Learn about dog care, training and physiotherapy in Thessaloniki, Greece

Details

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  Description

  We are Vasileios and Stella, a dog behaviorist and a canine physiotherapist. We are partners in life and business and we have two joint establishments. A dog boarding and training center and a physiotherapy facility.
  
  Vasileios : We offer programs for dog enthusiasts, owners or students who aspire to become dog trainers. We also offer dog boarding services. Our methods are based purely on humane, force-free positively reinforcing principles. Our goal is to spread the word on humane dog training practices and show the world what can be achieved using understanding and love.
  
  Stella : I grew up in a small village in Greece, where stray cats and dogs were injured and mistreated on the streets. I was so frustrated and sad and dreamed of being able to help animals in need. My studies got me into physiotherapy and later I tried to combine them with my love for animals. So, I did. I am a physical therapist and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner living and working in Thessaloniki, Greece. My goal is to provide top-quality therapies to our canine and feline patients. I have already 15 years of experience and treated numerous cases of dogs and cats with various conditions (paralysis, dysplasia, arthritis, etc.).
  
  We only use evidence-based treatments for every health and behavioral condition, our therapies are personalized to each dog's disability and personality and we only use positive reinforcement. Our goal is to achieve a better quality of life for all our customers, both four-legged and two-legged.
  
  Are you passionate about dogs and eager to learn more about their care and training and wellbeing ? At our state-of-the-art facility near the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, we offer a unique internship opportunity for individuals from around the world. Our comprehensive program combines hands-on experience in dog boarding, training, wellbeing, physiotherapy and specialized fitness programs with the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Greece.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Self development

  

  Plant care

  

  Books

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Beach

  

  Water sports

  

  Hiking

  

  Pets

  

  Animals
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Embark on this exciting journey with us and discover the joy of transforming canine lives while exploring the historical treasures of Thessaloniki.
  Join our team, learn from experienced trainers and physiotherapists, and enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Greece!
  Extra Learning Opportunity: "The Truth About Dogs" Program.
  We have combined our knowledge and skills and came up with social program to educate people about dogs. We offer theory and practical lessons in real-life dog challenges. You should ideally attend this program for 4 weeks. This way you will get the maximum out of our teaching syllabus. During your 4 week stay, you will gain knowledge and handling skills to help you with a career around dogs in general. This is a perfect opportunity if you are a vet student, a dog trainer, pet sitter, groomer or you just need to gain basic knowledge about dogs or your own dog. Stella will teach the basic wellbeing- exercise-physiotherapy classes and Vasileios will teach the behavior-cognition-training classes. (Please note that you will NOT become a dog trainer nor an animal physiotherapist but you will have the skills to proceed with further studies if you find that interesting.)

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  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

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  Help

  As an intern at our facility, you will be immersed in the daily activities of dog care, from basic grooming to advanced training techniques and special physiotherapy sessions. This program is not only a chance to gain practical skills in animal care but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of dogs and their owners. Whether you're looking to start a career in animal care or simply want to spend time with dogs in a beautiful setting, our internship offers valuable experience and unforgettable memories.
  You will work beside us 5 days per week on our daily schedule, 9:00-12:00 and 17:30-19:30 or 15:30-20:30 depending on the workload. You will have 2 days free.
  As we own a dog hotel (with a hydrotherapy pool, operating during summer) as well as a small animal physiotherapy department, you might be asked to assist in various tasks like, helping with the daily taking care of the dogs (cleaning, feeding, dog walks, etc.) and the yard (mow the lawn, clean the terrain, water our flowers) and also help with the physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions (delivering equipment, assisting with exercises, cleaning of the facility).
  Previous experience with dogs is a prerequisite. You should also be physically fit, as working outdoors in Greece can be quite strenuous.
  The ability to work well in a team and also alone is necessary.
  Minimum age is 23 years old.
  Recommended stay is 4 weeks.

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  Languages spoken

  Greek: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  German: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  You will stay at a mixed-gender shared room in a guest house at the village of Melissochori, outside of Thessaloniki. We can accommodate up to 4 people in the summer and 2 people during the rest of the year. You will be provided with clean sheets and towels but the daily maintenance of the house will be your responsibility (so please clean up after you use the kitchen or bathroom, mop daily and take out trash in turns. Have everything neat and tidy).
  No smoking, no drugs, no excessive alcohol use, no partying in the house!
  Quite hours are 14:30 - 17:30 and 23:00 - 7:00.
  
  We will provide breakfast and a meal on working days.
  The menu consists of local food, a mixture of meat, fish and fresh vegetables and everyday you can try a different meal made in Greek style. Cooking is a shared activity so you will participate in our cooking experience!
  Please inform us on any food allergies or dietary limitations.
  For the time being we cannot provide vegan food.

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  What else ...

  Transportation:
  We can pick you up from the International Airport of Thessaloniki (SKG), Bus or Train Station & transfer you to the accommodation upon arrangement.
  Transport to the facilities from the house and back will be our responsibility on fixed hours for our daily work schedule. Public Transport Bus No84 can bring you to town.
  
  Free Time:
  Our location next to the city of Thessaloniki is a good opportunity to explore the city as well as the beaches of Chalkidiki. Melissochori is a beautiful village where you can hike on your free time. About the city and the beaches of Chalkidiki there is plenty of information at tripadvisor.
  On your free days you can explore the city or the surroundings or we can organize a team getaway to a new destination (participating is optional).
  
  Health:
  We don't provide health insurance, so please consider booking one with your flight ticket. Also, we recommend you to be vaccinated for Tetanus and Tick-Borne Encephalitis. As you will work with animals and outdoors be aware that you will come across flies, mosquitos, ticks, fleas, grass and various weather conditions! So if you have allergies, please consider bringing your medication with you.
  
  About us:
  We are a couple and also business partners, we like to have people around us but we also want our privacy to be respected. We like to have fun, we are open minded and really LOVE our jobs.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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