Both doctors and dog trainers need to develop great diagnostic and interpersonal skills as well as having an in-depth knowledge of their craft.
A patient with a health problem taught me a lot about training dogs. Not an obvious link at first sight…
Have you ever wondered why I’m called The Doggy Doctor?
I became a doctor
For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a doctor. I never thought about any other career. No-one in the family was medical and I have no idea where the idea came from but that’s all I ever wanted to do.
I made it and had nearly thirty years working in hospitals, then in general practice, and finally in public health. The late 1990s and early 2000s were a difficult time, with seven NHS reorganisations in eleven years. At each one I had to re-apply for my own job or find a new one. That took its toll and although I loved working as a doctor, I was happy to take early retirement.
I didn’t want to stop work, so I turned my dog training and behaviour hobby into a business here in Kircubbin, Co. Down. So that’s how Down Dog was born.
My two careers look very different at first glance, but they are surprisingly similar.
What shared skills do doctors and dog behaviourists have
Doctors need to develop great diagnostic skills. Diagnosis is all about learning to spot subtle signs that all is not well and working out what is wrong.
It’s the same with dogs.
Doctors also need in-depth, up-to-date knowledge about suitable treatments and the skills to apply the right treatment to each case.
It’s the same with dogs.
Finally, doctors need to be expert at working with the patient and their family to make sure they can follow what you’ve agreed with them needs to be done.
It’s the same with dogs.
That’s why I became The Doggy Doctor.
The full story is in my latest book, Doggy Doctor Surgery Secrets.
I’d love you to join me at the FREE online launch event at 7pm this Thursday, 28th January, where I’ll be telling you some heart rending, hair raising and downright odd stories about the patients I’ve met, as well as some shaggy dog tales.
And I’ll tell you why the patient with a heart valve problem taught me a lot about the importance of choice in dog training.
You’ll get the chance to grab a free copy of the book, I’ll have some prizes you could win and I’ll also have a special offer for all attendees.
You can pre-order a Kindle copy on Amazon here – or buy the paperback at an amazing launch offer of 60% off the normal price.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
