How to Become a Dog Trainer in California

If you love dogs and have a good rapport with dogs, then you will enjoy a rewarding career as a dog trainer.

There are different types of dog trainers in the state of California. Most dog trainers, especially those who specialize in obedience training, do not need a license from the state of California.

Guide dog trainers are required by the state of California to obtain a license and are regulated by the California Board of Guide Dogs For the Blind.

Additionally, all those training protection dogs or guard dogs need to obtain a license through the state of California.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Dog
• Practical experience
• A professional Dog Trainer
• A reputable dog training school for Instructors
• Become an expert in training dogs in California
• Obtain a list of school's located in California from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
• A certificate from an accredited school

1. 
    
   Dancing Dog

   Decide what type of dog trainer you would like to become. Talk to local reputable dog trainers and ask them for advice.
   
   It is highly recommended that a dog trainer obtain certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or be certified through a school where they trained, even though this is not a requirement in California.

2. 
    
   Summer is Magic

   Investigate companies in California to see if anyone is hiring dog handlers or dog trainers and are willing to train people with no experience.
   
   Kontraband Interdiction Detection Services (KIDS) in Modesto California, employs and trains canine handlers for drug detection.

3. Hire a professional dog trainer and shadow them. After observing you interact with dogs, ask for feedback on your strengths and weaknesses so you can improve.
   
   You can obtain a list of California Certified Professional Dog Trainers at www.freedoglistings.com/dog-training/california/ .

4. Offer to work under a professional dog trainer as an assistant or apprentice. Having a mentor is invaluable to gaining knowledge and being successful in this field.

5. Talk to local reputable dog trainers and ask them what school's, workshops, seminars, and conferences they recommend for becoming a dog trainer in California.

6. 
    
   Intelligent Dog

   Enroll in a school and complete your training.

7. 
    
   Dog on Bed

   You can choose to register with any of the following organizations: The American Dog Trainers Network, The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, The Certification for Professional Dog Trainers and The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.

Tips & Warnings

• You can volunteer at a shelter, Guide Dogs for the Blind or at a prison pup program. This would help gain experience and exposure.
• Be honest, kind and always offer reasonable prices to your clients. Never give your clients unrealistic information or overcharge them. Develop a good reputation with your clients, as word of mouth is critical to the success of your business as a dog trainer.

References

• Requirements for becoming a Dog Trainer in San Francisco
• Dog Training in California
• Become a Dog Trainer

Resources

• KIDS
• How to become a Professional Dog Trainer
• Canine Support Team, Inc.

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