How to become a Guide Dog Trainer

How to become a Guide Dog Trainer If you’re looking for a career you can really ‘stay’ (and/or ‘sit’) in, guide dog training could be for you…Guide Dog Trainers teach dogs to help people with visual impairments get around safely.They’re responsible for looking after dogs during each step of their training â€" from puppyhood to adulthood. This involves implementing a range of training techniques and routines, which increase in difficulty as the dogs get older and more experienced.Whether they’re teaching dogs basic obedience skills, familiarising them with human interaction, or matching them with their owner â€" a Guide Dog Trainer’s role is concerned with every aspect of the dog’s training and performance.Key skills for a Guide Dog Trainer could include:Developing and implementing trainingHelping dogs adjust to training routinesAssessing dogs’ abilitiesWalking dogs regularlyPreparing dogs for future work with advanced trainingMatching trained dogs with ownersProviding aftercare for both dogs and owners once matchedIs it right for me?First things first, you’ll need to be a caring and compassionate animal lover â€" with an aptitude for giving instructions and rewards (instructions = ‘paw’, rewards = treats).Your role will become more challenging as the dog moves onto advanced training, so you’ll need to be a good combination of strict and encouraging to ensure dogs are performing at their best abilities.They might feel like chewing on a toy during lessons, but that won’t be much help to their disabled owner. Think calm yet firm, and you’ll be on the right track to becoming a great Guide Dog Trainer.Other key skills and attributes for a Guide Dog Trainer include:PatienceAn understanding of dogs’ behaviourConfidenceExcellent communication skillsInitiative and adaptabilityEmpathyPersuasivenessCareer Progression Junior Guide Dog TrainerUp to £15,000 Guide Dog TrainerUp to £20,000 Training ManagerUp to £25,000What's it really like? My uncle suffers from visual impairments and ever since he got his guide dog, he’s been far more capable of living his life. It was realising the difference they make first-hand that made me decide I wanted to support such a great cause by actually getting involved. So I took a few courses and did some volunteering, and now I’m a fully qualified Guide Dog Trainer. Apart from being incredibly rewarding, it’s also a lot of fun (even when the dogs do decide to test your patience). The biggest challenge for me is not getting too attached â€" especially when they look at you with puppy dog eyes… Get qualifiedSpecific entry requirements vary, but organisations will usually look for people who are over 18, have a clean driving license, and have at least 3 GCSEs (A-C). Any experience or qualifications of working with dogs and/or disabled people will also be greatly beneficial.