An animal trainer explains to KERRY ANN EUSTICE how she retrains both pets and owners when a dog or cat displays a behaviour problem.

QUALIFICATIONS

I completed distance learning courses with Compass Education and Training in canine studies, canine and feline behaviour and psychology and cynology - the study of dogs.

I have an advanced diploma of canine behaviour management and have trained at Gwen Bailey's puppy school to become a puppy tutor.

I am a member of the Institute of Animal Education and run classes for Crayford Manor House Adult Education Centre.

EARNING POTENTIAL

Around £30 per session. I may add on travel expenses.

PLACE OF WORK

London and Kent.

HOURS

Most of my work takes place at evenings and weekends. Initial sessions last from one-and-a-half to two hours.

WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL DAY LIKE?

First I go and assess a dog. I use a standard form of questions and leave the owner with some starting strategies. Resolving a problem can take a couple of months, or sometimes just two or three visits.

Occasionally owners want to eradicate natural behaviours such as barking. In these cases I have to re-educate the owner. Bad behaviour often occurs because it is reinforced. When a puppy jumps up it's cute and it is not told off so this will carry on when the dog gets older and bigger.

I make sure a dog can sit, stand and stay. I also teach it recall work. If a dog is aggressive I use a muzzle, don't make eye contact and move around very slowly.

I observe the dog's body language. If it was barking or their pupils were dilated I would not take off the muzzle. I always use reward-based training.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN ANIMAL TRAINER AND BEHAVIOURIST?

I became interested after the Eltham, Sidcup and District Branch of the Cats Protection League gave me a cat called Timmy. It had severe behavioural problems but through trial and error I cured it. I started to ask myself what made Timmy's behaviour bad in the first place.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO FROM HERE?

I'm working towards completing a nutrition adviser certificate and I would like to work in partnership with vets, especially on the nutrition side.