Can you make money as a dog trainer

There really is not a better job in the world than getting to work and play with dogs every day. But for many of us, the idea is just a pipe dream. Trust me, I understand, I have been there. However, not only is it possible to make a decent living as a dog trainer, it can open doors to other paths of income. For example, most dog trainers are also writers, authors, public speakers, animal rights advocates, and business owners. Once you have decided you want to be a dog trainer, you first need to decide what kind of training you want teach. Deciding your career goals early will help ensure you make the right choice as far as your education goes. For example, if you want to go into the military or the police force and work with a K9 unit, you are going to need a very different education then if you want to teach basic obedience to local families. Most likely throughout your career you will teach a variety of skills. Most trainers start out with basic obedience and then move into competition obedience, agility, behavior modification, physical therapy, or all of the. Setting goals and keeping yourself on track will make sure you achieve your dreams.

Your job can range from simple house training techniques and basic voice commands, to training animals for elaborate tasks like working with disabled or ill people, leading the blind, and more. The possibilities for dog training are virtually endless as people will always need someone to explain and teach them how to wrangle their pets correctly. According to the U. Consider reading well-respected books about animal behavior, enrolling in dog-obedience courses on your own, and researching animal behavior extensively online. Once you have some research, knowledge, and experience under your belt, take a good, honest look at your skill set. Continually work toward bettering your skills, learning, and working with experienced trainers before you decide to branch out on your own. When you do, though, be prepared to work hard, help people and animals, and challenge yourself daily. Consider getting certified with professional organizations like the Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge Assessed.

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This will verify that you have enough private session and group training experience to qualify as a professional choice. Groups like The Association of Professional Dog Trainers and Pet Professional Guild are great organizations to boost your clout and gain more experience. Currently, there is no education or regulatory course required in order to be come a dog trainer. First, contact the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the Association of Pet Trainers for information on what courses and classes you should take, what research should be conducted, and how to gain the experience you need in order to become a professional dog trainer. Consider taking courses on your own time and shoot for certifications in order to put yourself ahead of the rest of the dog trainers in your market. Trainers who receive certifications, hold CPDT titles, and continue their education on a regular basis are far more successful than dog trainers who do not have certification or experience to provide to their clients. This Association is the largest professional group of dog trainers in the world and they offer various seminars, newsletters, courses, and training tips. According to the BLS, the growth rate for dog trainers is categorized as faster than average and expected to see a growth rate of about 11 percent by Right now, there are about 10, dog trainers in the United States, and with the current demand for trainers, that amount simply will not suffice. If the challenges, rewards, salary, and job outlook line up with your goals and your life, go for it! The US Labor Department qualifies the dog training career as a rapid accelerator when it comes to job outlook growth. The current number of dog trainers is listed at around 10, professionals, but that number is expected to increase by about 11 percent by , as the demand for trainers is continually rising. You do not need to attend school to be a dog trainer, although certification and dog training courses are highly encouraged. Trainers can work at their own businesses, at pet stores, vet offices, 4-H clubs, community colleges, and more.

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Dog Training Salaries

Most employers ask their canine trainers to hold some sort of certification. Community colleges, vocational schools and private training academies all provide education in training animals. Because certain industries — namely motion pictures — pay higher salaries for their trainers, median wage is often used to predict earning potential. Both figures, however, fail to differentiate one type of trainer from the next. A dog trainer is paid a much different scale than a horse trainer, for example. As with any job, location affects salaries, and a dog trainer is no exception. Of course, this all depends on the employer. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In , , people were employed in the U. Based in Minneapolis, Minn. Prior to this, Severson worked as a manager of business development for a marketing company, developing targeted marketing campaigns for Big G, Betty Crocker and Pillsbury, among others.

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. It depends on where you are and current demand in your area. Story Page. At the end of the three years, you have to pass a test I believe it is a combination of written, oral, and practical. Why not! There could also be lots of room for advancement. It is not required. There are several steps you can take to become a dog trainer. Dog photographers are more in demand than ever. Give out a few free samples with your business card attached, and you might be able to start selling enough dog treats to earn a nice income. Bake up a batch of doggy biscuits and take them to vet clinics, dog groomers, and pet supply stores. To learn more from our Veterinarian reviewer, like how to get a job as a dog trainer, keep reading! Busy people who work a lot may also be willing to pay somebody else to take their dog to appointments as well. It’s a great way for you to get some hands-on experience.

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Exposure and practice are the best ways to become a dog trainer. Before getting certified, you’ll need some prior experiences, which you can get by volunteering to assist dog trainers or becoming a foster home for dogs in need. Once you’re ready to pursue eog certification, contact the Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers. If you think you want to become a dog trainer, you’ll have to get certified. The information I gave above I found kake from schools in the US. Fired Cowboys coach reportedly lands a new job. A well teacher who makes use of approaches that you’ll be able to put into effect, you consider relaxed with, and your puppy enjoys can support you immensely. If you can make cute, quality bows, you can probably get as much business as you can handle from local amke. Busy people who work a lot may also be willing to pay somebody else to take their dog to appointments as. Method 3.

Being a professional dog trainer can be an incredibly fulfilling profession. While there are many fabulous dog training schools out there, in the U. That being said, getting a solid foundation on the science of animal behavior is something I strongly recommend and a dog training school is a great place to get everything you need in one place. Do not forget. If your skills and knowledge are able to help someone through a frustrating and debilitating behavior challenge with their dog, that is extremely valuable some might even say priceless.

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This impactful knowledge transfer is can you make money as a dog trainer incredibly important! Your clients look to you as the professional. Understanding your clients, their needs and wants, and what they see as beneficial will help you stand out from the crowd. Their clients then get frustrated and may not seek out additional services since their voices were not heard in the first round of training. Listening to your clients will improve the quality of service you provide which can encourage repeat business and generate referrals. Think about how you can improve your ability to listen to your clients and limit your assumptions. In addition to taking your dog training skills seriously, you should take your business seriously. Having thought-out processes for situations like new client email correspondence, new client onboarding, accounting, and marketing will greatly increase your productivity.