How amazing would it be to work with dogs every day? If you’ve ever thought of changing your career or you’ve just finished school, I have a few tips for you. Being a dog lover isn't the only qualification though, so don't assume it will be an easy task to land a dog related job.
With people becoming more aware of the needs their dogs have, dog related jobs in this field have grown tenfold. This means that there’s ample opportunity to find a job that where you'll get to work with one of your most favorite animals, a dog.
From dog groomers to pet sitters to dog walkers to dog trainers to pet entrepreneurs to pet nutritionists to… there are many different types of job in this industry.
If you've already been through the proper training courses for the job you are interested in, you're well on your way already. However, if you're just beginning to look into a dog related career, you've got a long way to go (and I've gone through that path myself).
Let me explain the next steps you'll need to take to attain the doggy related job you've been looking for since the day you fell in love with canines.
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20 Tips On Applying For Dog Related Jobs
1. Are there breeds that you’re afraid of?
Not all dogs are created equal. Some breeds have a tendency to be more aggressive than others. If there’s a certain breed you’re weary of, mention this when applying for the job.
You don’t want to go into a job blind, especially if you’re afraid of Cocker Spaniels and the majority of the clientele are made of them.
Ask yourself why you’re afraid of this certain breed. Were you bitten when you were younger? Maybe take some time and visit with a dog of that breed and see that just because one was bad, doesn’t mean all them of are.
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2. Know your breeds
Getting to know the different breeds and their temperaments can be a huge advantage when applying for a job working with dogs. You’ll know what to expect and how to handle certain difficulties when they arise.
Different breeds have different needs, and knowing the basics will get you much farther.
3. Apply everywhere
Don’t just apply at one place, apply for every dog job you see that’s available. The chances that you’ll get hired becomes a lot stronger. Plus, this will ensure you’ll land a dog related job sooner rather than later.
If you don’t have the necessary skills required for a certain job, you can also ask if you can intern. By becoming an intern, you have the opportunity to work and learn everything from the bottom. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.
4. Ask questions
Ask plenty of questions about the job. Do your research before going in and find out everything you can. Know what will be required of you, and how hands on the job is.
By being prepared before an interview and knowing what the job entails, the employer sees that you’re very interested in the position. By asking the right questions you prepare yourself and also your prospective future boss.
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5. Disclose your limitations
…if you have any that is. Back problems in a physically demanding job will not work out. If poop, pee and puke make you queasy tell the interviewer. There’s no point in taking a job when you won’t be enjoying it.
Yes, there will be aspects that you won’t like, but everyone has their limitations. That’s why being upfront will be the best for both you and the employer.
6. Ask for an internship
If you don’t have the necessary skills for the job in question, you can always ask if they offer internships.
By becoming an intern you have the opportunity to work up and learn everything from the bottom. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.
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7. Be open to working your way up
To go along with number 6 on my list, if you do get offered a job and you start with a small salary, know that you can work your way up the chain of command.
When a prospective employer offers you a job where you get paid and you learn, don’t just turn it away. It’s a wonderful way to show that you are willing to put in the work and gain experience.
8. Be prepared for strong competition
When looking for work in the dog world, know that there will be fierce competition. Dog lovers are everywhere and most of them want to make a career out of that love.
It’s not an easy industry to get into, so do your research and be prepared in the interview. You’ll most likely have to beat ten other candidates, if not more.
9. Be prepared for long hours
Be aware that most jobs working with dogs tend to require long hours. That means time away from your family, bed, and even your own dogs. The work is very rewarding, so if the long hours don’t put you off, you definitely stand a chance!
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10. Be prepared for hard work
Dogs are hard work. At the end of the day they’re still an animal and are going to do what they want. It can be back breaking work to care for them, especially if you’re applying for a dog groomer position.
It’s by no means easy working with an animal who likes to do what they want. But, with time comes mutual respect and understanding. If you know the work is not going to be easy, you’re halfway there.
11. You can't just play with dogs
If you think you’ll be playing with dogs all day, think again! It is still a job, and the job needs to be done.
There will be moments when you will get the opportunity to play with pups, but those are few and far between. Remember to separate your work from play and you’ll do very well.
12. Emphasize your qualifications
If you have any dog related qualifications or any other type of achievement that will help get you the jobs, talk about it. Tell the interviewer how you got qualified and where. Don't forget to talk about your love for dogs too!
Go all out and impress them with your skills. This isn’t the time to be modest. These animals need great people to take care of them. It's up to explain why you are the best candidate for the job.
13. Previous experience
Talk about your previous experience. If you dog sat, walked dogs or organized a fundraiser for dogs, mention it. Tell the interviewer. Don’t leave anything out. As soon as you talk about anything you’re passion about, people notice.
14. Don’t underestimate yourself
If you are given a job opportunity, don’t think you can’t do it. Someone gave you a chance because they saw something they liked in you. Know that you can do anything if you apply yourself.
If the job is very new to you, do some research and read up about it. See where you can better yourself, go in prepared and ready for anything.
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15. It's likely that you will get bitten
Working with dogs and knowing they bite is half the battle won. If you are bitten, don’t take it personally. Something might be going on that you don’t know about.
It is very likely that you will get bitten once, twice or even a few more times when working with dogs. That’s the reality of it. He’s still an animal at the end of the day, and you need to respect that.
16. Tell them how clean you are
Yes, no jokes. Cleanliness is next to godliness, and in the dog working world diseases can spread very fast. Remember to mention that you are very hygienic.
17. Patience
This goes for both sides of this coin – patience when searching for a job in the dog industry and patience when working with our four legged friends. If you don’t get the first job you applied for, don’t give up hope.
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18. Commit 100%
When applying for a job, commit 100% to it. Don’t do things halfway. Do the work, do the research, and go in with confidence and the knowledge that you can take on anything they throw at you.
19. Stay positive
Even if you get turned away ten times, stay positive. The right job will come to you. Someone will hire you. Don’t give up hope. Ever. You got this in the bag!
20. Keep looking
When you’ve applied for a job, don’t sit and wait. Apply for every doggy job that you find. Send out your resume to everyone. Give it to people who work with dogs who aren’t even hiring.
Get yourself out there, and spread the word that you’re in the market to work with dogs. Don’t sit at home and wait for things to come your way. Go out and make them happen.
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