DOG WARDEN CAREER STAND AT CRUFTS 2013

The National Dog Warden Association have been busy running the Dog Warden career 'pod' that is a part of the innovative and inaugural Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Career Zone that has very kindly been sponsored by Purina the makers of PRO PLAN.

The Career Zone consists of an 80 seat lecture room with state of the art audio visual equipment, with 7 different speakers a day, talking aboout a wide and varied range of topics from Aggression, Behaviour, First Aid in the field, to training techniques, and Marketing your dog business. Our very own training officer gave two lectures, One on raising professional standards and another on the aggression from a Dog Warden's perspective. Outside the lecture room is an information point and six 'pods' where a plethora of experts were on hand to answer questions and queries from visitors.

As well as promoting the important role of Dog Warden's contribution to animal welfare and public safety, NDWA Training Officer Iris Thompson has spent the whole of Crufts explaining to Dog Warden's and others who work with dogs the benefits of signing up to the KCAI Scheme.

As well as covering and offering accreditation in dog related working skills, knowledge and relevant canine qualifications, there is actually a module specifically written for those working as Dog Warden's. The first and only nationally recognised City & Guilds backed qualification, which was written in conjunction with the NDWA and the Kennel Club.

Many of the thousands of visitors to the Career Zone made the most of the exciting and informative lectures on offer throughout each day and received advice on a variety of industries, from careers in everything from companion dog training, competition, rescue and re-homing advice to Dog Warden careers.  As well as offering insights into canine related disciplines, the KCAI Lounge has also provided a fantastic opportunity to talk to canine professionals about the KCAI scheme &ndash the national mark of quality for dog training and canine advice in the UK.

There were also mentoring opportunities available for those already signed up for the KCAI scheme.

NDWA wholeheartedly welcomes the focus on career opportunities and development that the Career Zone offers as NDWA has had the opportunity to give focused advice and information to those who want to join the profession, rather than the previous NDWA stands that focused on the 'horrific' to 'fluffy' tales that have featured previously.