Becoming a dog trainer has always been an attractive idea to anyone who truly loves dogs. And working a dog training company for yourself as well as being your own boss is definitely a plus as you also get to be your own employer and live that dream too! However if you’ve just started your dog training business then you will already know, it’s not all that easy or straightforward. Training requires patience, determination, hard work, and of course some dog training tricks!
There are lots of dog training tips floating around out there. One way to become a more effective dog training trainer would be to become a Certified Personal Trainer (CPC). Most professional dog trainers are certified by organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Certification Board for Professional Dog Trainers (NCBT). Having a certificate in your hand certainly gives you an edge, and helps you get better paying jobs.
Another option would be to train as an apprentice under a dog trainer who is already licensed. Obtaining your certification as an apprentice can take quite a while, but being able to see what it takes to be a dog handler firsthand can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of becoming a dog handler or trainer. You can learn a lot from those who have already gone through the process. Obtaining your initial license as an apprentice may be difficult, but it is well worth the effort as this will provide you with experience and a leg up on potential future job opportunities in the field.
A good first step towards becoming a dog trainer would be learning the basics of training and obedience. This includes understanding the structure and dynamics of dog training as well as learning basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, etc. Learning the fundamentals of training is important before moving forward. Without a firm grasp of the fundamentals, you may not be able to effectively train your dog. There are also online sources that you can take advantage of to gain further understanding and training on the basics of training.
When you have completed an introductory course, you can then decide if you want to enroll in a basic obedience class. Some of these classes focus solely on teaching basic commands, and others to teach tricks. These classes can have a very high level of difficulty, so it is imperative that you are prepared for them. Once you complete your introductory course, you should then determine where you want to take your next steps towards becoming a dog trainer. If you focused your efforts on the basics, it would probably be best to just stick to the basics, but if you wish to train for tricks, you will need to find another trainer.
One option would be to become an apprentice of a professional trainer. Most animal shelters and humane societies hire individuals as trainers because they offer proven knowledge and experience. You could also start out by working as an assistant to a behaviorist or a trainer. These positions usually last between one and three months, depending on the facility. To qualify as an assistant, you must be able to demonstrate that you know how to communicate effectively with dogs, have a friendly personality, and be patient.
Some other ways to achieve a goal of becoming a dog trainer would be through formal schooling. The quickest way to get into this field is to graduate from a professional dog training academy. To be accepted into an academy, you will need to undergo a rigorous screening process. These screenings will look at your previous training, certification, and experience as a dog behaviorist. The Academy will also review your written application and conduct interviews to determine if you are a suitable candidate for training.
If you decide to go through formal education to become a certified dog trainers, you can do so through the American Society for Testing and Animals (ASTA). The requirements to become a certified dog trainer are to have completed a bachelor’s degree with a major in animal sciences, a year of relevant experience, and three years of relevant experience as a practicing dog trainer. Once you have all these credentials, you will need to apply for certification by the ASTA. A certificate or diploma will suffice to become certified, but becoming a full professional dog trainer with both national and international certifications is the best way to get a job. Other national certifications such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American College of Therapeutic Dog Trainers (ACTC) is also highly regarded and can be attained through extensive courses.
