PunkRockPudel

Animal shelters and breeders prefer to rehome dogs with people who already have experience and knowledge about dogs. But how can you gain dog experience without owning one? In this article, you will learn how and where you can interact with dogs without having one yourself.

1. Dog Experience Required – How Can I Gain Experience Without Owning a Dog?
2. Why Is Dog Experience So Important?
   1. Tip 1: Gain Dog Experience in Animal Shelters
   2. Tip 2: Gain Experience Through Dog Schools
   3. Tip 3: Gain Experience Through Dog Walking
   4. Tip 4: Attend Seminars for Dog Owners
   5. Tip 5: Become a Dog Sitter
3. Why Is It Worth Gaining Dog Experience?

Dog Experience Required – How Can I Gain Experience Without Owning a Dog?

In some breeds and also in animal shelters, the phrase „dog experience required“ appears regularly. In advertisements and questionnaires, the desire for prior dog experience is also common. But how are you supposed to gain experience with dogs if no one will give you one?

At first, this may seem impossible, and unfortunately, many people turn to shady dog sellers and unreliable sources. Yes, this can include breeders who do not ask the right questions and will give a dog to anyone who can pay the price.

However, there are many simple ways to gain experience in handling and caring for dogs. The best part? These options come with some surprising advantages. Ready? Let’s dive into some practical tips for gaining dog experience.

Why Is Dog Experience So Important?

Without personal, practical experience with dogs, many people imagine dog ownership to be much easier and more idyllic than it actually is.

You’ve probably thought: „I’ve seen other people walking their dogs calmly on a leash, playing, trotting beside a bike, or fetching a ball – it can’t be that hard.“

You’ve also probably seen dogs pulling their owners on the leash, barking at other dogs, or ignoring commands. You’d surely do a better job, right?

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Dog ownership is a lifelong learning process because every dog is an individual. Some dogs practically train themselves, while others challenge even experienced owners who have to invest a lot of time and work to train seemingly simple commands.

Moreover, you see dogs on walks, in parks, or in videos, but you don’t see how their owners train for hours, stand out in the rain when their dog has diarrhea, or have to change the bed in the middle of the night after the beloved (though maybe not so beloved at that moment) dog has an accident on the sheets and blankets.

There’s a lot involved in dog ownership that people with no experience may not even be able to imagine. Reading about it is one thing, but experiencing it and being responsible for the well-being of the animal is another.

So, don’t take it personally when someone requests dog experience. This requirement is an important sign of a reputable shelter, breeder, or seller. It’s definitely a good thing.

And now, finally: Tips for gaining experience with dogs – without owning a dog:

Tip 1: Gain Dog Experience in Animal Shelters

Volunteering at an animal shelter is not always possible for everyone, but many animal protection organizations are happy to welcome any dedicated helper. Whether it’s playing with the dogs, brushing them, walking them, or just keeping them company – what you can do depends on the shelter’s needs.

It’s worth asking at your local shelters, as they often have connections with other organizations or know of dog owners who might need a dog sitter.

Be prepared for a regular, reliable commitment, as shelters need to plan accordingly. You may also need to attend an introductory seminar before becoming a dog walker.

A great advantage is that many dog owners end up adopting a dog from the shelter after regularly volunteering there.

Tip 2: Gain Experience Through Dog Schools

Dog schools are excellent places to gain experience with dogs for several reasons. As with animal shelters, there are significant differences between them, but it never hurts to ask, and it only takes a little of your time.

Here are a few activities you can inquire about:

• Be a spectator: Simply watching gives you an initial insight without having to do anything or disturb the process. You can also strike up conversations with dog owners.
• Be a helper: Dog schools and clubs sometimes need helpers for exercises. Through instructions and guidance, you’ll gain more knowledge about handling dogs and may also make connections with dog owners.
• Support multiple dog owners: Some dog owners attend courses with multiple dogs but can’t train them all at once. If you’re lucky, you might find an owner who lets you take part in the class with one of their dogs or allows you to watch and care for their dog while they train others.

Extra tip: Talk to the dog owners and trainers. Everyone has started somewhere, often with no experience, and they have plenty of advice and tips to offer.

Tip 3: Gain Experience Through Dog Walking

Before applying to be a dog walker without experience, which might result in rejections or overwhelming situations, start by accompanying experienced dog owners on their walks. Ask them if you can join them occasionally, learn, and hold the leash at times. This can provide valuable learning opportunities and even be helpful to the dog owner.

Tip 4: Attend Seminars for Dog Owners

Many animal shelters offer affordable seminars for prospective dog walkers, covering essential topics like breed selection, leash training, dog interactions, and more. Check out local opportunities or ask trainers and organizations directly about offerings for people without dogs.

Tip 5: Become a Dog Sitter

Almost every dog owner faces the need to find someone to look after their dog, whether it’s to prevent the dog from barking at home or simply providing care.

Since the demand for dog sitters has increased due to the pandemic-related surge in dog ownership, it can be hard to find reliable care, especially as many dog daycare centers are booked or only accept low-maintenance dogs.

Offer to help neighbors, friends, or family members by looking after their dogs for a few hours or on weekends. This way, you’ll gain experience, help both humans and animals, and potentially get to know a variety of dogs.

Why Is It Worth Gaining Dog Experience?

If you want your own dog and are only able to get one with proper experience, the goal of gaining experience with other dogs is clear: you want to own a dog. However, with every dog interaction, you’ll gain much more than just that.

1. You’re better prepared for owning a dog. Reading about dog care is important, but implementing it practically is something else. Each walk, every rainy day as a dog walker, and every weekend spent dog sitting will help you understand what living with a dog is really like.
2. You’ll view dogs as individuals. This becomes clear after meeting many different dogs, which helps you find the right dog for you and avoid unsuitable breeds.
3. You’ll make connections. Knowing other dog owners, trainers, or neighbors can be invaluable when it comes to social walks, exchanging advice, and receiving help.
4. You’ll have a more realistic perspective. Can you really handle a dog on a leash as you imagined? Is it as challenging as you thought to deal with dog hair everywhere? Gaining experience helps you understand the realities of dog ownership.

Finally, ask yourself: Would you trust an experienced doctor over someone who „always thought medicine was great but has no actual experience“? Knowledge, experience, motivation, and commitment – or in short, competence – are simply the best foundation when you decide to take on the responsibility of a dog.