Looking to make a fresh start in 2023? Ready to ditch your boring dead-end job and prepare for a rewarding career or, better yet, launch your own business? Are you a big fan of wagging tails and slobbery kisses? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you might want to consider becoming a dog obedience trainer.
Job prospects for dog trainers are high right now and are expected to continue growing at a faster rate than the national outlook for other occupations. If you are a dog lover, 2023 is the perfect year to launch a training career.
Dog Obedience Training is All About the Basics
As a dog obedience trainer, you will work with a lot of puppies, but you’ll also have the pleasure—and challenge—of working with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Most owners aren’t looking for anything fancy. They just want help teaching their dogs basic commands (AKA cues) such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “down,” and “leave it”—commands that keep a dog safe and hopefully make a household less chaotic. Dog obedience trainers shape good canine citizens. By doing so, they make life better for dogs as well as humans.
Dog obedience trainers must work with dog parents almost as much as they work with dogs, so people skills are a must. Pet parents need trainers to assist in, teaching them how to work with their dogs and giving advice and encouragement.
So, what does it take to become a dog trainer? First, it is important to have a genuine love for dogs. Second, you need to be patient and capable of dealing with the occasional “setback.” Finally, you must be able to teach both dogs and the people who love them in a kind, but consistent, manner. Training a dog is a long game and doesn’t happen overnight. It takes persistence and consistency.
Career Opportunities for Dog Trainers
There are a lot of career opportunities for dog obedience trainers. The pet industry is growing so there is a lot of demand for professional trainers. Dog trainers work in a variety of settings including obedience schools, animal shelters, humane societies, kennels, pet stores, and dog daycare facilities, just to name a few. Sometimes they teach group classes, but many dog trainers offer private lessons in the pet owners’ homes.
If you’ve ever wanted to start your own business, becoming a dog obedience trainer is the perfect opportunity to do that. It’s a career that allows you to work outside, which is a huge plus for a lot of people. You can set your own hours. You can train full time or, if you aren’t ready to take that leap, you can pursue training as a side gig and see where it takes you.
How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer
There is no set path to becoming a dog trainer. Many trainers first discover a knack for the profession by teaching their own dogs the basics. Then they move on to offering to teach their friends’ and families’ dogs. Another alternative is to do an apprenticeship under the guidance of an experienced dog trainer. You can also attend a dog trainer school or certification program. Getting certified can give you a leg up because it demonstrates your dedication and training knowledge to potential employers and clients.
You can complete the Animal Behavior College certified Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in as little as 12 months. The program blends online learning and hands-on experience with a local mentor trainer. ABC’s certified trainers enter the workforce confident in their skills.
Why not start 2023 with a plan to embark on an exciting new career? If you enroll now, you could be a professional dog obedience trainer by 2024!
