Want to become a dog trainer? You’re not alone. There are millions of people in the United States who own dogs and want to learn how to be better owners.
You might also think that becoming a dog trainer is just about teaching your pet some new tricks, but it’s actually a lot more than that!
It’s true that you can teach your dog how to sit, stay and roll over (and even get him or her excited about doing so), but there’s much more to being an effective professional trainer than just those basics. So what makes someone qualified for the job?
Well, for starters:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Becoming a dog trainer requires dedication and a passion for working with dogs. |
| Gaining knowledge and experience through education, courses, and apprenticeships is essential. |
| Building a strong foundation in dog training techniques and understanding canine behavior is crucial. |
| Developing excellent communication and interpersonal skills is important for working with dog owners. |
| Continuously learning and staying updated on the latest training methods and industry trends is necessary for professional growth. |
| Building a network and seeking mentorship from experienced dog trainers can provide valuable guidance. |
| Starting with basic obedience training and gradually expanding your skill set is a recommended approach. |
| Offering services such as puppy training, behavioral consultations, and group classes can enhance your expertise. |
| Providing a positive and supportive training environment is essential for both dogs and their owners. |
| Professional certifications and affiliations can help establish credibility and attract clients. |
Be Accountable
Being accountable is important to being a dog trainer, because it’s the only way you can make sure you’re doing what’s best for your clients and their pets.
You must be responsible for your actions, take responsibility for mistakes (if there are any), and don’t blame others or make excuses.
Be honest about your limitations: if there are things about training dogs that you don’t know yet, learn them! If an animal acts up during a lesson, don’t just ignore it—address it by asking questions like “What should we do now?”
Finally, be accountable for the results of your work as well as everything else on this list!
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Have A Career Plan
You should be thinking about your career five years out. What do you want to accomplish? What would make you happy?
Are there skills that need to be developed? Make sure that the work you do today is going to lead towards your future goals.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Are there any places where you need help or training? Being honest with yourself will help guide which career paths may be best suited for your personality type, but putting in the effort can also improve these areas over time if needed.
Volunteer With A Shelter Or Rescue Group
Volunteering with a shelter or rescue group is another great way to get experience. Shelters and rescues often have short-term programs that allow you to volunteer for a few months, after which time they might hire you as an employee.
This is particularly helpful if you are looking for work experience in the field while still in school.
You’ll also be able to meet other dog trainers who can help you learn more about the industry and what it takes to become one yourself.
Setting up a pet training collar can greatly aid in your dog training efforts. Our trainer tips offer valuable insights and techniques to make the process effective and humane. Explore our article on pet training collar setup to train your dog with confidence.
Enroll In A Dog Training Class
The best way to learn how to train dogs is by enrolling in a class.
The classes will teach you how to train dogs for the specific purpose(s) that you want them trained for, such as obedience training and agility.
There are many different types of dog training classes available, so it’s important to do your research before deciding which one is right for you.
| Point |
|---|
| Puppy kindergarten classes |
| Basic obedience classes |
| Advanced training classes |
| Behavior modification classes |
| Group training classes |
| Private training sessions |
| PetSmart Training |
| Zoom Room Dog Training |
| Canine Good Citizen (CGC) classes |
| AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program |
Get Some Practice Working With Dogs
To learn more about dog training, there are many ways you can get some practice working with dogs. The best way is to observe and learn from others.
If you have friends or family who have dogs that they take to classes, observe them and ask questions. You could also volunteer at a shelter or rescue where they’re training the animals for adoption purposes.
If you’re looking to get into professional dog training, consider attending some classes taught by professional trainers in your area or online (there are many great ones available!).
Work As An Apprentice Under A Professional Trainer
Working as an apprentice under a professional dog trainer is a great way to get hands-on experience with the business, learning about both the technical and legal aspects of dog training.
You’ll work closely with your mentor, learning firsthand about how to handle and train dogs, as well as how to run a profitable business.
You’ll also learn about all of the legal issues involved in owning and operating a successful dog training business.
Working under a professional dog trainer will give you valuable insight into what it takes to be successful in this field, so if this is something that interests you then try looking for opportunities where mentors are available or start networking with people who do similar work in your area.
Creating a dog training schedule is key to consistency and progress. Our pro tips provide valuable advice and insights to help you design an effective routine. Discover our guide on making a dog training schedule and unleash your dog’s potential through structured training.
Complete A Certificate Program Or Pursue A Degree In Animal Behavior
If you want to become a dog trainer, you should consider taking courses in animal behavior. You can learn a ton about how dogs think and act from books, but there’s no substitute for actually studying with an experienced teacher.
You can get a certificate or degree in animal behavior at accredited colleges and universities.
You can also learn about dog behavior at community colleges (often called junior colleges) or vocational schools (which prepare students for specific careers).
| Point |
|---|
| Certificate programs |
| Degree programs |
| Animal Behavior College |
| Karen Pryor Academy |
| University of California, Davis Extension |
| Ethology Institute Cambridge |
| Penn Foster College |
| Online courses |
| Hands-on practical experience |
| Continuing education opportunities |
Pursue Certification Through An Established Organization
The next step is certification. This is a way to show your skills, commitment, knowledge and ability to handle difficult situations.
