How to Become a K9 Trainer
If you love dogs and want to spend your life working with them, becoming a K9 trainer may seem to be a natural path. K9 trainers teach dogs to obey commands and instruct owners on how to work with their dogs. Becoming a K9 trainer does not take specialized, in-school education. But your level of canine education may affect your income. According to the "Original Dog Bible," pay for K9 trainers in 2000 ranged from $6.25 to more than $20 an hour. Certification for K9 trainers is voluntary, and K9 trainers don't need to have a license in order to work in the field.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Informal education
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1
Work at a boarding kennel or grooming salon, or volunteer at a dog rescue or animal shelter in order to gain experience working with dogs. A career as a K9 trainer is very dirty, with long hours, and you should find out if it's right for you before committing to it full-time.
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2
Contact local K9 trainers to find out who is willing to take you on as an apprentice, training you on the job to become a part of a training center's team. The amount of time you need to spend under the tutelage of a trainer depends on the training center's preferences.
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3
Decide which of these trainers to work with by speaking with local veterinarians, kennel owners, breeders and trainers' clients. Working with a trainer who isn't respected by others in your community will limit your own future clientele.
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4
Continue to educate yourself by reading books and periodicals related to dog-training theories. Watch dog-handling practices at dog competitions and observe other trainers in training classes.
Formal education
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1
Search for dog-training academies in your area. Some may offer dormitories for enrolled students. Course length varies. The National K-9 Learning Center School for Dog Trainers offers three-week and six-week courses.
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2
Speak with former students about their time at the school, and about their current careers.
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3
Get opinions of the school from other professionals in the pet industry. With dog-training academies, however, seek recommendations on a more regional or even national scale.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Several organizations, such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, offer voluntary certification for K9 trainers. Getting certified may be valuable to your business, as a dog owner may want to hire a certified trainer.
