How To Become A Dog Trainer

So you want to be a certified dog trainer? Setting up a dog training business is the dream for many of us. Yet, it’s not as simple as when you teach your puppy the sit command. If you’re a dog lover and passionate about animal welfare, there are many career options to work with your furry friend. 

Dogs are trained for different purposes: therapy, agility, and search and rescue. A dog obedience instructor needs to know a variety of dog commands. This article will cover training tips for your pet dog and the easy steps to become a professional trainer. We’ll share the best dog trainer programs and certification requirements. 

How should you train your dog?

Different training strategies abound. The two main methods are aversive-based training and reward-based training.

Aversive training uses negative reinforcement to get your dog performing the behavior. These might include loud noises, harsh scoldings, and physical corrections. While many consider this is an excellent way to command your dog’s attention, others disagree, suggesting that it inspires fear in the dog when they follow basic commands. 

On the other hand, rewards-based training is where you offer food treats to get your dog to learn. Positive reinforcements allow your dog to feel happy when they see a treat on the floor following an action. Of course, the reward can be other than a food lure, such as a belly rub, praise your dog, or clicker training.

Try whichever method you feel more comfortable with your dog. Tell your dog to sit while using your dog’s name and a hand signal. When they obey, gradually increase the number of commands you issue. For example, follow sitting by telling your dog to lie down.

Puppy training also includes leash training. Teaching dogs to walk with a loose leash (not straining on it) will make their walks more enjoyable for you and them. You also need to understand how your dog learns. Keep an eye on their body language. 

Animal learning is much like children’s learning. They can understand their dog owners’ words, but, more typically, dogs respond to the tone of voice. Dogs only consider immediate consequences; their attention span is small.

There are three different kinds of animal behavior:

• Instinctive.

• Adaptive.

• Obedience.

Why become a dog trainer?

Becoming a certified dog trainer is an exciting career. Over 63 million people in the US own at least one dog. With so many healthy dogs needing house training, becoming a dog trainer is a lucrative job. 

There are many similar jobs, including dog breeding, dog care, manufacturing dog products, and dog walking if you love dogs. 

However, a love of animals isn’t all you need to become a dog trainer. Consider whether you’re a people person as likely you’ll work with people as much as dogs. 

Getting started might seem a challenging learning experience. Begin with teaching your dog and consider taking a course on training techniques. 

How much does a dog trainer earn?

Experienced dog trainers earned an average of $26,370 a year. Dog training careers are also predicted to rise by 33% over the next ten years. If you want to train dogs for a living, begin by training your dog and taking classes on techniques. 

How long does it take to become a dog trainer?

No required licenses, certificates, or educational steps are needed to become a dog trainer; anyone can do it. However, unless you already have expert training skills, it might take some time before you set up your training business.

As mentioned, the best way to start getting hands-on experience is to begin training your puppy. Try to go beyond basic dog commands such as the sit position. See if you can get them to do tricks to agile stunts.

Yet, to become a professional dog trainer, you need experience training various dog breeds. An excellent way to expose yourself to different dogs is by working or volunteering in an animal shelter. Not only will you learn a lot about animal care, but you will also discover how to interact with different breeds. 

How to become a certified dog trainer? 

There are many routes to become certified in dog behavior and training. While there are no legal requirements for certification, you’re more likely to pick up potential clients if you evidence your skills. Although, if you’re interested in applying to work with therapy dogs or search and rescue animals, you may need qualifications.

As mentioned, hands-on training and puppy care with your pets or in a shelter are crucial. You could also attend animal behavior college or take an online training course to learn how to treat and praise dogs correctly. You might also want to join the Association of Professional Dog Trainers or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

How to become a therapy dog trainer? 

Therapy dogs are responsible dogs who support the emotional needs of people. You might find trained dogs in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, and schools. Dog training classes teach you how to assess the dog’s behavior to see if it fits as a therapy dog. 

How to become a dog agility trainer?

Dog sports are growing in popularity all the time. Generally speaking, positive reinforcement is recommended to encourage the desired behavior in agility training. For example, tempt them with their favorite toy and increase the distance you want them to jump.

How to become a search and rescue dog trainer?

Search and rescue dogs require thorough obedience training. Strong behavior management is needed as they’re often placed in difficult situations. Search and rescue dogs often have to complete several training sessions a month. 

How to become a certified dog trainer online?

You don’t have to attend in-person dog trainer courses. There are plenty of ways to get your dog trainer certification online. If you have a dog at home to practice on, you need internet access and the willingness to learn.

At Courses for Success, we offer the Dog Nutrition Online Bundle courses. The bundle comprises three online courses, including training techniques and vet assistance on what dogs eat. 

As a dog trainer, you will often need to act as a behavior consultant and offer expert advice to the pet owner. The training also includes general health tips, such as dental care or looking for fleas and ticks.

At Courses for Success, you can learn the commands to teach your dog everything you need to know about animal health. Get a head start with our training program if you’ve trained your dog successfully and are looking to start your own business.

Why Courses for Success?

Courses for Success offers over 10,000 online courses, all of which aim to help you in your personal development and career progression. Not only that, but you can also study them anywhere and at any time, and take them at your own pace, too.

You don’t need career diplomas or specific experience to get started. From our coding courses and trading courses to design courses and developer courses, every course we offer will help boost your prospects, no matter who you are.

Beyond just the education itself, students will be issued a certificate online after completing each of the learning courses they do. Our online dog nutrition courses are no exception and are recognized by industry leaders. You could make a name for yourself by signing up for a Courses for Success short course today.