Professions that we feel might benefit from CIDBT courses

Introduction

In 2004 it was estimated that 5.2 million United Kingdom households, i.e. 1 in 5, owned at least one dog with the total dog population estimated as 6.8 million. Increased legislation and a recognition of the responsibilities of ownership is raising the awareness of the need for training of dogs and their owners.

The United Kingdom leads the world in canine-based knowledge and activities but there is no formal qualification that an individual can take to denote his or her skill and competence level in dog behaviour and training and which has a mandatory hands-on part as the fundamental core of the qualification.

The skills and experience of the individuals involved in dog training varies from a very basic low level through a middle level of a general understanding to the higher level of significant experience often supported by personal study and research. Whilst the individual may have formal qualifications these are not directly related to the domain of canine behaviour and training. The professionals involved in the canine behaviour and training world do not have recognition through formal qualifications and there is no framework and structure for the less experienced to develop their knowledge and achieve the corresponding recognition.

The objective of CFBA & CIDBT course development is a framework of work-based learning qualifications that will give an individual recognition and formal accreditation of their skills and experience in canine behaviour and training. This will be achieved by the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association working in partnership with the National Centre of Work Based Learning Partnerships to develop a set of modules that will give a framework and a structure to recognise an individual’s skill and experience. In the longer term it is the intention to develop proposals for a set of qualifications ranging from certificate through diploma to a work-based learning degree.

The Canine Work Disciplines which the courses are designed for

The disciplines may be split into four sectors

• Professionals where dogs are an integral element of their employment

• Professionals in animal-based industries who meet dogs as part of their employment

• Semi-professionals who participate in dog training clubs and societies

• The dog-owning individual who wishes to increase his or her knowledge of dog behaviour.

Sector 1

• Professional dog trainers / behaviour practitioners

• Behaviour practitioners / advisers / moderators

• Other organisations such as the Police, Customs & Excise, Armed Services, and the Security industry.

Sector 2

• Professionals in other animal-based industries, such as veterinary nurses

• Pet groomers, pet sitters,

• Charity industries such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, PDSA,

• Dog Rescue organisations and local authority dog wardens

Sector 3

• Participate in and run dog training clubs and societies

Sector4

• Some dog owning members of the public, hobbyists.

Read more information regarding a Career in Dog Behaviour & Training here