Menu:
How to Become a Dog Trainer
It is everyone’s dream to get paid to do what they love to do. If you are a real dog lover, the dog training profession is worth serious consideration. It would allow you to spend all day with dogs, and make money in the process!
There are several ways to acquire the skills you need to become a professional dog trainer. There are several self-help books available that will give you all the information you require to train yourself, but we would recommend that you either enroll yourself in a dog training school or attend some kind of skill-development seminars. For a nominal fee, you will get all the training and information you need to become a successful dog trainer.
Dog training schools
There are a few types of dog training school.
a) There are online programs where you are required to do research, read books, complete projects and report to someone. Some of them even offer exams. These programs impart information regarding dog theory. Many of them offer degree-type programs and are perfect if you are looking to learn about dog training and behavior theory.
b) There are brick-and-mortar training schools as well. Their curricula generally include the following elements:
- All aspects of dog training, behavior and dog handling;
- How to set up your own successful dog training business;
- How to train a variety of breeds of dogs under different circumstances.
c) There are also shorter programs called Instructor Training Programs. These offer a combination of both theory and experience. They also offer seminars which you can attend for the theoretical perspective.
Seminars, workshops and conference
Attending seminars, workshops and conferences is also a very good way to attain information regarding dog training, behavior and handling. Beginners attend these generally inexpensive workshops for a period of about one to four days. Ideally, you should try to attend a variety of seminars that give you information about most, if not all of the topics listed below:
- The history and development of breeds
- How to choose and raise a puppy; developmental stages
- Housetraining and crate training
- Puppy training and pet dog training
- Competition obedience training
- Animal behavior, behavior modification and problem solving techniques
- Effective handling skills
- How to “read” and evaluate a dog
- Effective counseling skills
- Canine health, nutrition, medicine
- Handling and training aggressive dogs
- Handling and training shy, timid and phobic dogs
- Dog sports and activities
- Tracking
- Protection training
- Canine anatomy, structure and movement
- Responsible dog ownership
- Service dog training
- Bomb and narcotics detection
- Search and rescue
- Animal control laws and legalities
- Trick training
- Constructive games; exercise outlets
- Handling and training dogs for TV, film and advertising
- Pet safety tips.
- Internships
If you are looking for hands-on training, you could apply for an internship or become the apprentice of a professional trainer. This way you will learn all the skills of trade. Do remember to get yourself certified after your training is complete. Follow our advice carefully and it shouldn’t be long before you get the job of your dreams!