Hi, I’d like to introduce myself.
My name is Selma, and you’ll be seeing me during the training sessions at Braaf’s dog school.
Like many who work in the animal sector, my interest in animals began in childhood. My first job was with a hobby breeder two streets away, where every Saturday I spent time among pigeons, fish, and reptiles, and often walked their dogs. Going out with a dog was one of my favorite activities, and since we didn’t have dogs at home, I often ‘borrowed’ dogs from the neighborhood to walk them.
After high school, it was an easy decision to pursue a degree in Animal Husbandry at HAS University of Applied Sciences in Den Bosch. This program covered many species and industries, but it confirmed my love and passion for the small pet sector, especially dogs. I carried this passion into my work at a dog boarding facility and later at the Animal Protection Center Limburg, Animal Shelter De Doornakker, and now at the Animal Shelter in Genk. Jos and I had crossed paths before, and since 2019 we have been working closely together in Genk, where we form the dog adoption team.
Since collaborating with Jos, my knowledge of dogs and their behavior has grown immensely. It has become clear how important it is to base our work with dogs and the guidance of their (new) owners on accurate, scientific information. The dogs I have taken home as a foster family each had their own background and needed tailored support.
I learned a lot and also had some misconceptions debunked, things I had believed to be facts in the dog world. To further delve into behavior, I started the “Clinical Animal Behaviourist” program at Odisee in 2021. This is a recognized, scientific course that allows you to distinguish yourself as a behavior therapist, given that this is, unfortunately, still an unregulated profession.
In the shelters, we see many dogs and owners who have had a rough start, and Braaf is dedicated to changing this. I’m very happy to be a part of this effort! We’re still constantly learning, so we continue to develop ourselves by attending lectures, webinars, seminars, and reading scientific research. We are eager to share the knowledge and experience we gain with you so that together we can focus on the well-being of your dog.
Hope to see you at Braaf!