JOBS WITH DOGS…by design or accident

By Gillian Ridgeway

For me, working with and for dogs has been a life long passion. My earliest memory is of watching Border Collies herd sheep at a demonstration in my hometown of Birmingham, England. I remember being a four-year-old girl, peeking out from behind a rock, watching those dogs in amazement - I have been hooked ever since. It is ironic that I did not grow up with dogs, as many children do. I had loving parents who simply did not have time for a dog in their busy livestyle. We immigrated to Canada when I was eight-years-old and it was a time of new beginnings and not time to add another family member. In spite of this, I was obsessed with dogs of all kinds. I read every dog storybook and graduated later to books on dog breeds and training. Finally, at the age of 13, our family acquired Ben (a magnificent pup of unknown heritage) and my dog-training career was born.

At 16, I began to apprentice with a dog-training kennel. The kennel trained dogs to look after factories in the evenings. They did a bit of family dog training but in those early years, it was a rarity to have your pet formally trained. It was my job to look after the family pet aspect of the business and I was soon strolling down the main street proudly wearing the T-shirt of the kennel and teaching the basics of heel and sit. It was a sad day when I learned my family was planning a move and I would surely loose my beloved job. But the lessons I learnt then from my mentors, the kindness I was shown by the head trainers and the confidence I gained by seeing the dogs in my care grow and learn will all be remembered forever.

My journey to work with animals had only just begun. From that moment on, I have enjoyed many jobs with dogs. Going to college and getting a diploma in Animal Health Technology allowed me to work as a veterinary technician in animal clinics for many years. The medical knowledge I learned, both from College and from my clinic experience, has been invaluable for me my career path. Veterinary Technicians are not just an assistant for the veterinarian, but are instrumental in the running of a successful veterinary practice. Technicians do basic examinations, blood work, x-rays, urinalysis and prep animals for surgery and good Techs are in high demand.

The step in my journey of jobs with dogs was to open my own pet boutique. While they are more frequently seen these days, in 1989 it was much more uncommon to see a “pet shop” that was carpeted, painted pink and had hanging ferns in the window. Carrying my knowledge of dog training and animal health, my boutique became a popular spot on the Danforth. Paws For Thought was known as the place to go to get your pet information, along with bags of kibble and a fancy collar and leash. To add to my list of dog related jobs, I also began to write articles for the local paper, dog related of course.

During my time at Paws For Thought, I saw a niche in the area for dog training. The decision in those days was not “where” you should do your dog training but “if” you should train. By using my dog training skills learned on my first job, and adjusting them to fit with the times…and adding continuing education seminars and a lot of reading, dog training classes were added to the back parking lot of the shop. As the popularity of the classes skyrocketed, they took on a life of their own - Who’s Walking Who was born.

Running a dog training school has many perks and few disadvantages. As dog trainers, you get to see the success stories of both the dogs and the people they live with. There is no special schooling needed to be a dog trainer but there is simply no substitute for experience. Great dog trainers come from a variety of backgrounds and experience. There are some certified trainers, but remember to consider who is doing the certification. At this time, there are no regulations for dog trainers, although most qualified trainers have an affiliation with the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers.

I am forever grateful my path in life has taken me with four-footed companions beside me. Now, as a specialty writer for many dog related publications, I am able to share the information that I have collected over the many years shared with dogs. Jobs with dogs can take on many forms. Dog Walking has taken off in popularity across the GTA, and many dog lovers sitting behind a desk on a daily basis dream of getting out into the fresh air with a group of dogs. I spoke to Kate Gartley of DOG-MA dogwalking and Sitting Service, serving the East End of Toronto. She thought the same thing and when presented with an opportunity by a neighbor, who was getting out of the business, Kate quickly jumped at it. After seven years, she runs a successful company. It is her opinion that you need to be comfortable and confident…and good under stress. Her day is scheduled hourly. She must have her weekly plan set out, and put the dogs into organized groups and listed into the appropriate time slots. Most dog walkers do a few groups per day, and picking up and dropping off is all part of the routine. Checking messages for any last minute additions or cancellations must also get done before leaving.

