So, you’ve decided to become a dog trainer? That’s awesome! For a dog lover, there’s no better opportunity to spend your days surrounded by these amazing companion animals. From “Heinz 57” dogs to purebreds of all kinds, all dogs need obedience training.
Dog training can be a fun career. If you think about it, you can actually get paid to play with dogs! And while you’re enjoying your work, animals will benefit from your help.
Preparing for a Dog Training Career
Unlike a lot of careers, dog training doesn’t require an expensive degree or years of college. Technically, you do not have to have any specific education or training, but that’s not a smart choice. Savvy pet owners are going to pick a trainer who can demonstrate mastery of the craft over someone who just picked up dog training by haphazardly working with a couple of dogs and watching YouTube videos.
A better option is enrolling in school that trains professional dog trainers. Attending a dog trainer school takes about a year, is affordable, and gives you the skills you need to “hang out your shingle” with confidence in your abilities–if you choose a school that offers a hands-on learning component.
Animal Behavior College has one of the top dog trainer programs in North America. ABC has been preparing students to start dog training careers since 1998 and has graduated thousands of dog trainers.
What’s So Special About Animal Behavior College?
At the top echelon of online programs, ABC has a great reputation. The school was founded by a dog trainer; the curriculum is designed by professional trainers; and the personal program managers who see each student through the program from start to finish are trainers.
In addition, ABC’s obedience training program is approved by several professional dog training associations: the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. Should you decide to pursue membership in any of these professional organizations, your education can help prepare you to sit for certification examinations.
What Is it Like to Be an ABC Student?
From the beginning, you are not alone. Even though you may be working through the online portion of the curriculum in your living room or your favorite local coffee shop, you always have access to your personal program manager, who can answer questions and offer guidance.
The ABC dog trainer curriculum is engaging and covers everything you need to know to begin your career. The program is designed in stages:
- Basic Overview of Canines
- Learning Theory
- A Dog Trainer’s Toolbox
- Training Fundamentals
- Basic Obedience Dog Training Cues
- Effective Problem Solving
- Dog Training Safet
- Public Speaking/Conducting Training Lesson
- Building a Dog Training Business
- Hands on Externship and Volunteer Shelter Hours
- Final Exam/Graduation
The first nine stages are completed online, then the real fun begins: working with actual dogs in the real world. ABC has contracted with more than 3,000 professional dog trainers throughout North America. These mentors work one-on-one with students in order to provide plenty of opportunity to get hands-on experience.
In addition, students are asked to volunteer in a local animal shelter, humane society, or rescue program for at least 10 hours as part of an ABC campaign called “Students Saving Lives.” While students practice their training skills, dogs acquire obedience training that makes them far more adoptable.
Another way ABC helps trainers prepare for their careers is by educating them on the business side of things. Dog training is an ideal career if you want to start your own business and ABC teaches you about making a business plan, sticking to a budget, marketing yourself, and managing a website and social media accounts to optimize exposure.
Those who aren’t ready for the leap to self-employment receive preparation for the job hunt. You’ll learn how to write a professional resumé and cover letter and how to present yourself during a job interview.
Does Animal Behavior College Help Their Alumni?
Animal Behavior College is committed to helping their alumni succeed as professional obedience trainers. For starters, graduates will always be able to access the curriculum, and they get discounts on short term courses to further their education and be able to offer more services.
Alumni have access to a private job board and get a free listing on ABC’s exclusive dog trainer listing. Dog owners can search the listing of ABC graduates to find a certified local trainer,
Launch Your Dog Obedience Training Career the Right Way
If you want to go into dog training well-prepared and supported, enroll in Animal Behavior College. ABC’s experience in educating trainers is unmatched, and students who get certified in the program enjoy the name recognition that accompanies the school. With such a long history of certifying trainers, ABC enjoys a great reputation among employers and dog owners.
To learn more, call 800-795-3294 to speak with an admissions counselor today.
