Dogs have been man's best friend for millennia.

Eastern Daily Press: The manual on Dog First Aid. Pic: www.dog-first-aid.comThe manual on Dog First Aid. Pic: www.dog-first-aid.com

In fact we are now so in love with our four-legged pals that business is booming for trainers offering doggy first aid.

And a chance to start your own canine first aid training course is now available - but you'll need almost £15,000.

The courses, which have proved popular in other parts of the country, include learning how to resuscitate an animal using doggy CPR - you'd be not be squeamish though as that requires blowing air through a dog's nose.

Eastern Daily Press: Jan Whiffen, who is a Dog First Aid business partner in Cambridgeshire. Pic: www.dog-first-aid.comJan Whiffen, who is a Dog First Aid business partner in Cambridgeshire. Pic: www.dog-first-aid.com

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Other less gruesome skills include how to stop a dog from choking, what to do if it is drowning, how to help if an animal suffers from heat stroke, or is involved in a fight with another dog.

The franchise opportunity includes first aid equipment and even a dummy dog called Cassie to practice the first aid on - but it seems the nationwide business idea Dog First Aid has yet to catch on in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Although 6,000 people have trained up so far across the UK, there are no franchise partners in East Anglia, with the nearest one based in Cambridgeshire, Jan Whiffen, and the nearest course in Colchester.

Jan went along to a course and then went on to become a trainer. She said: "It was after attending one of the courses I realised the benefits dog first aid would bring to dog owners, dog business owners and the participants of the many dog sports available that I decided to join Dog First Aid and having undergone further training with members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, pass on my knowledge and passion."

The franchise opportunity is aimed at anyone interested in dogs but particularly those who work in industries connected with canines such as dog walkers, groomers, trainers and handlers. Once qualified in the Continued Professional Development accredited Emergency Canine Care course, the idea is that you can go on to hold workshops and teach others so it's suitable for those working from home. After qualifying, franchisees receive a uniform, magnetic vehicle signs, first aid kits and business cards as well as your own dummy dog and operation manual. Extra support is given in making your own business work in further courses in marketing and SEO.

Some of the trainers are registered veterinarians and veterinary nurses and some are qualified teachers and trainers holding nationally recognised training qualifications.