Thanks for the welcomes
To address a couple of points... I was fostering for our local shelter, but when we handed over a gorgeous terrier pup to his new (wonderful) family, Leila was incredibly depressed so that's kind of how we ended up with dexter! As I can't really foster now with two dogs and Dexter's issues I volunteered to do some holistic therapies for the shelter with the dogs in kennels as an aid to relaxation, just as a way of giving something back. They love it!
When I did my training, I chose to specifically train to work on animals (although I can treat humans too). I do reiki, relaxation massage, crystal therapy, animal communication and EFT/meridian therapy which is a bit like acupressure, but rather than using pressure you use a light tapping motion on the meridian points. I tend to focus on the reiki, massage and EFT side of things, as they really do aid relaxation. Would love to do Ttouch as well, it's that lack of money thing again lol!
The behaviourist I've been working with has a huge range of qualifications in holistic therapies and I find it all fascinating.
The dogs are actually pretty good with the parrot and chickens, the birds were here first, so that might have helped!
I'd also love to set up as a dog bakery, as I am always making treats for my two and their friends, but it all seems a bit of a minefield to be honest!