You could do a course at college which may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to do this job.

Courses include:

• Level 1 or 2 Diploma in Animal Care
• T Level in Animal Care and Management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You may be able to apply for a place on an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

With experience, you could move on to do an Animal Training Instructor Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could get into this job by starting as a kennel worker then move on to training dogs and working with their owners.

You could gain experience of working with dogs and using positive training techniques through volunteering.

This might include:

• volunteering at kennels
• helping at a dog rescue centre
• working for an animal welfare organisation

Do IT has more information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some experience of working with dogs.

You'll need:

• knowledge of basic dog handling and positive training techniques
• understanding of the issues faced by disabled people

Depending on the people they support, some employers may also ask for more specific skills like:

• sign language when working with deaf people
• experience of teaching or instructing people
• knowledge of specific conditions like epilepsy, dementia, sight loss or autism

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work on your own
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of teaching and instructing
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• be over 18 years of age
• have a full driving licence

In this job, you'll:

• work with volunteers who foster puppies and young dogs
• assess dogs to go forward for training
• train dogs to the standards required
• match dogs to new owners
• train dogs and owners together
• provide aftercare and support for owners and their dogs
• keep accurate records

You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.