Matching and Training Dogs for the Disabled
1. What is your occupation and for how long have you been doing it?
I am an instructor with Dogs for the Disabled in the north of England and Wales, although I have worked all over the country in the same role. I started in 1997.
2. What does your job involve from day to day?
Firstly my job is a people job, which involves dogs. I assess people who have applied for an assistance dog to see how a dog could enhance their independence. I provide support visits to established partnerships (adult and their dog) and teams (children with a parent or guardian and dog); each gets at least one support visit a year and I have 60 clients approximately in my area. I get dogs every four months, between two and four at a time, and train them to an advanced level. I then match the dogs to someone from the waiting list and train them together. I prepare them for their public access test or assessment, and support them with regular visits and advice from then until retirement.
3. When did you first become interested in working with dogs?
I have always loved animals, I originally wanted to be a vet but faint at the sight of blood, so I gave up on that idea quite early on! I remember being at primary school and starting a dog club and making badges saying “I love dogs” for all my recruits!
4. What qualifications/training do you need to work in your role?
I have an in-house qualification as a Dogs for the Disabled instructor. But any courses that include animal care and animal behavior would be more than useful. You also need the basics of a GCSE education in maths, English and biology, and a driving licence, as there is a lot of driving involved.
5. Are there any other skills that are essential for doing this job?
Good people skills, the ability to inspire confidence in others and the ability to chat to anyone and everyone.
6. What is the best way to gain experience in this area of work?
Work with people with disabilities – a good way to do this is to volunteer. Riding for the Disabled is often looking for helpers or you could contact a local volunteering organisation. Also, for experience with dogs, join a dog-training club or offer to help out.
Working out problems related to how to get the person and dog working together effectively is challenging but very interesting.
Labradors and golden retrievers mostly but also some other breeds and crosses, e.g. German shepherds, poodles, Italian spinones.
8. How demanding is your job? Does it involve early starts? Is it physically demanding? Is it mentally challenging?
My job sometimes has early starts and late finishes and some weekend working but is generally Monday to Friday, 9-5. I am often outside all day long and if the weather is bad, you need to be prepared. Mentally, it is very challenging, no two dogs or people are the same and problems can occur. You have to think on your feet a lot and sometimes it can be an emotional rollercoaster if one of the dogs or clients in my care gets ill or dies.
9. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the variety. I enjoy meeting all the new people and making a real difference to people’s lives. I love working outside and being with dogs. I can’t think of a better job in the world.
10. What are the most common problems/challenges you encounter?
Being stuck in the van driving between visits or stuck in traffic is the worst aspect of the role. But, actually, problem solving behaviour issues and working out problems related to how to get the person and dog working together effectively is challenging but very interesting.
11. What would you advise someone interested in working in your role?
Don’t apply if you are only interested in working with dogs as it is much more a role that involves working with people to a greater extent.
12. Do you also have any pet dogs?
I have two dogs, miniature English bull terriers. Betsy is a rescue dog and 13 years old. She is very naughty even at her age. Buster is nearly eight and I had him as a puppy. We love going for walks on the beach and in their younger days they did quite well showing at a local level. Buster would sell his soul for a treat so has learned all the tasks a trained Dog for the Disabled can do.
13. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Dogs for the Disabled is world leader in the work that it does and I am very proud to be part of the team which makes such a big difference to so many peoples lives.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
