How to Find a Job As a Dog Trainer
Professional dog trainers get to mix their love of dogs with a profitable career. Dog trainers can find jobs working in obedience, competition training, with a police force, teaching dog tricks, and assisting the disabled. Dog training is hard work, but a rewarding career. Generally, you must have three to five years of study and experience before pursing jobs as a dog trainer.
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Instructions
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Attend behavior and dog training workshops and conferences. At these seminars, you will be provided with information that will benefit you as a candidate for dog training jobs. For example, you will learn the history of dog breeds, how to choose a puppy, training techniques, communication skills with owners, and canine anatomy. The American Dog Trainers Network suggests that dog trainers looking for a job should attend at least 24 seminars and conferences during their training in order to network with other trainers and experts.
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Enroll in a dog behavior program. Several universities and the ASPCA offer classes. Also, visit the websites for The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors and the Animal Behavior Society to research programs in your city. In these programs, you will have the opportunity to network with instructors, trainers and experts. If you excel in your courses, you may be able to acquire excellent references and consideration for possible future positions.
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Join animal behavior associations such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. This organization provides members with a wealth of professional advice, support and access to the right dog training job for you in your city.
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Volunteer at an animal shelter. This is a cost effect way to gain hands-on experience. You can demonstrate your commitment to your career, which may be recognized by the shelter's manager and other potential employers.
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Send your resume to companies that provide canine assistance to individuals with disabilities such as blindness. Visit the website for Assistance Dogs International Inc. to find updated employment opportunities around the U.S.
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Send your resume to your local police department. Local law enforcement agencies hire dog trainers to teach K9s to detect bombs, narcotics and criminal suspects.
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Tips & Warnings
Always be patient with your clients and their dogs. Building relationships and establishing a healthy reputation goes a long way in this business.
Make sure the company you end up working for doesn't use aggressive techniques when training dogs. A good company to work for will have a zero-tolerance rule for animal abuse.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog with tennis ball playing retrieve on green image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
