Mentorship in the Dog World

Ethical dog professionals don’t thrive in isolation. Whether you’re early in your career or several years in, mentorship can be a powerful way to accelerate growth, avoid blind spots and maintain high standards.

But mentorship in our industry isn’t always formalised and that can be both a blessing and a challenge. Here’s how to find the right mentor, become one yourself and make sure those relationships are mutually beneficial.

Why Mentorship Matters

For new professionals, a mentor offers guidance through the complexities of real world cases, client relationships and ethical dilemmas. For more experienced practitioners, mentoring keeps your knowledge sharp and your values alive through reflection and teaching.

A good mentor doesn’t give you all the answers, instead they help you to ask better questions.

What to Look for in a Mentor

• They’re experienced but humble

• They’re active in continued professional development

• They align with your ethical values

• They’re supportive without being prescriptive

• They welcome questions, challenges, and different perspectives

  
  

Look beyond social media presence. A quiet, skilled practitioner who reflects deeply and practices ethically is often more valuable than someone with a polished brand.

How to Be a Good Mentee

• Show up prepared

• Ask thoughtful questions

• Be open to feedback especially the uncomfortable kind

• Respect their time

• Take initiative with follow-up and reflection

  
  

Mentorship is a relationship, not a transaction. Your growth depends on how much you engage with the process.

Becoming a Mentor

If you’re several years into your practice, consider offering your time to someone newer. You don’t need to have all the answers you need to be willing to share your journey honestly. Set clear boundaries, communicate your scope and know when to refer someone on to a more appropriate guide.

In a largely unregulated field, peer support is part of our ethical duty. Mentorship strengthens the community and helps raise standards from the inside out.