How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer

Dog trainers help dogs become happy, well-behaved family members.

Becoming a successful dog trainer requires some effort and experience. Ideally, a dog trainer will have worked as an apprentice with another trainer and keeps up with new training methods and developments in dog behavior.

Things You'll Need

• A mentor
• Funds for programs

Instructions

1. Join a local obedience club and get to know the trainers and members. Ask questions about training styles, courses available and local trainers. A local club will help keep you up-to-date on any training clinics or seminars that are coming to your area.

2. Familiarize yourself with the different training methods and see if a particular area appeals to you. Some methods include: clicker training, operant training, classical training and negative reinforcement training. Read up on the different methods.

3. Find a mentor. Now that you are familiar with different training methods, find a local trainer whom you could learn from. You may even become an employee or junior trainer.

4. Study as much as possible about your chosen training methods and take as many clinics and seminars as possible. Trainers are known to travel at some length to hear an experienced trainer speak. Education into dog behavior is ongoing.

5. Become certified. Some training methods have certification programs. Find out what is necessary to complete them.

6. Gain experience. Work with your mentor and his clients. When you and your mentor feel you are ready to branch out on your own you can start your own business. Your mentor will likely refer clients to you when he is busy and you can do your own marketing to get new clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Before getting started, consider the market you will be entering. Is there a demand for dog trainers in your areas? Will you be willing to relocate to find work?

• Consider volunteering at shelters and rescue organizations. This will help you gain experience with animals and will look good on your resume. You will also be helping animals in need.

• Consider fostering dogs. You will be able to take dogs into your home and train them for their new homes. If the new owners are happy with the dog they will make excellent references this way.

• Consider training to become a dog behaviorist.

• Don't forget to insure your company. Talk to an insurance agency to find out what kind of insurance will protect you best.

• Working with animals can be dangerous. Make sure you are able to handle aggressive dogs or dogs who react unexpectedly. When you first start out you may want to state that you are not currently working with aggressive dogs.

References

• Association of Pet Dog Trainers: So You Want to Be a Dog Trainer!
• Wagntrain: An Animal Trainer's Introduction To Operant and Classical Conditioning
• Inch: Dog Training and Behavior

Resources

• Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers: Certifications
• Animal Behavior Society: Applied Animal Behaviour at ABS