The weather can be a concern, but as long a you are dressed for it, the dogs don’t seem to mind. As Kate puts it “you aren’t clean for very long and antibacterial wipes can be your best friend”. Those who are considering dog walking as a living should take note: Get educated with a Pet First Aid certificate so you can handle the occasional scrape and know when to get to a veterinarian if required. Also, take a few dog-training classes. Not that dog walkers need to train the dogs in their care, but having knowledge about dog behavior and teaching the regulars a few select words such as “come, stay, drop and off” will be very useful. It can be a lonely job and while you tend to see the other walkers during your time in the parks, you need to keep focused on the dogs not on coffee and conversation.

Dog walking can turn into dog boarding and you might even find some dog walkers who will take their clients for overnight stays. Glen Kowarsky of Dogs at Camp took this concept one step further. Glen’s concept for his camp came out of his love for Abby, his beloved Labrador Doberman cross. When the time came for Glen to go on holidays, he didn’t want to leave her in a traditional style facility with individual runs. He thought that if he was going on vacation, why couldn’t there be a place that Abby would be on vacation too. After giving it some thought, he saw that kids loved to spend time at summer camp, and perhaps something along the same lines would delight not only the dogs, but the dog owners as well. In order to get his business plan underway, Glen gathered information from kennels, dog walkers, dog daycare workers and dog trainers. He bought 100 acres of land in Scugog Township, near Uxbridge and started the renovation process. With a renovated farmhouse for himself, a separate office for the staff, and a climate controlled little red barn for the dogs, the property is spectacular. Around the barn is 1.5 fenced acres of running room for groups of dogs, numbering on average between 25 and 30 dogs. The dogs are accompanied in the field at all times by staff members who toss balls, play games and generally make a fuss over their canine charges. Dog are often taken on daily excursions along hiking trails on the property, often ending up at the pond for a quick dip. The staff is fully versed in Canine First Aid. The downside of the job, if there is one, is the fact that it has to have someone on the property 24/7 but that is not much of a downside when you consider all the perks. Being able to run a business on your property and watching the dogs at play out in the fresh air…that is enough for Glen. Coming from a corporate background, he would not change this aspect of his life. Glen is now opening up opportunities for Dogs at Camp franchises so others can share this experience.

Another job with dogs is to become a Dog Groomer. Sheilagh Seargent is the Manager of Bubble Bath Pet Grooming in Ajax. Years ago, Sheilah was working the day shift as a forklift driver but her passion was dogs. She got her first purebred Cairn Terrier and quickly found out that she would need to learn the grooming side of things once she started to show him. By starting with her own dog, she soon found out how much she loved grooming and when her day job became defunct, it was a natural progression for her to pursue her love. She took a dog grooming course and then got hired on as an apprentice, learning the trade from the all angles. She soon excelled at grooming and is now the manager. She strongly feels that after your grooming course, it is best to work first for someone who can mentor you rather than go off on your own. Sheilagh suggests that for anyone thinking of grooming as a career you must continue your research, use books and take courses and stay up to date. Most groomer will find his or her own style and specialty over time. Some groomers might specialize in difficult dogs or certain breeds. Groomers can be in high demand if they do hand stripping or specialize in certain breeds.

Those best suited to work as a groomer are independent and self-motivated worker. The cons of this job are associated with the physical. Apart from a few bites and scratches, there can be some long hours and it can be hard on the back. It can also be a bit tricky when interpreting what the client wants. Of course, all the women reading this can understand fully, as we have all taken in a picture of a hair style to our own stylist and been told no matter how great the hair is, we wont look like Jennifer Lopez . On the flip side, the best part of the job, according to Sheilagh, is the finished product. Seeing a dog transform from scruffy to spectacular is a very rewarding way to spend the day. It is a real sense of accomplishment.

Audrey Portiss, Canine Officer, Canada Border Services Agency is another dog lover who turned her love of dogs into a job. Audrey worked part time as a dog trainer at Scholars In Collars in Burlington. She loved training her dogs so much she soon joined the SuperDog Performance Team and traveled with the show on her spare time. Audrey now works with her detector dog, Molly, at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto. Molly is a Beagle, and is chosen for her keen nose. She is trained by her handlers to identify each product (chicken, pork, beef etc) individually over a 10-week period.

