All about the features, pros and cons of the trainer profession. How do you know if a dog trainer is good? The free state of the dog. Team "Walk!"

Dogs are not only pets, but also our friends. Maybe you are a dog lover trying to make a career out of your love for animals? Become a trainer great way earn money, realize yourself in life and just do what you like! If you want to succeed and become a good trainer dogs, you need to be patient and be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort to achieve your goal. In this article, we will tell you what steps you will have to take to become a dog trainer.

Steps

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Learn about animal psychology. To be a successful dog trainer, you must understand how these animals think. So you have to study their behavior. You can start reading different manuals and books. Choose books by well-known authors that analyze and explain why the dog behaves the way it does in a given situation.

1. Find out what skills and abilities you need. There are several types of cynologists. Take your time and read about different ways build a career as a trainer, and then decide what interests you the most. Find out about the most famous cynologists in your city and ask them to tell you exactly what their job is. Such conversations will help you understand the pros and cons of this profession and make a decision.

   • There are many other specialties besides being a pet dog trainer. For example, you can train dogs for medical purposes. One option is to start training guide dogs.
   • You can train security dogs or train military dogs. trained dogs help officers in the service, sometimes they are involved in the search for missing people, and also help to find explosives and drugs.
   • You can also become a dog trainer for a movie or show. This option is best for those who live in cities and regions where there are film studios.

2. Try to become a volunteer. Even if you have a lot of experience with your own dogs, as a trainer you will have to learn how to work and communicate with other people's animals. A great opportunity to gain the necessary experience is to become a volunteer. Visit several city shelters and find out if they need volunteers.

   • Some shelters allow volunteers to work with and train dogs. Find out about this opportunity at the shelter where you volunteer. This is a great way to gain the necessary experience and skills in working with animals.
   • If you are a volunteer, you will be able to understand if you really want to choose this profession for yourself. Many shelter dogs have behavioral problems. Volunteering will give you an idea of ​​what you should expect from your profession if you want to become a dog trainer.
   • Think about whether you have the opportunity to take dogs to your place for overexposure, that is, to provide them with temporary housing. You will have to take care of the dogs while they are looking for a permanent owner. Overexposure of animals can last from 24 hours to several weeks or months. Working with dogs at the shelter and at home is a great way to learn how to communicate with dogs. different breeds and characters. Find out about the possibility of overexposure of animals in a shelter.

   Get a diploma

   1. Choose a study program. You can choose to study for four years at a college or university where you can earn a degree in Animal Care. Such a program provides a good basic knowledge of animal psychology. In addition, a diploma is proof for the employer not only of your skills and knowledge in this area, but also of the fact that you have invested a lot of time and effort into studying them.

      • Meet a representative admission committee in college and ask him about the curriculum for your specialty. Be sure to think about how much effort and time it will cost you to successfully graduate from college.
      • If you don't have the time, funds, or desire to graduate and become a dog trainer, there are other ways to get an education. One way is to go to a vocational school. Although the programs of schools and colleges differ, schools also have worthy study programs. Find information about this on the Internet, read testimonials from former students to find out how it all works.

   2. Higher education in this specialty can be obtained at the Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K. A. Timiryazev (RSAU-MSHA named after K. A. Timiryazev) at the Faculty of Animal Engineering with a specialization in Cynology. Over the middle vocational education contact the Canine College of the FGBOU VPO MGAVMiB named after K.I. Skryabin, Moscow Construction College No. 38 (Department "Trade Union") and other colleges where there is a specialty "Cynology".

      • Once you get your diploma, you will have to continue to improve your skills, that is, you will need to take part in seminars and conferences every year dedicated to the features of your specialty.

   3. Find a good mentor. The best way get the necessary knowledge and skills - start working with an experienced trainer. In some curricula an opportunity is provided where the educational institution provides you with a job together with a mentor. Before choosing an educational institution and a suitable program, ask if there is an opportunity to practice with an experienced trainer.

      • Even if you do not attend classes, you can still learn some of the intricacies from a specialist in your field. Many large animal care companies offer internships. Connect with educational institution to see if it provides internships for its students.
      • Keep in mind that interns and assistants are paid very little, and sometimes not at all.

   Find a job

   1. Set your priorities. Towards the end of your studies or practice, think about what kind of activity you would like to continue doing. Are you interested in working with ordinary domestic dogs that need to be made a little more obedient? Then consider getting a job where you can do typical dog training.

