KEY POINTS:
Name: Simon Goodall (27)
Role: Dog behaviourist and trainer.
Working hours: Approx 50 hours a week, involves some evening courses.
Employer: Self-employed dog guru.
Pay: $15-$50K depending on hours worked and experience.
Qualifications needed: Bachelor of Science preferable. Unitec offers a Certificate in Animal Management.
Career prospects: Running your own business, writing pet columns for magazines and on the internet, seminars and lecturing.
Describe your job.
I do dog training for general behaviour, advanced and tricks classes. I also specialise in dogs with major behavioural problems such as aggression, nuisance barking and separation anxiety. I train dogs using food rewards. The dogs have great fun doing it, plus it holds their interest. I work in Auckland, Hamilton and Waiheke Island.
What is your background?
I have always been interested in canine behaviour. I studied at Massey University, where I completed a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Psychology. In 2002 I came to Auckland and started up Dog Guru. I have since been admitted into the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants and that gives me access to worldwide research.
Why is the job important?
In this day and age it is important to have a well-behaved dog. People need to know how to train their dogs properly and how to deal with any problems they may have. A lot of the problems can be solved if they are dealt with early enough. That's where I come in and give people the right guidance.
Is your own dog well trained?
We have a three-year-old golden retriever called Oska. He is very well behaved. He's a typical pet, he's not used for obedience trials or anything. We just like having him around.
How long does it take to train a dog?
At the completion of my six-week course the dogs are doing everything we want them to. Then there are my advanced and trick classes. I also offer private training.
Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks?
It is never too old to teach a dog new tricks. The ideal age for beginner lessons is about six months, but, no matter the age, a dog can be taught anything.
What's the best part of the job?
Having people ring me up a few months down the track to let me know things are working out really well. Some dogs do have a lot of major problems and when you get that email or phone call from some people, it makes it worthwhile.
Dogs have had a lot of bad press...
It's like everything, the way the world is structured at the moment. It is hard to own a dog these days as everyone sees some dogs as aggressive even though they're not. If you have a well-trained dog, you don't have to worry about those complaints.
Is it the owner's or the dog's fault when dogs behave badly?
It's definitely the owner's fault. It's often about telling the trainer what to do, rather than the dogs. Once the dog has figured it out, they're right. Every now and then you see dogs that have veterinary problems, for example neurological, and that is no fault of the owner's, but most of the time it is behavioural.
Any interesting tales?
I do meet lots of interesting dogs, like dogs that bark non-stop to dogs that don't like people or don't like other dogs. I have never met an impossible dog to train. But if they are left for too long, there are some problems, such as aggression, that can be difficult to change. And there are always going to be a few dogs that are just bizarre.
What are your strengths?
I get on with people well, and I am effective at communicating which helps with the classes and the private training. Being patient is essential - and I love dogs with a passion.
Have you been bitten or injured?
I've only been bitten once by my dog and that was when he got attacked by a bull mastiff in the park. I went to pull him off and he bit me out of fright. No great wound or anything like that. I have been nipped by little puppies but I believe it should be part of my goal, with my skills and responsibility, to see when a dog is about to bite me. There are plenty of times that I could have been bitten but I either step away or put the dog on a lead. But I'm sure my time will come.
Where would you like to be in five years?
I would like to be running Dog Guru nationwide with staff managing them, but retaining the personal feel that I feel is important.
What's your advice for someone wanting to start in dog training?
Just stick at it and don't expect to become too well known. It has taken four years to get where we are today and it has been a long, hard slog.
