Published: 14 June 2019
Recently we've met several past First Aid for Dogs course students who have given us interesting insights into their work, their love of dogs and why they took our canine first aid course. This time around, we're meeting Julie Cleasby, founder and director of First Aid for Dogs. Over to you Julie...
Name: Julie Cleasby
Lives: Angmering, West Sussex
What do you do? I am the owner of First Aid for Dogs and a pet first aid instructor
How long have you been a dog professional? First Aid for Dogs started over 5 years ago.
What made you want to start First Aid for Dogs? I have always had a passion for teaching first aid and feel it is a valuable skill everyone should learn. Dogs are members of the family and I have taught family first aid as a nurse for over 20 years. I have run many adult first aid courses with my other business To Baby and Beyond and on most courses people would ask: "Does this apply to my dog?" or "Can I do this on my cat?". My dog Bella also choked on a chicken bone in the street as a puppy and I had to use first aid on her to dislodge it.
Have you always been a dog professional? I am a qualified nurse and also run a business training childcare professionals in first aid alongside First Aid for Dogs. I have been a dog walker and dog sitter in the past.
What’s your favourite part of your job? Seeing people learn and grow as individuals plus the fun we have on courses.
How do you keep your skills up to date? Do you have any favourite websites that you use? There are many pet directories I use and tap into. Often the vet sites offer the most up to date information.
Why did you think learning first aid for dogs was important to you? I feel strongly that first aid is a skill everyone should learn to support their families. Pets are part of families.
What is the most valuable piece of information you gained from learning first aid for dogs? My dog Bella choked on a chicken bone in the street as a puppy and I was pleased that I knew how to help her.
What qualities do you think are important in a First Aid for Dogs instructor? A sense of humour and a good knowledge base.
What’s your top tip for caring for dogs? Treat them with the respect the deserve especially around children.
Have you had any interesting experiences in your work? I have heard some really interesting real-life experiences of people having to resuscitate their pets - from dogs, to ferrets to guinea pigs.
Which dog would you most like to walk? I would love to walk Lupo, Prince William and Kate's cocker spaniel. A jaunt around Hyde Park would be nice.
Thanks Julie! If you would like to learn First Aid for Dogs - and perhaps be taught by Julie herself! - do check out our forthcoming course dates.
Have you been a student on our First Aid for Dogs course? Fancy answering our interview questions? We'd love to hear from you!
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