Hello everyone,

Just wondered if there was anybody here who works with security dogs or assistance dogs? I'm currently humming and ha-ing about what career path to take.. I thought vet nursing but I want to keep my options open. Any vet nurses would be welcome too! I hate this law degree and I have no desire to be a lawyer. I just want a job I can get some satisfaction out of, I'm prepared to work hard and I accept I might not make a lot of money. I have a great admiration for dog trainers. (Of course I'll need experience, that goes without saying). I also am trying to convince my mum to try puppy walking for guide dogs. She's in on her own most of the day and she loves dogs but never really had a chance to have one of her own. Anyway I'm just blabbering now... Anyone fancies talking to me about any of the above then feel free to reply here or PM me.

Thanks.

I am pretty sure thats what Tanya does. (gundogsrbest)
HTH
Lea :)

Have you tried contacting some of the assistance dog agencies, such as Support Dogs, Dogs for the Disabled and Canine Partners? (think CPs have recently changed their name)...

Sounds like a great idea, good luck :)

yep Lea, i am involved with security dogs. I have done a few shifts and can easily say it is not an easy job, added with the fact that it is boring, the only thing that makes it worthwhile are the dogs :D , but working shifts are not my usual job, i look after the dogs and the health and well being of all the dogs on the firm i think a lot of the blokes (there is only one female handler) think what i do is easy, they may do 12 hr shifts i dont think any of them would be able to do what i do, i started walking at 8 this morning and finished at 5 this evening and not all the dogs are here yet (i have 20 dogs to look after on a day to day basis but nearly 40 to think about in total). there are also a lot of checks and training and licencing due to changes in the law, look at my profile and you will see more also contact NASDU (national association of security dog users) and you may be able to get help from there, to start you off you need to be able to drive (not essential though as there are ways round it most firms are willing to accomodate non-drivers) either own a dog or be able to keep a dog at home, the dog needs to be licenced and have it licenced re-newed each year, the dog needs to be in tip top condition with a steady temperament and high drive, (security dogs are not 'teeth on leads' as they are often described but first and foremost a member of the family a work partner second, they are your partner not your weapon, the dogs are still subject to the DDA and if they bite are investigated and are at risk of being PTS) you need to have a police check done on you, and you need training and licencing of your own (SIA cant remember what it stands for though) and the work is unsocialable hours, if i havent put you off go for it :)
any questions PM me and ill answer as best i can and as quick as i can

tanya

yep agree with you tanya,i live with a security dog and he is great
there's a lot of hard work .but very rewarding.
s.i.a stands for security industry authority
go for it that what i say
if you do need for info please ask my hubby will answer