How to Become a Professional Dog Trainer in California
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1.8 to 2.4 million dogs are euthanized every year in the United States. Professional dog trainers in California play a role in preventing unruly dogs from ending up in an animal shelter. A professional trainer educates dog owners on how to train their pets effectively. This prevents the dog from being placed in an animal shelter due to behavioral problems. Find out what you need to work in the rewarding career of professional dog training.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide what type of dog training you want to specialize in. The majority of professional trainers focus on training pet dog owners. Pet dog trainers focus on the dog’s basic household skills, such as potty training, walking on a leash and barking prevention. A dog trainer in California can also specialize in training service animals. Service dogs assist people with disabilities by performing specific tasks such as picking up items or guiding a blind person through the street.
-
2
Gain real-world experience working with dogs. Volunteer at the local animal shelter. Sign up as a puppy socializer for a local service dog association, such as the California branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind or Canine Companions for Independence. Ask your local veterinarian whether she needs help grooming her dog patients. Apply for a job at the local pet store. Work as a dog walker. Gain as much experience as possible.
-
-
3
Get hands-on dog training education. You can accomplish this two ways. The first is to apprentice under an experienced professional dog trainer. The second method is to gain formal education at a dog trainer school. Look for a program that teaches you how to lead group dog training lessons and work individually with dog owners. For example, Bergin University in Santa Rosa offers accredited degree programs for trainers in the service animal field.
-
4
Get certified. California law doesn’t mandate licensing requirements to become a professional dog trainer. Experience and a desire to train dogs is all that’s necessary. But obtaining certification gives credibility in the eyes of employers and dog training clients.
One respected certifying organization is the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Applicants for certification are required to have at least 300 practical hours working with dogs, a high school diploma and a letter of reference from a veterinarian or other animal professional. The exam covers topics such as dog behavior and application of training techniques.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Before spending money on a dog training school, be sure that the coursework covers what you need to know before applying for certification.
Be wary of working with aggressive dogs unless you're an advanced trainer.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
