Insight: My work as a dog behaviourist (BSL)

I grew up in a mad busy household with four siblings and a whole circus of animals! My mum was always adopting stray cats in off the street and she would also take in any dogs or pups that people had abandoned at our local rescue centre until they found them a permanent home.

We had rabbits, cats and a parrot as well as my beloved dog, a border collie who was smart and loyal and always by my side. If he could have gone to school with me, he would have!

I grew up in an oral non signing family and environment so it was always nice to switch off from communicating and just be with my dog. I understood him and he understood me without even speaking.

I love all kinds of animals but dogs really fascinate me especially as they are seen to be man’s best friend. Their loyalty is unbelievable despite what some humans may do to their dogs. Dogs just want to be loved.

I was heartbroken when my dog died at the ripe old age of 14 as we had practically grown up together but I knew he had had a good life.

After I finished school I decided to take a course in animal care and I also got a part time job at a local farm where I learned about a wider range of animals and how to care for them.

There was one farmer who was getting rid of his sheep dog (border collie) as he was too reactive and not herding the sheep correctly so I offered to take it off his hands. This dog reminded me so much of my old dog in appearance.

Having a reactive dog meant I was about to learn first hand just how stressful it was – not just for owner but also for the dog in certain situations.

It was hard but I did not give up. I spent months learning what this nervous border collie needed and I gave him all sorts of jobs to calm his anxious mind. I noticed what worked and what didn’t. I managed to work out his triggers too. This was hugely satisfying and rewarding to see.

I soon realised that I wanted to work in this area and I found another course which would train me to become a canine behaviourist. There was a lot of study involved and lip reading my teachers was exhausting but my passion for the subject really drove me forwards.

I’m now settled in a permanent role within an organisation as a dog behaviourist and I love what every day brings.

I always say if a dog is “misbehaving” there’s usually a need that isn’t being met or they’re struggling with something in their environment.

I’m the only person in my team who is deaf but I don’t feel any different because we are all passionate about the same thing.

Clients don’t treat me any differently either, they know I’ll do the best for the dog and I’ve always had a very positive track record of supporting families and their canine best friends.

Being deaf definitely helps me to tune into things that can’t be heard. I notice visual cues and all the subtle information a dog may give quicker than other people would notice. Being deaf has definitely enhanced my observational skills!

If you’re deaf and passionate about working with dogs or any type of animal, go for it and don’t let your deafness hold you back.

Let people know what you need. I usually need clients and colleagues to slow down a little when talking and occasionally I’ll get out a pen and paper if I want to check a word or a term.

Most of all – believe in your abilities and go in the direction of what you enjoy in life.

This blog has been written anonymously as part of the Insight series – where readers are invited to share their story or news about their interesting job with The Limping Chicken. If you have a story to share please email rebecca@rawithey.com 

Image courtesy of i-stock photos.