So you want to have a Dog Trainer Career?

One good way to get started in the dog trainer career is to join the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). They are a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. This is a great resource for a dog trainer career. They promote professional trainers in the veterinary profession and increase public awareness of dog-friendly training techniques. The APDT offers many benefits including informative seminars on dog training and behavior, a bi-monthly newsletter, and numerous opportunities to network with other training professionals.

Do you need to everything about dogs before becoming a trainer? No, but most people who become trainers have read extensively on behavior modification, attended seminars, workshops and conventions, and mentored with other dog trainers. Although there is no college degree offered for “dog trainer” at any major university in the United States, a formal education in behavioral psychology and veterinary sciences can be very useful. But, don’t fret. There are some dog training schools that can provide focused dog trainer training.

Your curriculum and education at the training school should include lectures, reading assignments and practical hands-on experience working with a large number and variety of dogs and other animals. Find opportunities to work with other experienced trainers to enhance your education. Volunteering at shelters and local rescue groups is also helpful to introduce you to a range of canine personalities and breeds. When you look for a trainer to mentor with, ensure they are committed to furthering his or her own education, is open to learning about a variety of methods, and is devoted to humane training methods.

A lot of dog trainers find work for a small business or are self-employed. There is really low overhead in this career field. Other businesses may hire dog trainers, such as veterinarians, groomers, and pet stores. Other times, trainers are hired by local city or county recreation departments, or other community groups.

Many people think that if you are a dog trainer that you only work with dogs. However, being a dog trainer is considered a service profession--you may be working with people and their dogs equally. While no school for animal careers can guarantee you employment, getting training and certification along with a little passion and dedication can help you go a long way in the dog training field.