It’s essential for the professional dog trainer because it shows that you are serious about the profession and willing to stay up-to-date with new developments in the field.
In addition to being demonstrably excellent at what they do, certified trainers have agreed to abide by professional standards of conduct via their membership in an organization affiliated with their chosen certifying body (for example: Association of Pet Dog Trainers).
Certification demonstrates a high standard of professionalism that can help you stand out from other applicants or job seekers who may only have informal training or experience working with dogs but no formal credentials demonstrating their competence as trainers.
Take Other Relevant Courses And Complete Hands-On Internships
Taking courses in human anatomy and physiology is a good way to better understand your body, the way it works and what impacts it.
Taking classes in animal behavior will help you learn how dogs think, learn and communicate. You can also enroll in hands-on internships where you’ll be paired with an experienced trainer who can show you the ropes as well as mentor you on an individual level.
This is an excellent way to hone your skills while getting paid! There are many subjects that are useful for dog trainers: dog nutrition, grooming techniques, training techniques etc., so make sure that you take advantage of these opportunities by taking classes on all these topics!
Becoming a successful dog trainer requires a unique set of qualities and skills. Our article explores the essential traits needed to excel in this rewarding profession. Discover the qualities you need to be a dog trainer in our comprehensive guide on dog trainer qualities.
Be Professional And Ethical About Marketing Yourself As A Dog Trainer
If you want to be a respected dog trainer, you need to act professionally in all aspects of your business. This includes how you market yourself and your services.
One of the most common mistakes that new trainers make is over-selling themselves by making promises they can’t keep.
For example, saying “I’ll teach your puppy how to sit” makes it sound like training is easy and no one wants an inexperienced trainer working with their dog!
Instead, be honest about what kinds of issues are involved in training each breed or age group of dogs and set realistic expectations for what kind of results could be expected from using the techniques that you offer or teaching methods that have been proven effective by other trainers who have worked with similar types of animals before (but remember: if it wasn’t successful before then there must be some reason why).
If someone asks if you’re qualified enough for them then say yes but explain why there might still be challenges ahead so they know what’s happening rather than trying everything possible just because someone said yes without telling them anything else first.”
| Point |
|---|
| Establish a strong online presence |
| Utilize social media platforms effectively |
| Create a professional and user-friendly website |
| Offer informative and engaging content |
| Show expertise through testimonials and case studies |
| Provide clear pricing and service information |
| Build partnerships with local pet businesses |
| Stay updated on industry trends and advancements |
| Adhere to ethical advertising practices |
| Prioritize client satisfaction and referrals |
Show Off Your Skills At Dog Sports Competitions
If you’re a dog trainer who wants to prove your skills, then competing in dog sports competitions is a great way to do it.
There is a huge range of different types of competitions for you to enter, with levels ranging from local through to international:
- Agility competitions
- Obedience trials
- Flyball (a relay race where dogs weave back and forth across the track)
The benefits of competing are that it allows you to show off all the training techniques that you have learned, while also making new friends and networking with other dog owners and trainers.
Books are a valuable resource for expanding your knowledge and expertise in dog training. We’ve curated a list of the best books available to help you enhance your training techniques. Find the perfect book for dog training in our article on the best book for dog training and take your skills to the next level.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in becoming a dog trainer, it can be a rewarding career. It takes some time and effort, but the payoff is immense: you get to work with dogs and other people every day!
We hope this article has given you a better idea of what that might look like and how to make it happen.
If you still have questions about how to become a dog trainer after reading through this post, just ask us below! We’ll be happy to answer them for you.
Further Reading
Steps to Train Your Dog: This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on various dog training techniques, helping you establish a strong foundation for training your canine companion.
Essential Skills for Dog Trainers: Discover the key skills required to become a successful dog trainer. This resource highlights the essential abilities needed to effectively communicate with and train dogs.
RSPCA Dog Training Guide: The RSPCA’s guide offers valuable insights into dog training, covering topics such as basic commands, socialization, and addressing common behavior issues.
FAQs
How long does it take to train a dog?
The time it takes to train a dog varies depending on various factors such as the dog’s age, breed, and individual temperament. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key elements in successful dog training.
What are some basic commands every dog should know?
Some essential basic commands for dogs include “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “down,” and “heel.” These commands lay the foundation for effective communication and obedience between you and your dog.
Can older dogs be trained?
Yes, older dogs can certainly be trained. While it may require more patience and consistency, older dogs can learn new behaviors and commands with the right training methods.
How do I address common behavior problems in my dog?
Addressing common behavior problems in dogs often involves identifying the root cause of the behavior and implementing appropriate training techniques. Positive reinforcement, consistency, and seeking professional help if needed can be beneficial in addressing behavior issues.
What are the benefits of socializing my dog?
Socializing your dog is crucial for their overall well-being and development. It helps them become comfortable in various environments, improves their interaction with other dogs and people, and reduces the likelihood of behavioral problems.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