      • If you are interested in something more specific, consider how much it is in demand in your area. For example, dogs for the military and police are trained only in some cities and regions. Perhaps you want to move for work? Ask yourself questions like this as you reflect on your career and prospects.
   2. You can register on job search sites to find more vacancies. This is the most current and effective method find a job, as many companies update information and vacancies every day. If you know where you want to work, contact this company directly to discuss if you have further prospects for cooperation. Take the time to get to know your colleagues. To do this visit social events, seminars and conferences. Spend time with other trainers to make professional connections.
      • Even if you're not a professional trainer yet, join a dog trainer community, dog handler association, or other professional community. This way you can chat online with other trainers, attend conferences and continue your education.

Do you know that there are not only professional instructors, but also those people for whom raising dogs means only a way to earn money? The concepts of “controlled city dog”, “behavior correction”, “general training course” have become very popular in last years. Organizations called school for dogs are springing up like mushrooms. Not surprising, because the profession of an animal training instructor is not supported by the state. There is no state specialty that would be called "dog trainer". Anyone can call themselves a trainer.

Knowing this, you should take the choice of a coach even more seriously. Remember that the training methods used by the training specialist affect not only the behavior of your pet. The upbringing of dogs affects the trust of a four-legged friend in the owner, today and in the future.

Before you start looking for a trainer, you need to understand exactly what result you expect from training. Whether you want to raise a dog for the family, you need a reliable guard or you dream of a companion for playing sports on fresh air? Trainer who primarily trains dogs small breeds hardly suitable for training your Alabai in protective service.

Once you have chosen an instructor, first of all pay attention to how he behaves. own dog and how he communicates with her. Does the dog obey him without the use of force? If a dog trainer yells at his pet, he will do the same to yours. If his own dog constantly jumps on him or sticks to passers-by, such a trainer will absolutely not be able to explain to you how to get rid of similar behavior Your pet!

To avoid disappointment, ask yourself and your future coach a few questions:

Education
Ask who and where trained your dog trainer? Three weekend seminars or four-week courses are not enough to do such a responsible job. This should be at least 6 months of training at a well-known school with a master trainer.

work experience
How long has the instructor been working in this area? This refers to professional, not amateur classes with your own pet. Ask him how many dogs he has already trained and how they show results.

Job Reviews
Can your trainer provide recommendations from professionals or other dog owners? These can be letters of thanks or references from breeders and veterinarians. Also, publications, shooting in TV shows, cooperation with nurseries and shelters can serve as a recommendation.

Watch the work process
Ask to show you the videos taken during his lessons. Ask if all family members are free to attend classes? If not, say goodbye to him immediately. Pay attention to how the trainer reacts when something goes wrong with the dog. How does he behave towards his owners? A dog trainer who is rude, in a bad mood, unfriendly, it is better to cross out immediately.

Dog Training Methods
Serious dog trainers are distinguished by the use of humane working methods and a kind attitude towards animals. They know that brutal methods can negatively affect the learning outcome.
Professionals own several methods of training and can vary them. What works for one pet may not work for another. Only an experienced dog trainer can immediately find the right approach temperament and general characteristics Your four-legged friend.

Equipment
Pay attention to what equipment the instructor uses in class. If he always has a whip, an electric collar or a planer at the ready, this should alert you. These items are used in the classroom. defensive course where defense and attack skills are developed. Working with novice pets or dogs ornamental breeds such equipment should not be used. Methods of education that cause pain to animals, introduce them into a state of stress or physically maim them are absolutely unacceptable! This dog school needs to be left immediately!

Ability to communicate
The job of a dog trainer is to teach the owner how to manage their pet. Pay attention to how clearly he gives explanations, whether he is polite. The trainer must make sure that classes are a joy for you and your pet. He must show respect and sympathy. Good specialist explains and analyzes the behavior of the dog, gives recommendations based on its individual characteristics.

Are there any guarantees?
Calmly ask the dog trainer if he guarantees a specific training result. Remember that the existence of such a guarantee does not correspond to reality! A good instructor will tell you that based on what he will apply effective methods You can be sure that you will be satisfied with the lessons. Perhaps he will add that your motivation and diligent homework play a decisive role in success.

Portion of humor
certainly requires discipline, but this process must bring pleasure to its participants! A little humor and a kind smile add a refreshing touch to the lesson.

alpha status
Dominance, hierarchy and alpha status certainly exist, but they should not be considered the root cause of everything in the world, as some people think. Most behavior problems have nothing to do with these definitions. As a rule, the reason for this is inconsistent dog training, lack of communication and lack of proper attention. Don't work with instructors who say, "All you have to do is explain to him/her who is the boss in the house." It's okay if the dog sleeps on your couch. This will not harm her or you in any way (unless, of course, the coat bothers you).

