How to Study Pet Obedience Training at Home
Becoming a pet obedience trainer requires knowledge of dog ethology, behavior modification, training methods, as well as years of practical experience. According to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, dog trainers are generally self-taught. You can study at home to learn the basics, however, this knowledge should be supplemented by seminars and workshops, finding a mentor, practicing your skills and finally seeking national certification from the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers or the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself with different training methods by reading books or joining a local obedience club to get to know the trainers and their training styles. Different training methods include clicker training and operant and classical conditioning.
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Investigate online training programs. Rule out any programs that are not based on humane practices. Two online options include E-training for Dogs and the Dog Obedience Training program offered by Penn Foster Career School. These programs offer online live instructor-led classrooms, text content, as well as course materials presented using audio, video and multimedia technologies.
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Train your pet, using the skills you have learned. Work towards earning the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen certification for your pet. This certification attests that you have properly trained your dog to be a valued member of the family and community. Testing includes sit and down on command, staying in place and walking through a crowd.
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Volunteer at a local animal shelter to work with animals that need to learn social and behavioral skills. Working with a variety of animals, under different circumstances, will help prepare you to become a dog obedience trainer and offers you invaluable hands-on experience with different breeds and temperaments.
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Work with an experienced trainer as an assistant or as part of an internship. Besides watching a professional at work, you'll gain insight into the day-to-day realities of being a pet obedience trainer.
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Join online communities to keep up-to-date on training theories and techniques. Read as many books about dog training and behavior modification as possible. Subscribe to monthly obedience publications such as "Front and Finish" and "Off-Lead" to get information about seminars and conventions and gain insider knowledge.
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Obtain certification once you have met the minimum basic requirements. To be certified by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, a trainer must have at least 300 hours of dog training and teaching experience.
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Tips & Warnings
Fostering dogs is another way for you to gain experience with a wider variety of animals.
To be considered an endorsed member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, a dog trainer must meet minimum requirements, which include five years' training experience and having worked with a minimum of 100 dogs.
If you're looking to make pet obedience training your career, consider the market you are entering and ascertain whether there is a demand for dog trainers.
Since working with animals can be dangerous, you should consider not working with aggressive dogs until you are sure you can handle dogs who react unexpectedly or aggressively.
References
- Association of Pet Dog Trainers: So You Want to Be a Dog Trainer
- American Kennel Club: Events: AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program
- National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors: How Do I Become a Dog Trainer and Obedience Instructor?
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: Certifications
- National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors: Membership
Resources
- Photo Credit Juan Silva/Photodisc/Getty Images
