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Do you love spending time with dogs? Are you patient and kind, but also firm and unyielding? Have you been told you have a way with animals, especially canines? If so, you may want to consider a career as a dog trainer. It will require hard work and dedication, but if you love helping dogs and people connect, then continue reading this guide on how to become a dog trainer.
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Introduction
- For those interested in becoming a dog trainer, you have an exciting future ahead involving every variety and temperament of dog imaginable. Your job will be to help dogs and their owners develop a deeper understanding of one another, and for dog lovers, what better career than one that helps enrich the canine's life? If you are ready to nurture this great career opportunity, then continue reading this helpful how-to guide.
Step 1: Know Your Canines
- Aspiring dog trainers should learn everything they can about canines. Start out early, even if you are still under the age of 18. There are plenty of opportunities for both children and teenagers that will help enable your future career as a dog trainer. Here are some tips to help get you started:
- Make sure you are patient
- Develop your communication skills; be able to communicate with both dogs and people
- Always be willing to learn something new about dogs and dog training
- Read all you can about dogs - this includes books, magazines and trade journals
- Spend times with dogs - consider adopting a dog of your own
- Work with them professionally - volunteer or get a job at an animal shelter or vet
Step 2: Education
- Education is essential for anyone that desires a career in dog training. However, not all dog training positions require that you attend school or get certified. Some people become involved with dog training after having already been employed in a related field. However, even these people usually have some form of extra training. For those wishing to obtain the more credible jobs, you should:
Attend Seminars and Conferences
- This is an excellent way for dog trainers to expand their network of industry contacts, while also keeping up with the constantly changing trends. Some benefits of attending include:
- The latest tips for handling aggressive dogs
- Techniques on behavior modification and problem solving
- Effective handling skills
- Working with dogs that are shy, timid and have phobias
- Search and rescue
- Learning about animal control laws and other related legalities
Obtain a Degree
- There are numerous schools available to the novice dog trainer, most of which will earn you not only an education, but also a dog training certification. When choosing a school:
- Make sure it has the proper accreditation
- Determine if it offers the area you are interested in specializing in
- Is it well known and respected
- Does it offer academics as well as hands on training?
Get Certified
For those interested in becoming the most sought after dog trainers, becoming certified is the best way to go. One of the most well known and respected organizations that offers national dog trainer certification in the United States is the: Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.Step 3: Find a Job
- Once you have followed the above steps, it is time to search for a job. You will tailor your resume to whatever specialized dog training program or facility you wish to be employed by, and then compose a list and start contacting the appropriate people. Jobs that are available to dog trainers include:
- Law enforcement
- Obedience or behavior modification programs
- Training for seeing eye dogs
- Self-employment - includes all forms of dog training programs
Conclusion
- Any type of animal training takes a special type of person; someone that is not only patient yet firm, but also one that has a love for animals and the ability to communicate with them. If you possess these qualities, as well as a special love for dogs, there is a job waiting for you as a dog trainer.
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