The Canada Border Services Detector Dog Program provides our country with front line protection for our agricultural and forestry industries. Dogs like Molly are taught to sniff out foreign food and agricultural products. Prime targets are the dairy, meat, rootcrops soil and plant materials. The dogs sniffing out drugs and firearms are better known, but Molly’s work is of vital importance to our country. Audrey and Molly generally work three to five flights in an eight-hour day. Molly meticulously sniffs the carry on bags and luggage as it is lifted off the carousels. She has made some amazing finds including whole raw chickens coming in from China, where avian flu is a dangerous risk. She can also find agricultural contraband even when stored in airtight packaging and of course, this means fines for the guilty passenger. Canine Officers are chosen from a pool of Customs Officers, who have a minimum of three years service. They then spend 10 weeks in Quebec working with their new canine partners. Shift work can be difficult for the handlers, but the dogs accept it and seem to anticipate their next shift with excitement.

A typical day for Molly begins and ends at her kennel. She doesn’t live with Audrey, as the target items are not found in every household. Not to worry, she still has time off with playtime outside and many treats. Audrey does find that Molly is still happiest at work, which makes her an aspiring and motivating partner! Canine Officers take great pride in the fact that they are working to protect our country against the introduction of foreign pests and diseases.

While many of us try to plan our lives and careers, there is one man that can truly say he got his job by accident. Herb Williams, producer and creator of The International SuperDogs Performance Team. Herb is well known to many in the entertainment industry and to see him in front of an audience you would think he was born into it, but as he will say himself…it was all an accident. It was 1966 and Herb had a chance meeting with a Chow breeder, Fred Peddie. It was discovered that there were some pups that needed a home and as Herb had a family and 3 kids he took the leap and brought one home. That was the start of it all. Herb went on to discover that he loved grooming these dogs. Herb accompanied Fred to all the dog shows and was hooked before long. One fateful night, Fred became ill and asked Herb to take “Buda” into the ring. His advice…don’t mess too much with the dog, just walk him around the ring. On that day, Herb won his first Best In Show! He didn’t touch the ears or fuss with the coat, he walked into the ring like the dog was perfect, and it paid off.

By 1975, Herb was showing Budas son, Shang, and had 100 Best in Shows and 50 Group wins under his belt. And this was still just his hobby. Dave Nichols, of Loblaws fame, was watching The Westminster Dog Show on TV and caught a glimpse of Shang, and wanted him to join the Loblaws Hall of Fame Tour. This tour consisted of taking top show dogs around the country and of course, Herb and Shang were delighted to be asked. It was a year later, while on the tour at the PNE, the program director spoke to Herb and asked what do the dogs do. Herb replied that they look beautiful and walk around the ring. The director stated that he also wanted dogs that could run fast and jump high…he wanted super dogs. Herb’s quick reply that he would bring six show dogs and two teams of super dogs was the beginning of his passion. Starting with inviting two flyball teams to join them on tour, the show progressed from there.

The SuperDogs Team now delights and thrills audiences internationally year round. There are dogs on the team from all over the country, bringing many talents with them. In Toronto, you can catch them this summer doing three or four shows daily at the CNE. It is unique in the world of dogs. The collection of dogs on the team is as diverse as the audiences they play to. Many are from rescue situations, and that is something Herb is always proud of. This is simply a team of fast dogs, it is a team of dogs that perform comedy and athletics with great music and energetic handlers all under the direction of Herb. It is his patience, persistence and love of what he does that make it so special. The cons according to Herb? None! The pros are many. At 78 years young, Herb will still state that it is a great joy to work with his younger team, and young crew. Winning in the show is underplayed, but winning the audience and seeing them clap, cheer is definitely the wind under Herbs wings.

I think we can all agree having a job with dogs is a privilege and a joy. If it is your passion, do your research and start your journey. You won’t be disappointed.

Gillian Ridgeway, AHT, has worked with dogs for over 35 years. She is director of Who’s Walking Who in Toronto and Ajax. A consultant for Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!, Gillian also writes for Dogs in Canada. She has appeared on Dogs in Canada TV, Global television, Q107 radio and in Toronto Life, and is co-author of the book, “Citizen Canine.” She travels with the Iams SuperDogs Performance team and teaches learning theory at University of Toronto. Gillian can be contacted at 416-465-3626; www.whoswalkingwho.net