As one of the most dog-friendly states in the country, Connecticut offers a lot of opportunities for dog trainers. If you’re a dog lover looking for a great side gig, or if you want a career that won’t keep you tied to a desk and would allow you to be your own boss, check out obedience training.
There’s never been a better time to become a dog trainer. The pet industry is growing, and people are spending record amounts on their fur babies. That total includes services like grooming, boarding, and training. Spending by Connecticut pet owners is closing in on $3 billion. While they may not have the most dogs per capita, Connecticut pet owners have proven ready to spend money on services like training.
Animal Behavior College Recognized by Top Pet Industry and News Sources
How to Become a Dog Trainer in Connecticut
There’s a lot to learn if you want to be a successful dog trainer. You need to study how dogs learn, behavior-modification techniques, how to effectively use the tools of the trade (clickers, training treats, harnesses, crates, etc.), recognizing canine characteristics and personalities, training principles, and planning problem solving strategies for individual dogs.
Getting certified through a dog obedience school is a great way to launch your career. While it’s unlikely that you live within driving distance of a brick and mortar dog obedience school in Connecticut, that’s no reason to give up on your dream of becoming a trainer. Animal Behavior College has been teaching people to become dog trainers online for over two decades.
With ABC, you can enroll wherever you live, whenever you like. As long as you have reliable internet service, you can enroll and get right to work on the first stage: A Basic Overview of Canines.
The program takes about a year to complete. Once you’re certified, you have the option of working for an established company or hanging out your own shingle–dog training is great if you want to start your own business or have an awesome side gig!
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in California
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Academy of Pet Careers, Indeed.com and Talent.com 2024. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in Texas
Dog Trainer Career Earning Potential in Virginia
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Academy of Pet Careers, Indeed.com and Talent.com 2024. Own Your Own Business earnings statistics reference the prices charged in 2025 for private in-person dog training lessons, based on what multiple companies charge across various cities in the specified state. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
Getting Dog Training Experience
You’re probably scratching asking yourself, “How am I supposed to become a dog trainer online? Shouldn’t I be working with real dogs?”
ABC solved that problem a long time ago. We’ve developed a huge network of mentor partners-professional trainers who live throughout the United States. Once a student has finished the online coursework, we pair him or her with a local mentor for invaluable real world experience. The “externship” requires at least 15 hours with your mentor.
Our students gain confidence in their abilities as they practice their skills alongside a professional trainer.
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Connecticut Could Use More Dog Trainers
By becoming a dog trainer in Connecticut, you can help dogs become solid canine citizens and foster a lasting bond between dog and owner.
Check out the ABC Dog Obedience Program today. Call 1-800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor. Just imagine: within a year, you could be working as a certified dog trainer!
