Related to A Kennelmaid to Our Dogs, 'A Plea for Kennelmaids', Our Dogs 77 (8th Nov. 1929), p. 413.
Description:

‘With so much being written of unemployment and its attendant evils, it is of more than ordinary interest to learn of new industrial pursuits which open up both pleasant and money-making opportunities. Although it is almost a platitude to say that dogs have increased in popularity to such an extent that dog-breeding has long since established itself as a recognised business undertaking, the practical worth of certain side-issues is not so readily appreciated. The calling generally described as “kennelmaids” is a case in point. A kennelmaid, obviously, is a girl or woman who looks after kennels – only rather more so! Looking after a dog sounds like a very simple procedure. Simple though it may be, those who can do so properly are certainly in the minority. That being so, a kennelmaid’s vocation automatically becomes – as it is - a specialised job requiring a high degree of understanding, knowledge, and skill. Her duties, although perhaps arduous, are never dull, and the responsibility of the whole or part of a kennel, embracing a number of different breeds of dogs, is no sinecure. Careful training is essential if a kennelmaid is to do justice to herself and her canine charges.

To begin with, and inherent love of animals is essential. Dogs in particular know instinctively whether an individual is to be trusted or not, and act accordingly. The vocation of kennelmaid is not intended for the girl who expects “a soft job” awaiting her. Hard and continuous work is the only way to success. Dog kennels are now organised and run on strictly practical lines. They can almost be described as hotels or boarding houses for members of the canine race, including also a nursing home and nursery.

It doubtless appears a plain, straightforward proposition to build a number of kennels, put the dogs into them on arrival, feed them, and in due course return them to their respective owners! So seemingly simple, that no one is advised to undertake the responsiblity unless they possess a wide knowledge of the various breeds of dogs, their peculiarities, and the various ailments to which they are subject. They must be able to recognise the preliminary symptoms of such common complaints as colds, distemper, gastritis, etc., and be qualified to prescribe treatment. The breeding and care of puppies also comes within the sphere of the up-to-date kennel.

In this brief description is indicated a few of the duties that fall to the lot if the intended kennelmaid. It will be gathered, moreover, that the profession is not one which can be contemplated lightly or entered into merely with the idea of “something fresh to do!”

When the opportunity arises, every dog owner should visit a kennel of dogs. More can be learned in half an hour than in a week of “book study.” It will be noted that unusual care is taken to keep both the dogs and their blocks of kennels spotlessly clean. No one realises more than the kennel owner that dirt and filth is the origin of innumerable canine diseases. Notice, too, unless it happens to be feeding time, that there are no oddments of food to be seen. Dogs are fed at regular hours each day, usually twice – not more – with the result that they are ready for each feed, finishing it off to the last scrap. The food used is worthy of comment. Almost without exception, meat dog biscuits, hound or terrier meal, constitute the main diet. Sometimes the biscuit is fed “dry,” at others in a mash form, well soaked with gravy or stock, or mixed with cooked meat. No such things as pieces of cake or “in-between-time” snacks are indulged in. Nothing is worse for dogs or puppies than soft pappy foods. They ruin the digestion or teeth and give rise to more or less serious intestinal troubles. If all dog-owners were to follow the expert’s example, the health of the average dog would be greatly improved, and a deal of unnecessary suffering eliminated. There is such a wide variety of dog and puppy biscuits available to-day that it is an easy matter to cater for any and every breed. Study your dog’s appetite as you would your own. He appreciates a varied diet.

Good as dog biscuits are, it is absurd to suggest that a dog can be “biscuit-stuffed” all day and every day without a change of food. A ration of cooked or raw lean meat should be given occasionally. The ration can be made by mixing table-scraps with a handful of terrier or hound meal, adding gravy, soup, or stock if any is available.

Both the kennelmaid and the ordinary owner of an ordinary domestic dog can will find their responsibilities lightened if commonsense is brought to bear on the canine problems with which they are continually faced. The dog not being a machine, no exact procedure can be laid down. Study your dog, he will repay you a hundredfold.’