Canine — a profession as a vocation
About cynology as a science that studies the physiology, anatomy of dogs and the method of their maintenance and training, know only specialists-veterinarians. But many have heard about dog handlers .
They know best of all the behavior and upbringing of four-legged friends. The need for the knowledge of professionals is required in the clubs of dog breeders, veterinary clinics, security departments of public service.
Who are dog handlers?
The historical roots of the profession go back to the depth of centuries BC, when the ancestors tamed four-legged animals to assist in hunting and pasture. The authors of the times of ancient Greece have already talked about the education of dogs . The psars of the Roman Empire were valued, they lived in honor and respect.
Over time, in-depth study and description of the main types of dogs, attempts to create new breeds with the desired genotype contributed to the emergence of cynology as a science in the 19th century.
Purposeful scientific research was the breeding, mastering the methods of training, raising the necessary qualities in dogs . The greatest contribution to the development of the foundations of cynology was made by specialists from the countries of England and Germany.
The dog profession can not be confused with the usual dog breeding as a hobby in his spare time. An amateur can maintain, care for, work with a shaggy friend on weekends, take care of his health.
The love of dogs is inherent in many. This call of the soul can turn into a profession if a person is ready to change the way of life for the sake of a vocation to study the characteristics of dogs and educate them to solve various problems in a person’s life.
Each specialist dog handler has his own specialization, a narrow line of activity in the field of hunting, decorative breeding, work in law enforcement agencies. Special attention is paid to fighting dog breeds in the law enforcement and rescue services. Any activity involves knowledge of the basics of veterinary care and the ability to provide it if necessary.
Mastering the canine profession requires that the applicant has many qualities:
- manifestations of love for animals;
- the desire to understand the behavior of a dog through knowledge of psychology;
- possessing a strong character;
- endurance;
- excellent physical fitness;
- mental balance;
- patience;
- goodwill.
An important factor is the ability to focus, be resourceful and have a clear and precise speech. The manifestation of the professionalism of the cynologist does not allow aggressive treatment of animals , which is recognized as incompetence by a specialist.
Only diligence, patience and knowledge contribute to success. Studying the anatomy of dogs, zootechnics, developmental psychology, breed characteristics, training methods are included in the training of real specialists.
The cynologist who has received a special education does what the entrants ask for admission to courses, zootechnical faculties of universities.
Graduates are waited in the departments of the Internal Affairs Directorate, at the customs and border guards, shows and dog breeders’ competitions, in nurseries for breeding official breeds, shelters and special hotels for dogs.
Dog handlers work with purebred representatives for several activities: development of conditions of keeping, feeding, breeding, raising dogs and organizing their services.
In each area requires deep knowledge of anatomical features, animal psychology , physiology. The result is predictable where dog handlers predict the behavior of dogs and direct their actions. This shows the professionalism of specialists.
One of the most important tasks of the cynologist is to maintain, develop, improve the qualities of each breed. The educational mission of specialists is to provide assistance, advice on how to get rid of dog’s disobedience, undesirable features of character.
The relevance of the canine profession has increased with the increase in dog shelters and hotels for pets. Theoretical and practical approaches fill the multilateral sphere of the commonwealth of humans and dogs , which even have their own holiday on June 21 — the day of cynologist.
Description and features of the profession dog handler
Specializations dog handlers narrowly focused, some have an extreme basis, but they all provide for the needs of man, are aimed at serving the people. The most famous and sought after are the following specialists:
Trainers. One of the most famous areas of work of experienced canine zoopsychologists. Professional support for dog owners in training, inculcating necessary skills. In the process of work, the animal is not attached to the teacher, remains loyal to the owner.
An analysis of the individual qualities of the individual is carried out, an individual basis for training is being developed. They are held both with the participation of the owner of the dog, and without it. There is a harmonization of relations between the animal and the owner, the correction of problems in the behavior of the pet.
- Instructors. Consultations are held in dog breeding clubs, and they assist in raising dogs of various breeds. Specialists are in demand in nurseries to teach primary obedience skills, the implementation of basic commands. They instruct young dog owners on the maintenance and training of pets and care for them.
- Expert dog handlers. The narrow direction of professional activity associated with the study of several breeds or only one. Connoisseurs are attracted to appraisal work at exhibitions, breeding activities.
- Canine nutritionists. Make up a balanced diet in accordance with the breed, age, conditions of the dog. This is an important component of the life of not only service dogs with high physical activity, but also of indoor breeds that are prone to obesity, for example, pugs .
- Canine MIA. Responsible for the working quality of service dogs engaged in search activities, guard, rescue, etc. Work dog handlers in power structures is associated with a special responsibility and risk. Security and convoy units can not do without dogs. Police canine bear patrol service.
- Handlers. Perform animal management tasks in training or dog show . The dog expert should show the expert the best qualities of the breed, hide the flaws. Carries out preliminary preparation of a pet for the show.
- Groomer Caring for the appearance of the dog . Monitors the state of wool.
A separate field of activity canine — in breeding dogs. A professional must deeply understand the issues of genetics, veterinary medicine, the exterior of the breed, so as not to cause harm. Many devote their lives to improving the breed of dogs. Therapeutic canine medicine is a young developing trend, which is sometimes called dog therapy. Shaggy pets help children with neurological diseases.
Communication takes place under the supervision and participation of dog handlers. Reviews of young patients and their parents testify to the benefits of ros therapy in improving motor coordination, memory development and emotionality.
In general, dogs are trained for the following areas:
- sports;
- search and rescue;
- patrol patrol;
- watchdog
- investigative;
- communication services;
- convoy service;
- shepherd’s service;
- social services (guides, rescuers, firemen, therapists).
An experienced dog handler defines the abilities and type of activity of the dog . Buy an animal with a set of characteristics does not mean that you will no longer have to deal with a four-legged friend. The communication process will tell you which service is right for your pet.
How to become a dog handler?
Training of dog handlers is conducted at courses for narrow specialists: experts, instructors. A few months is the comprehension of theory and practical skills. At the final exam, the commission determines the degree of skill and level of training. Higher education takes place at law faculties of border universities, zootechnical departments of institutes.
Many dog trainer courses are of an applied nature in training dog grooming , breeding, and resolving individual problems in zoopsychology. A full dog education is possible in an organization with many years of training experience and a staff of professionals.
Salary dog handlers — the average for the country. There are few open vacancies in specialized services. The chosen profession, as a rule, does not change. This is a vocation to which many canine devote their lives . The cost of such a ministry is measured by the devotion and love of pets and grateful people whose interests are protected by four-legged pupils.