Love for animals and your work
If you find a dog trainer with these important qualities, you will understand immediately. The joy of communicating with our smaller brothers makes his eyes burn. Your inner voice will tell you - this is HE!

An important note: a dog will accept a good trainer from the first minute of the meeting!

Joyful laughter filled your house, a small fluffy miracle appeared in the family. You look at the puppy and are touched by his small paws, wet nose, surprised eyes that look at you with devotion. But, when acquiring a little friend in the family, one should not forget that from little puppy will increase adult dog, which can become a reliable friend to you and your family, or maybe your tormentor for many years. By itself, a dog is a very smart animal, and if you do not let the puppy's upbringing take its course, you can achieve amazing results.

You can teach a puppy commands from the age of three months, that's when the dog is already capable of learning.

First we need to decide on the type of training, it happens:

• detective
• official
• sentry
• general
• Schutzhund (protection dog)

Each puppy, like a person, is individual, but at the same time, each breed has its own characteristics. In various encyclopedias, you can see a point scale for certain qualities of an animal. Some dogs were bred as rescuers, others were sled dogs, others were guard dogs, and so on. Many breeds have been bred over the years, there are many of them, each has its own characteristics, and not only external ones. Therefore, the trainer must know the approach to a particular breed, he must have a certain specialization, as well as experience in it. Therefore, beware of turning to universal "masters". Communication with animals is a science. If the trainer promises to make a watchdog out of any dog, this indicates his incompetence. This does not happen, you can, for example, represent a pug in the form watchdog? In addition to the broken psyche of the animal, you will not get anything. Pay attention to the specialization of the coach! And also when choosing the type of training, be sure to consider the characteristics of your breed.

And now the puppy has reached the desired age, you have decided on the type of training. Now we proceed directly to the choice of the trainer himself.
If you know dog lovers, you can ask them who they raised their pets with. Listen to reviews and advice. Your acquaintances are not interested in advertising the trainer, they are the same customers as you. Therefore, advice from their lips will be more or less objective. In addition, there is a definite plus: you can look at the behavior of the dog of your friends from the outside, how it executes commands, how it is accustomed to behave among strangers and small children. Of course, a lot in the behavior of an animal also depends on upbringing, the attitude towards the animal on the part of the owners, but in any case, the work of the trainer will be visible.

You can ask around for advice at the kennel club. Most likely, they have their own trainer, you can try to negotiate with him about working with the animal. As a rule, such clubs work with proven specialists.
Contact your breeder with this question, find out from whom other owners of pets of your breed have trained.

Here, too, there is a peculiarity: if possible, it is better to ask around not from the owner of the kennel, but from those who purchased puppies from him and later engaged in training. It is impossible to speak about everyone, what I will write now is more of a rare exception than a rule, but this can happen. It's no secret that there is a system of "rewards" for assistants who have attracted new clients. And you need to be sure that the trainer was recommended to you because he is really good at his job, and not because he encourages new clients. Therefore, when choosing a trainer, the most important feedback belong to those people who communicated with the trainer only at the level of the client, who may not be interested in giving recommendations.

After picking up a few candidates for training your pet, get to know them better. First, check with the trainer for the availability of documents. No need to be shy. This is a very serious matter, and you need to be sure that a professional will work with you. Be sure to check when it was received. Also pay attention to the diplomas and awards of the coach.

Attend a training session with a trainer. See how he treats animals, talk to the owners of those animals who are already working with him - find out their opinion, whether they are satisfied, what are the results. Be sure to see that the trainer does not use ultrasonic repeller dogs, stun gun or other physical force. If this is the case - before you is an ordinary sadist who can simply cripple the dog's psyche. We also look at where the training takes place. The trainer should work with the dog not only on your territory, but also on a special site. Classes are held in the presence of the owner. If you are offered to leave the dog for a week, and in a week to pick up the “smart” dog, run away from there, this is a hack. And also look at the dog of the trainer himself, if he has one. If the dog participates in competitions, takes pride of place, etc. - this is another plus for the trainer.

You should also not forget about the time and load of training, dog training occurs gradually. Everything is like in school. We begin to learn letters, first one, then the second, then put them into syllables. And of course, homework…. It's exactly the same here. First, your dog is shown a couple of simple exercises, you reinforce them at home, then you go through what you already learned again with the addition of a new one, and so on. You can not give the animal a large load at once, otherwise the dog may simply get tired and have a negative attitude towards learning. Be sure to do everything the trainer tells you at home, do not forget: "Repetition is the mother of learning." Even if you came home tired, overpower yourself, work out with the dog. Remember that this is an investment in the future of not only the animal, but also your family. Classes and training during training will help make your pet not just a warm favorite lump, but also an assistant in life.

