Become a Dog Trainer

Do you want to learn how to become a dog trainer? Are you frustrated by the certifications, indecipherable job requirements, and endless education opportunities? As you may have noticed, nobody becomes a dog trainer overnight – but you can break into the career of your dreams sooner than you think with hard work, study, and dedication!

Dog Trainer Education

Most animal lovers would quit their jobs at the drop of a hat to work in pet training – but this enthusiasm quickly dies out when words like “learning theory”, “desensitization”, and “operant conditioning” flood every serious dog training textbook.

Dog training theories are just as complex as the practice and you always have to stay current to avoid harmful and out-of-date techniques.

Start with books by Karen Pryor (pioneer of clicker training and force-free methods) or Dr. Ian Dunbar (animal behaviorist and creator of the world’s first off-leash puppy socialization classes) for an easy introduction into the world of positive reinforcement dog training.

Experience

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to get a nationally-recognized “official” training certification without real working experience. And what’s even more unfortunate if you want to become a dog trainer is that the jobs that count are not entry level positions by any means. So get started now – as a groomer, walker, or preferably, a trainer’s assistant. Some certifications require up to 1500 hours of professional dog training or animal behavior experience.

Dog Trainer Certification

Two of the most popular and rigorous certification organizations are the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Neither of these organizations are easy to join – that’s what makes these certifications so valuable in today’s job marketplace. Both of these require extensive professional experience, a comprehensive test, legitimate references, and a willingness to accept and abide by a code of conduct.

Dog Trainer Employment

Learning how to become a dog trainer starts and ends with experience. To be considered a legitimate authority you need to be certified or hold a degree – but you could get started today with an apprenticeship. If you do have the experience and skills to obtain an official certification you will find most certificate-granting organizations also strive to connect qualified trainers with the pet owners who need them.

Don’t get frustrated if all of this sounds too difficult! Just pick up a few positive reinforcement books, connect with a few dog owners in your neighborhood, and get real experience by practicing your knowledge on living, breathing canines.

You can have the career that you have always wanted! Learn how to become a dog trainer today, and start living your dream!

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