My Qualifications and Experience
Relating to dog walking and animal care
2009 - 2011
Dog Socialiser - Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
I was trained by Battersea Dogs and Cats home as a volunteer dog socialiser and spent some time working with the behaviour unit. I also took several breed specific courses with the charity and helped in the section that then dealt with larger dogs and working breeds. I was also part of the first intake of volunteers to help in Tealby section. Here we cared for often very stressed dogs during their first two weeks at the home. (Please see Testimonials Page for reference from Battersea.)
2006Â - 2011
Dog Socialiser and Home Visitor - Mayhew Animal Rescue
I helped out as a volunteer at The Mayhew Animal Rescue in a number of ways. I began by fostering a rescue dog in 2006, before going on to adopt. As time went on, I became involved in dog socialisation / walking, and home visits for those adopting both cats and dogs. I was also involved in fundraising as a member of the charity's choir.
2010 - Present
Self-Employed Dog Walker
After being involved in animal rescue, I started to plan a pet care business in 2009 with the support of a government small business scheme. I have been dog walking professionally since 2010. During some of that time I also offered cat sitting, and other pet home visits. I have also trained others in dog walking.
2007Â - 2008
Behaviourism
I studied animal behaviourism as part of a second year degree-level course on human psychology with the Open University. I am not a qualified behaviourist but the course put me in good stead for training dogs. I currently offer free advice on dog behaviour to my dog walking clients.