Choosing The Right Breed

[JulesP]

If you are looking for a dog related business have a think about training to be a chiro or something similar. There don't seem to be a heap of people around trained in this field.

[Sheridan]

If you are looking for a dog related business have a think about training to be a chiro or something similar. There don't seem to be a heap of people around trained in this field.

Most people who use chiros on their dogs seem to think the ones who are vets first then chiros are better. Another alternative in this area is a physio. They train as a people physio first.

However, Joz is very determined to own his own kennels one day and dog walking is his first step along that road.

Joz, you should consider the suggestion of volunteering as an RSPCA (or other rescue group) walker first and perhaps consider fostering for a reputatable rescue.

[Salukifan]

And that's why I post my ideas on here, right now I admitly have no experience outside my own pets so I love knowing that posting here I will get quality responces from experienced dog lovers so I thank you all for your responces and replies to my ideas.

My recommendation to anyone who wants a career or business in dogs is to get some dog training study and experience under your belt.

[grumpette]

Another thing to consider when wanting to walk several clients' dogs together is pack dynamics. The way that dogs behave and interact changes with every new dog that is added to the situation. One dog may be quite placid on its own, but it could be a lot bolder with other dogs to back it up.

[minimax]

And that's why I post my ideas on here, right now I admitly have no experience outside my own pets so I love knowing that posting here I will get quality responces from experienced dog lovers so I thank you all for your responces and replies to my ideas.

My recommendation to anyone who wants a career or business in dogs is to get some dog training study and experience under your belt.

+10000000

Even a TAFE course in animal studies, volunteering with a local rescue, or asking some kennels if they need help?

As an example, my dog walker has Diploma in Natural Animal Medicine, a Certificate 2 in Animal Care and a Certificate 3 in Animal Care. She worked for other dog walking businesses before starting her own, and in kennels and RSPCA whilst studying to gain experience.

I don't know if that's a normal qualifications for a dog walker, but check out some websites and their profiles will normally tell you what they have.

Current pet first aid was also something I looked for.

[Esky the husky]

Very good idea to have some training of some kind under your belt.

Even a pet first aid cert, or cert II in animal studies or whatever it's called.

Something to differentiate you from the school kid who'll run people's dogs for $5

[persephone]

One thing I do plan on doing and really want to do is walk dogs for the RSPCA so obviously this would be preferred to be done whilst I'm walking someone else's dog of course I would pick the right dogs that ive already had good experience with and would ask the owner if they were fine with a dog from the RSPCA coming along.

IMO , I think this plan is flawed

Dogs held in an RSPCA facility may be carrying a disease, may have very little experience with walking onlead , or with other dogs ..and may exhibit unexpected behaviours to certain noises/sights/scents, depending on their history ....IMO very different than a dog owned & loved by a family , who can tell you any extra you need to know ...

I would not let a shelter dog be walked with my own dog like that ....

[persephone]

And that's why I post my ideas on here, right now I admitly have no experience outside my own pets so I love knowing that posting here I will get quality responces from experienced dog lovers so I thank you all for your responces and replies to my ideas.

My recommendation to anyone who wants a career or business in dogs is to get some dog training study and experience under your belt.

+10000000

Even a TAFE course in animal studies, volunteering with a local rescue, or asking some kennels if they need help?

As an example, my dog walker has Diploma in Natural Animal Medicine, a Certificate 2 in Animal Care and a Certificate 3 in Animal Care. She worked for other dog walking businesses before starting her own, and in kennels and RSPCA whilst studying to gain experience.

I don't know if that's a normal qualifications for a dog walker, but check out some websites and their profiles will normally tell you what they have.

Current pet first aid was also something I looked for.

Jozman ... EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE ...understanding how different dogs tick ...understanding how things like hot pavements, the smell of a bitch in season , thundery weather and peoples' body language may affect a dog ...and then how some things may be different for different breeds/coat types/ages....

How well can you 'read' what a dog not yours, is feeling/thinking?

I second, third and umpteenth suggest walking many dogs from shelters etc ...talking to staff, cleaning kennels ..as well as doing something at TAFE

:)