I'll tell you on my own example, in my family there was a dog, German Shepherd. When she died, I was still very young, but more than twenty years have passed, and every time they talk about dogs, everyone remembers: "But our Lord ...". My grandparents also turned to the kennel club, they worked with the dog for a long time and hard. Classes were held in a specially equipped area. The training took place together with the owners. The Lord was our helper and protector. He loved to relax with his grandmother in the country. Most of all, he loved to drive cats in the garden, but - that's one of the thousand pluses smart dog- he drove them, moving exclusively along the paths, between the beds. Walking with him was a pleasure, while training the dog is also taught to keep his distance. This is very important when walking together. The dog does not get underfoot, but does not move far from the owner either. This is especially important if children or the elderly are walking the dog. Also, our dog was very kind to the children, but he could punish a stranger for his willful behavior.
Now I also buy a dog for my children, I have seen many animals with which it is difficult. I want a real friend and protector for my children. Therefore, I took up the choice of a trainer four months before the expected date of purchase !!! I made up my mind, I took my very first advice. I chose a trainer by acquaintance, I and my parents saw the wards of this trainer, saw his methods of work. I hope everything works out for us.

We continue to publish interesting articles about cynology on our website. We would like to present an article taken from a popular group of dog breeders in VK, the author of this article is A. Sidelnikov.

First I want to scare you. When choosing a profession as an instructor, you should be prepared for the following:
1. It's physically hard work. You will wake up early, work hard, your arms and legs will buzz with fatigue, your back will ache from stress. You will be moving equipment and supplies from place to place. You will have lunch near the kiosk, with pies and coffee, as you simply will not have time for anything else. At the end of the day, you will choose a shower over a bath, as you will be afraid to fall asleep in the bathroom.
2. It's dirty work. In bad weather, the color of your pants will not be known from dirt and dog paw prints after each session, even in good weather you will wash your clothes every 2-3 days. You will always have the hair of other people's dogs on you, your hands will be dusty, and your shoes will not only be dirty, but also scratched by dog ​​claws. Security at the supermarket will look at you suspiciously when you come in for tea at the end of the day. But later the guards will start to recognize you and get used to it.
3. This is traumatic work. Your hands will be scratched all the time, you will get bruises, abrasions. Your arm will hurt from a leash or stack, your back will hurt if you work with a sleeve. Sometimes dogs bite, and then the injuries can be more serious.
4. This is socially unprotected work. If you break your leg, you won't be able to work and you won't earn any money. If you get sick, you will stay at home and lose customers and money every day. If the director of the park, the head of the housing office or a simple policeman wants to kick you and your client out of a suitable area for training, he will do it. Especially if you are not working on a rented site.
5. This is work without days off. When people have holidays, they train dogs. When people are working, there will still be clients who are sitting at home and with whom you will conduct classes. Any day off for you is lost money.
6. This is working with people. You should always be friendly, contact, ready to support the conversation and direct it in the direction you need. At the same time, no one should guess what you really feel and think.
7. This is animal work. They behave disgustingly (otherwise why would you be needed), they are dirty, noisy, often smelly, their hair flies.
8. This is street work. In summer your face will be burned by the sun, in winter your skin will be tightened from frost. In the rain you will get wet, in the snow you will freeze, and in the sun you will suffer from heat.
9. This is work without vacation. Of course, you can drop everything and go to the sea. But only at the expense of their own earnings. And due to the loss of clients who will turn to another instructor at this time.
10. This is a relatively low-paid job. You can earn your bread and butter, and this income will be stable. But you will not be able to earn money for a villa in the Canary Islands by training dogs.
11. This is not grateful work. When the training of the dog is over, and it starts to work on its own, without your help, few people will remember your dedication and determination with which you fought for its success. The owners prefer to demonstrate the achievements of their four-legged pets, without mentioning their teachers.

If any of the above points does not suit you, in no case should you engage in training. If you just want money, go into trading, or find Good work. You shouldn't train dogs just to make money, trust me.

If you can't imagine yourself without cynology, if you like to train dogs and work with people, then it's worth a try. All the disadvantages of the profession of an instructor can only be compensated by love for one's work.

The article was taken from the Attack Dogs group vk.com/public 92436735.
We look forward to your comments on this article.

