business for a while now but I don't know much about running a business so a bit hesitant.

Do you have a dog at the moment? Taking your dog to classes and getting to a high level in a club is a good way to get experience training and also a good way to lead into instructing at your club. I have instructed at 3 clubs on a volunteer basis, very good to help you learn how to help people train their dogs. Competing with your dog will show that you can accomplish polished work in a distracting environment. There are a lot of dog sports to choose from.

Another thing that helps with experience is to volunteer at a shelter/rescue organisation. This gives you experience with a wide range of dogs that probably have had little training and may have behavioural problems.

Thanks for the posts. I have two dogs, a two year old female cocker spaniel cross mini foxie (Lola) and a 4 month old male red border collie (Chester). I want to work with Chester through the NDTF course and I have been doing a lot of reading on training methods and trying them out at home with both the dogs. I'd like to get into canine freestyle / dog dance with Chester and maybe agility.

I want to eventually start my own business as a trainer. What I really need to do is find a part time job to support enough but also give me more time to spend on working with dogs and volunteering at the RSPCA etc. Finding part time work is proving to be a challenge though!

[W Sibs]

Hi, welcome!

I'm feeling the same about office work... so over it. I rather working with dogs

I start my NDTF course in August. Long distance.. I'll be heading to VIC to do my practical work there (1 week in Oct and another week in Feb 2011)... i'm so excited to start!! So, I'll let you know how it goes

I have big dreams for the future

Give those guys another call or email

[Teebs]

I did it 2 years ago - i taught my two complex skills in under a week, the rest of the assessments were pretty easy and all only took me a few hours each to do.

The longest time was the 2 week block training, everything else was easy

[Lollipup]

CW EW, I am meant to be starting in August as well except going to the Queensland block training. I'm worried though because they said August is meant to be the first one to have the Queensland blocks but they haven't got the details finalised yet. But August is really soon and I'm afraid they're going to put it off longer and I really can't wait to do it. Hopefully you and I will be doing it at the same time, all going well

[Sing Song]

Hi guys

we are looking for someone to foster a cattle boy in the next 3 weeks. Its a great way in and opportunity to take advantage of a great deal of experience and contacts. Training provided, mentoring if you are in the Mornington, Sth East Vict area. Anyone interested please dont hesitate to contact me - [email protected] or 0410 136 802. Good luck everyone:)

cheers

Sing Song

CW EW, I am meant to be starting in August as well except going to the Queensland block training. I'm worried though because they said August is meant to be the first one to have the Queensland blocks but they haven't got the details finalised yet. But August is really soon and I'm afraid they're going to put it off longer and I really can't wait to do it. Hopefully you and I will be doing it at the same time, all going well

[Lollipup]

I called them and apparently all plans are going well and they should have the enrolment pack to me tomorrow arvo. So august start it will be

[Ravyk]

I thought the NDTF long distance course didn't start until October? Might email the lady about that...

Edited July 29, 2010 by Ravyk

[Lollipup]

I thought the NDTF long distance course didn't start until October? Might email the lady about that...

Hi again The August one is booked out in Melbourne and Sydney and will soon open for enrolment for QLD once they have the details finalised (hopefully tomorrow). The next course available after that is October.

[Ravyk]

Ah ok! That makes more sense [right after I emailed her...oh well!]

[Lollipup]

Ah ok! That makes more sense [right after I emailed her...oh well!]

Whoops! You sound like me. Hopefully we both aren't bothering the same person there because I think she is sick of the questions just from me alone. I can't help it though, I am excited. Had to sign up to DOL today so I had another outlet for it.

[Ravyk]

Ah ok! That makes more sense [right after I emailed her...oh well!]

Whoops! You sound like me. Hopefully we both aren't bothering the same person there because I think she is sick of the questions just from me alone. I can't help it though, I am excited. Had to sign up to DOL today so I had another outlet for it.

Well they get paid to answer our stupid questions!

[Nekhbet]

I did it while I worked a full time and part time job as well as sport and dog training twice a week totally doable as long as you stay on top of the reading and dont get behind like any course

if you find concepts hard to get your head around ASK! Either here on the forum or your teachers, if you dont totally understand it can make progress slow or hamper you understanding further concepts. And dont be afraid to ask, there is no such thing as a dumb question we all have to start somewhere

It's a good course, I'm glad I did it. I currently have my own dog training business as well as train at a school on the weekends as well as rescue/rehome. It's a good place to start.

[Teebs]

Was there anyone out there who was not impressed with the course??

I had fun doing it, but 99% of what they taught, i already knew the best thing that came out of my course was sitting down with one of the instructors and talking about Kaos and working out and understanding why she is the way she is.

I would have been very annoyed had i spent my own money on the course - I was lucky and my idiot ex boss's put me through it.

[lovemesideways]

Was there anyone out there who was not impressed with the course??

I had fun doing it, but 99% of what they taught, i already knew the best thing that came out of my course was sitting down with one of the instructors and talking about Kaos and working out and understanding why she is the way she is.

I would have been very annoyed had i spent my own money on the course - I was lucky and my idiot ex boss's put me through it.

I loved the course but the administration are completely ridiculous.

They seem to finally (FINALLY) be getting their act together.

I still haven't received my official certification because of constant miscommunication with the staff administrators. There has been about 5 administrators since I did my course, and some assessments I sent where not received. So whatever you mail, be sure to scan in, follow up on it Constantly or you're going to end up in my boat. Which is very frustrating.

[Lollipup]

Was there anyone out there who was not impressed with the course??

I had fun doing it, but 99% of what they taught, i already knew the best thing that came out of my course was sitting down with one of the instructors and talking about Kaos and working out and understanding why she is the way she is.

I would have been very annoyed had i spent my own money on the course - I was lucky and my idiot ex boss's put me through it.

Did you already know it because you had a lot of experience and learning with dogs already? I have experience with my own dogs I've had over the years and I do a lot of reading but I still hope to gain a lot from this course, I am paying for it myself which is a lot of money so I don't want to be disappointed. Most of what I have heard about it on DOL is positive.

[Lollipup]

Was there anyone out there who was not impressed with the course??

I had fun doing it, but 99% of what they taught, i already knew the best thing that came out of my course was sitting down with one of the instructors and talking about Kaos and working out and understanding why she is the way she is.

I would have been very annoyed had i spent my own money on the course - I was lucky and my idiot ex boss's put me through it.

I loved the course but the administration are completely ridiculous.

They seem to finally (FINALLY) be getting their act together.

I still haven't received my official certification because of constant miscommunication with the staff administrators. There has been about 5 administrators since I did my course, and some assessments I sent where not received. So whatever you mail, be sure to scan in, follow up on it Constantly or you're going to end up in my boat. Which is very frustrating.

What did you love about the course?

[Miss BeRidgierent]

Does anyone know how much the course costs? Or an approximate figure?