DONTAE HAMILTON had initially wanted to become a lawyer, but those plans were shelved after he developed a passion for working with dogs. Today, the award-winning Hamilton is an in-demand dog trainer, a job that he finds fulfilling.
“When I was nine years old, my neighbour, Gloria Patterson, saw my love for dogs and she gifted me my first dog called Destiny, and then another dog called Thunder. She paid me a stipend every two weeks to give her dogs a bath as my allowance. I became so focused on the wellbeing of dogs, by the time I was 13, I eventually became the community ‘veterinarian’ because everyone knew me as the guy that was passionate about dogs. People from all over (some that I knew, some that I didn’t) would show up to my house needing me to look after their injured dogs or to diagnose the problem their dogs had. Ninety per cent of the time, the issues were minor, so I was able to successfully fix them. At the time, no one wanted to take their dog to the vet because they couldn’t afford it, so I had to improvise and use the supplies my mother gave me for my dogs, which I was sometimes verbally scolded for using on strangers’ dogs,” Hamilton shared.
He continued, “From then on, I knew I had to rule out being a veterinarian because as I grew older, I realised it was so much more than treating wounds. I had to also rule out being a groomer because it would have taken a lot of practice which I wasn’t too keen on doing at the time. I knew training dogs would’ve been my hobby because I loved to see a well-trained dog and it inspired me to begin training my own dogs. Fast forward to today, who would’ve thought that dog training would have been my career. I thought I was going to be a lawyer, but here I am. Passionately doing what I love.”
Although he never studied to become a dog trainer, Hamilton said he is now in the process of being certified.
“To put things into perspective, if life would allow me to train everyone’s dogs without ever needing compensation, I would do it in a heartbeat. It has been so fulfilling, that I thank God every day for directing my path to be a trainer. I couldn’t care less about the money. I’m so at peace training dogs that if I’m not training dogs, I get easily depressed, not feeling a sense of accomplishment because I’m not doing what I was born to do. Being a dog trainer has been the greatest thing in my life. I never became what society thought I should’ve become or what would’ve been best for me, I became what was best for my life and what God has directed my journey in becoming,” Hamilton disclosed.
He spoke about the importance of dog training.
“The advantage of training is cultivating a society by educating the owners on how to be successful handlers for their dogs so that the dogs are typically happier and more confident because they understand what is expected of them, which, in return, improves their behaviour and makes them easier to manage. It also provides a sense of safety for both the owner and dog to limit getting into dangerous situations. Most importantly, it builds a better public perception because the Jamaican society will begin to welcome more dogs in public spaces and social settings, enhancing the owners’ experience and opportunities for outings with their dogs,” he reasoned.
“What I enjoy most about my job is making a positive difference in pets’ lives. Seeing their transformation and knowing I’ve contributed to their well-being and happiness makes me happier than ever,” said Hamilton.
Last year at the True Pet Expo, Hamilton walked away with the award for Exceptional Dog Trainer in the inaugural True Pet Industry Awards. He said the accolade was unexpected.
“It felt like a dream. Yes, I was taken aback because I have barely scratched the surface of what I want to accomplish for the betterment of the Jamaican society and the pet industry. Even though my heart knew I didn’t deserve it, I was extremely grateful knowing that my efforts, as small as they may be, were recognised. and it solidified a thought in knowing that I will always continue to try my utmost best even when it seems like nothing is being accomplished,” Hamilton stated.
The next True Pet Expo, taking place on Sunday, October 13, at the Kingston Polo Club, Caymanas, will again recognise several individuals and businesses at the second staging of the True Pet Industry Awards. The awardees are selected by public nominations, and the voting is done solely by public participants. Voting for the 2024 True Pet Industry Awards is now open on the True Pet social media platforms.
