KATE

I have cared for a cockapoo called Winnie for the last 2 years now. Sometimes for a couple of days, and other times for a month. I take him on dog walks, I house sit and he used to board with me. I have cared for an elderly dog called Cooper. He boarded with me for 2 weeks. He required medication every morning. I have cared for two American cocker spaniels, as needed, for the past four years. One has struggled with behavioural issues and has required intervention by a range of trainers using different approaches. He requires hyper vigilance and to be kept on a lead when other dogs are around. As his carer, I have learnt about new training techniques and behaviour management techniques. For example, extra soothing to know that we are all safe, and he doesn’t need to defend us from the passing dogs. I have previously cared for a cavapoo. This dog struggled with anxiety separation. As his carer, I took on techniques taught by a dog psychologist, to help him cope better with being left alone for short stints of time. I would walk him and house sit with him. When I needed to leave the flat for a moment, I quietly slipped out to minimise distress that he was being left alone, and then upon arrival back, I comforted him and reminded him that he will never be left and we will always come back for him. I also grew up with miniature poodles.