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The animal world is closely adjacent to the world of people. Sometimes it's just existence in different planes. For example, we know that bears and wolves live in the forests, and elephants and giraffes live in the tropics, but we do not have close contact with them. The maximum is the opportunity to contact them visually and even less often tactilely in circuses and zoos.

In other cases, we interact closely with pets: those that live in apartments and those that live outside the city.

Any animals, in some cases even wild ones, are largely dependent on humans. That is why professions associated with our smaller brothers are common.

Theory and practice in the animal world

Among the huge number of specialties that are associated with the world of animals, the following main areas of activity can be distinguished: theoretical and practical.

Theorists of working with the animal world can be combined into one concept - zoologists. In particular, these are professions related to nature and living beings, bordering on biology. Theorists consider questions from the species and type of an organism to its structure, their habitat and their interaction with each other. These include:

• Ornithologists.
• Entomologists.
• Paleontologists.
• Ichthyologists.
• Herpetologists.
• Serpentologists.

Practitioners work directly with wild animals and pets, interact with them. Practical professions related to animals (the list of professions is quite large) can also be divided into main groups.

Animal health

The most important thing in the life of people and in the life of animals is health. Based on this, important specialties are:

• Veterinarian.

Engaged in preventive and curative work. He also performs surgical operations, including emergency ones. The veterinarian takes tests, conducts examinations on the appropriate equipment, vaccinates and sterilizes his four-legged patients. He also deals with dental problems and delivers. Beyond direct medical activities, a veterinarian can take care of animals - cutting claws, brushing teeth.

• Zoopsychologist.

Responsible for mental and mental health their subordinates. Studying habits, behavior, emotions, reactions. He specializes in working with the fears of animals, evens out inappropriate behavior, relieves stress and even depression in representatives of the fauna.

Training and education of animals

Let's say we take care of our health. The question arises: what are the professions associated with animals, aimed at education and training?

• Cynologist.

Works with dogs. He brings up service dogs that work in law enforcement agencies, at combat points and in the detention of dangerous criminals. Also, these dogs are trained to search for people and dangerous objects. They work with search engines and with the threat of terrorism. In addition to service dogs, the cynologist trains guide dogs, which are the "eyes" of blind people. The cynologist conducts compulsory training courses for dogs of all breeds, and also prepares animals for exhibitions and competitions.

• Trainer.

A specialty similar to cynologist, but with a wider scope and various types animals, both domestic and wild. The trainer works with animals in the circus, zoo, filming.

Animal care

Every animal needs care. This requires professions related to the care of animals.

• Groomers.

modern specialty. Includes several specializations that were previously separated. The responsibilities of the groomer include overseeing appearance pet. Their task is to bring the pet in order: haircut, washing, cutting nails, brushing teeth. You can also get advice on the care and maintenance of your tailed friend from a dog stylist.

• Aquarists.

The name speaks for itself. These are specialists in working with aquariums, their contents and directly the inhabitants of aquariums.

Unique profession - Animal Therapists

Professions related to animals include not only work directly with our smaller brothers, but also one slightly different direction - animal therapy (zootherapy). Animal therapists work with people who have serious physical and psychical deviations. They carry out prevention and treatment with the participation of animals.

Well-known methods are:

• Hippotherapy - treatment with the help of horses. The main focus of work is patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. And also such treatment is used to restore the consequences of traumatic brain injuries and to improve cerebral circulation.
• Canistherapy - treatment with the help of dogs. Most often, dogs help small patients with congenital pathologies nervous and motor systems.
• Felinoterapiya - treatment with the help of cats. Practiced with patients with psycho-emotional disorders, nervous diseases and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Dolphin therapy is a targeted treatment of acquired and congenital diseases nervous system in adults and children.

All kinds of professions are needed, all kinds of professions are important

Having singled out the main professions related to animals, it is necessary to dwell on some others. They are less popular, but no less important for our smaller brothers.

• Livestock specialists, farmers, grooms.

These are people who work on zoo farms and in the livestock industry. Their work is invisible ordinary person, but their contribution to the life of animals is undeniably tangible.

• Sales consultants for pet salons and veterinary pharmacies.

People with experience and an array of knowledge in their field. The comfort and even health of pets largely depends on their advice and consultations.

• Handlers.

Assistant cinematographers. These are narrow specialists. Their task is to prepare the animal for an exhibition or competition.

Of course, all professions related to animals, and each separately, are important, and it is quite difficult to do without one or another specialist.

The most important thing that characterizes all people working with and for animals is benevolence, compassion, self-confidence and the ability to respond quickly even in the most unusual situations.

Professions related to nature and animals require great responsibility.