Diane's Journey to Success!
Choosing a Career with Dogs

Choosing a career with animals is a unique and relatively new concept. In the past, those more academically minded might have pursued a degree in Ethology, Zoology or veterinary services, and those turning a hobby into a income sustaining venture often did so with a limited pool of resources in unsubstantial markets. Therefore, unless you excelled in sciences or were unaffected by potential instability, you likely put your focus elsewhere.

Luckily, collective attitudes about animals, most specifically domestic animals, have earned increased attention in recent years. Modern methodologies, advances in equipment and an awakening of purpose offer professionals new possibilities and create a viable market of pet owners and further professionals piggy-backing efforts towards an onward and upward future of how we view and co-exist with animals. Equally speaking, and as part of this change, our responsibility to animals will ultimately require proper recognised accreditation where even the most experienced, yet uneducated may find it difficult to find employment.

So, the question we face today is how to enter this new market? Moreover, how will the value of our current skills, experience and knowledge be judged as our starting point? What if we are without a starting point? While an institute's statistics play an important role determining choice, the realm of subjectivity in regards to animal behaviour often out-weighs reputation and recommendations. It is easy to be both intimidated and sceptical. However, if you investigate the below core aspects of the institute's whole, you will likely find the choice that best suits your objectives.

  •  Philosophies: What are the institute's philosophies or positions in regards to popular theory, methodologies, equipment or any other topical approach to behaviour study or behaviour reformation? Are they open to discussion?

•  Tutors: Are the tutors full-time working professionals in their fields of expertise? Do their philosophies complement those of the institute? What is their history of success (results of their practice) and how is it qualified?

•  Affiliates: Do the philosophies of the affiliates complement those of the institute?

•  Programmes: What are the range of courses offered? How much information is available prior to enrolment and how is it presented? Can you observe a class, lecture or workshop, or speak directly to a director, tutor or another student?

•  Opportunities: What are the scholastic options? How do these options translate to the value and accountability of your professional work?

•  Flexibility: Is the direction of study flexible? How are skill sets, past education and experiences valued?

•  Problem-Solving: How does the institute approach problem-solving? How much is practical learning versus theory? How much is learned visually, hands-on, absorbed through books, discussed in groups or requested in written form?

Finally, determine what unique selling points the institute has that sets them apart from competing or like organisations.

Can you easily find the answers to the above questions and any further questions you may have?

It warrants repeating that those choosing a career with animals will need proof of their knowledge in addition to proof of their capabilities. The good news is that this raises the bar within the field, which raises the bar within the industry. The better news is that there are no longer limited choices, in fact, if you can conceptualise a unprecedented niche, chances are you can find an appropriate institute of learning, and chances are you can create the appropriate market.

Choosing a career with dogs especially may not be as straight forward as pursuing a more traditional career, but for those passionate about animals and the future of animals, the process is a rewarding experience as I have found in my final year towards a Masters Degree with Middlsex University through the CIDBT.

By Diane Kunas MCFBA