Dog Training Career

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Do you think you might be interested in a dog training career? If you are passionate about dogs, like working outdoors and enjoy being with people, training dogs may be the perfect job for you.

Dog focusing on girl

Job Requirements of a Dog Trainer

Most dog trainers are entrepreneurs and work for themselves. Others work for a kennel or corporation. The pay scale for this job varies between $8.00 and $25.00 per hour depending on experience level, ability, location and overhead expenses if you are self-employed.

This is not a typical nine to five job, and there are some things that you should consider before you begin a career as a dog trainer.

The usual requirements and conditions for this job are:

  • A profound love for dogs
  • Being physically fit and active
  • Working evenings and weekends
  • Working outdoors
  • Strong communication skills
  • Good powers of observation and critical thinking ability
  • Driving to meet with clients
  • Marketing skills

Business is slower in the winter months so this is one more thing to consider.

How to Begin a Dog Training Career

People enter the field of dog training in many different ways. There is not one "right" way to become a dog trainer. Learning to handle and train dogs and getting some experience can be achieved in a variety of ways.

Here are some suggestions for getting started:

  • Apprentice with a respected mentor trainer
  • Work for a large company that offers pet training
  • Enroll in a dog trainer academy
  • Volunteer with a local shelter that has a training program

Not all of these options are available to everyone, but usually some of them are. Taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible to work with dogs and learn about them is the key to becoming a knowledgeable and balanced trainer.

Dog Trainer Schools

There are many schools that offer programs for teaching people to train dogs. Check them out thoroughly before you give them your money. Some of them offer good programs, some may be scams. Some of the better known dog trainer schools are:


Continuing Education

Once you start working with dogs and people, you will want to continue to learn. Most trainers attend several educational seminars to keep current on trends and information about canine health and behavior. These seminars are helpful to both new and experienced trainers. There are several organizations that offer educational opportunities to those interested in learning more about dogs and how to train them.

  • Karen Pryor's Clicker Expo is held annually in both the eastern and western regions of the United States
  • Puppyworks holds educational conferences throughout the United States

These are just a few of the educational opportunities that you may wish to take advantage of while learning to become a dog trainer. Doing an online search will most likely yield many more in your local area.

A Life Gone to the Dogs

Working as a dog trainer is not always easy; it is often hot, dirty work. In certain situations, this job can even be dangerous. Sometimes your clients are uncooperative, and the pay will not make you wealthy either. Although your schedule is flexible, this does not mean that you will only work when you want to. You will have to adapt your calendar to fit the needs of your clients.

The trade-off for all of this difficulty is that a dog training career can be one of the most interesting and satisfying experiences of your life. There is great gratification in helping a family pet learn to behave in a way that makes his owner proud. This is a job that allows you to make a small difference every day, or a huge difference over a period of time. Your dedication to your job will be obvious to everyone that works with you.

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