Should I Become a Dog Trainer ?
Dog trainers assist owners in teaching their puppy or adult canine how to behave and act obediently. Trainers may also mold service, hunting or show dogs. Animal care workers in general are more likely to be injured on the job than others across occupations since animals can be unpredictable when they're distressed or frightened.
Career Requirements
Education Level - High school diploma or equivalent
Licensure and/or Certification - Optional certification available from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainer
Key Skills - Active listening, problem-solving, and communication skills; compassion; physical stamina
To become a dog trainer, you'll need at least a high school diploma and real interest on dogs. Dog training requires active listening skills, patience, compassion and physical stamina because much of the work involves standing, running, lifting and bending. Dog trainers also need problem-solving skills, patience and good observational and communication skills to connect with animals and their owners.
Though not required for employment, certification is available through the Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers.
Steps to Become a Dog Trainer Let's go over the steps you'll need to take to become a dog trainer.
Step 1: Gain Experience with Dogs There are many ways to gain experience with dogs; however, one of the most common methods of learning about dogs is to simply own one. Owning a dog will provide prospective trainers with experience and help them learn the responsibilities associated with taking care of a canine. Additionally, owning a specific breed enables owners to understand the needs of that type of dog. Volunteering at dog kennels or shelters is another way to gain useful experience with dogs.
Step 2: Take Courses in Dog Training Often dog trainers take courses through an organization or at a community or technical college - as the OnlinePDTA . These courses may offer general dog training or focus on a specific area in dog training, positive dog training, dog psychology, pet search and rescue, aggression management & solving, separation anxiety. Courses in these programs typically include a lab component that includes interacting with dogs as well as the theoretical lessons. There are usually no requirements for these types of courses other than a fee, and they are generally open to the public.
Success Tip:
Success Tip:
In summary, to become a dog trainer, you'll need at least a high school diploma, experience with animals and courses in dog training.
Dog trainers assist owners in teaching their puppy or adult canine how to behave and act obediently. Trainers may also mold service, hunting or show dogs. Animal care workers in general are more likely to be injured on the job than others across occupations since animals can be unpredictable when they're distressed or frightened.
Career Requirements
Education Level - High school diploma or equivalent
Licensure and/or Certification - Optional certification available from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainer
Key Skills - Active listening, problem-solving, and communication skills; compassion; physical stamina
To become a dog trainer, you'll need at least a high school diploma and real interest on dogs. Dog training requires active listening skills, patience, compassion and physical stamina because much of the work involves standing, running, lifting and bending. Dog trainers also need problem-solving skills, patience and good observational and communication skills to connect with animals and their owners.
Though not required for employment, certification is available through the Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers.
Steps to Become a Dog Trainer Let's go over the steps you'll need to take to become a dog trainer.
Step 1: Gain Experience with Dogs There are many ways to gain experience with dogs; however, one of the most common methods of learning about dogs is to simply own one. Owning a dog will provide prospective trainers with experience and help them learn the responsibilities associated with taking care of a canine. Additionally, owning a specific breed enables owners to understand the needs of that type of dog. Volunteering at dog kennels or shelters is another way to gain useful experience with dogs.
Step 2: Take Courses in Dog Training Often dog trainers take courses through an organization or at a community or technical college - as the OnlinePDTA . These courses may offer general dog training or focus on a specific area in dog training, positive dog training, dog psychology, pet search and rescue, aggression management & solving, separation anxiety. Courses in these programs typically include a lab component that includes interacting with dogs as well as the theoretical lessons. There are usually no requirements for these types of courses other than a fee, and they are generally open to the public.
Success Tip:
- Consider acquiring a degree. There are a few degree programs in dog training. These are often focused on studying the canine as a species (cynology), rather than specifically in dog training. However, earning a degree may still aid in dog training.
Success Tip:
- Consider a focus in a particular area of dog training. Dog trainers may specialize in drug sniffing, obedience, hunting or dog performance, each with its own requirements and standards. For instance, a dog trainer for a drug-sniffing police K9 unit needs to be an officer in law enforcement and may work with one dog at a time. Obedience trainers offer individual or group sessions with owners and dogs of all ages to establish behavioral expectations.
In summary, to become a dog trainer, you'll need at least a high school diploma, experience with animals and courses in dog training.