How to earn money and job satisfaction from working with dogs
DOGS take centre stage this week at the world-famous pedigree pet show Crufts in Birmingham.
One in four of us own a dog and jobs relating to our pooches are worth more than £4billion to the economy.
As well as roles as kennel staff, breeders, trainers, re-homers and vet staff, there has been a huge boom in less traditional posts.
These include groomers, dog accessory designers and “doggy day-care” staff.
While many of the jobs are for modest pay and can involve long hours, job satisfaction is high, meaning the job market is very competitive.
Often, staff go on to set up their own businesses and some have developed successful franchises.
Bill Lambert of the Kennel Club said: “Just as with owning a dog, there are many benefits to working alongside our canine companions.
“Research shows dogs can help to lower stress, as well as keeping us active and sociable.
“There are plenty of different ways for dog lovers to pursue a career alongside their four-legged friends.
“Young people considering a career with dogs might want to join the Young Kennel Club, which encourages involvement in all aspects of canine activities while developing lifelong friendships.”
- Lean more about working with dogs at and .
So fur... so good
TRAINER Louise Ince runs and will compete with her pet Troy at the World Dog Dancing Championships in France later this year.
Louise, 48, from Hextable in Kent, said: “I began as a receptionist at a local vet. I took my dogs to training classes and began helping out. Next, I tried agility with my dogs before discovering Heelwork To Music, known as ‘dancing dogs’.
“People watched me training in the park and asked how they could get their dogs to do the same, so I set up classes and the business was born.
“Heelwork To Music is popular because of the relationship that shines through when a handler and dog perform together. People like teaching their dogs tricks.
“I’ve taught all over the UK and seeing people getting a connection with their dog gives me a buzz. I am a Kennel Club-accredited instructor at Advanced level and I am also an Association of Pet Dog Trainers Member, so there are plenty of qualifications you can work towards.
“If you love dogs and people and can help them to connect, you should consider a job working with dogs.”
A head start
MORE than a quarter of working women have no senior female role model at their employer, a report from Hilton has found.
But aptly, hair colourist Four London has four female bosses who set up the company nine years ago.
They boast Claudia Winkleman and Nigella Lawson among their clients.
Co-owner Maleeka Robb said: “We struggled to be taken seriously at first.
“Four young women running a business was seen as a recipe for disaster. But we have proved them wrong.
“We are four strong women. But first and foremost, we are friends.”
Four London is recruiting apprentice hairdressers. To apply, email [email protected].
jobspot
VOLVO has 130 apprenticeship vacancies nationwide for retail network trainees. Roles include service technician and positions in customer service. Find out more and apply at .
Ladies first at work
SUNDAY is International Women’s Day. And those with a close-knit support network of other women are more likely to have career success, a Harvard Business Review study found.
Here, leadership coach Dr Diana Theodores of shares her tips for supporting other women.
- Help women own their achievements. Women have a habit of crediting “we” for their achievements rather than “I”. If you notice colleagues doing this, help them to take the correct course. Own your achievements!
- Initiate coffee or lunch. Share a personal story to show who you are outside work and invite new female colleagues to do the same. Creating trust helps to forge a network.
- Encourage emotions. Women are discouraged from showing emotion when giving talks. By encouraging it, others are likely to drop the corporate mask.
- Act as mentors to more junior women colleagues. Encourage them to imagine what they can create and value their capabilities.
- Create a “mini board” with female colleagues. Start a small but diverse group across your industry to act as an advisory resource where you can share your challenges. Get a range of perspectives and experiences to help you take action.
jobspot
CARE specialist Anchor Hanover is recruiting for 37 apprentices with roles in care, catering, housekeeping, HR, customer service and business administration. Apply at .
Plan be at fair
THERE’S fresh hope today for airline staff hit by FlyBe’s collapse.
Manchester Airport is hosting a jobs fair with more than 1,000 positions on offer from 25 employers.
Roles range from airport staff to cabin crew, security officers, baggage handlers, customer service and engineering.
Brad Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “The number and variety of positions advertised at the event clearly demonstrates that the airport’s growth is providing a catalyst for job creation.
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“We are determined that our neighbouring communities will see the full benefit.”
The event takes place at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket stadium on Thursday, March 12, from 10am to 3pm.
Visit to book your one-hour time slot.
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