How to become a dog trainer

Being a dog trainer sounds like the perfect job, right? What could be better than spending your days surrounded by four-legged friends while helping them (and their humans) live their best lives?

But, being a dog trainer isn’t all wagging tails and belly rubs. It takes patience, hard work, and a deep understanding of animal behavior, so if you’re up for the challenge, read on to learn how to become a dog trainer.

Key takeaways

• Understanding dog behavior is key to becoming a trainer. 
• You’ll need to get hands-on experience before getting your first clients.
• While it’s not necessarily required, completing an official dog training course can greatly enhance your credibility as a trainer.

How to become a dog trainer

Start learning about animal behavior and training

The first step is getting to know what makes dogs tick. Understanding why our furry friends behave the way they do is essential for teaching them new behaviors and correcting unwanted ones.

You don’t need to go on a fancy dog training course to start learning – there are plenty of online resources and books to help you get started. Certified master dog trainer Rob Kuty says, “Depending on where you live in the world, the internet is a great start for resources in your area. I also have two great online courses on my website with techniques and demonstrations on common concerns.” 

Kick things off by exploring Rob’s list of dog training tips or getting stuck into some of these popular reads:

• “How Dogs Think” by Stanley Coren
• “Canine Body Language” by Brenda Aloff
• "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson
• “The Power of Positive Dog Training” by Pat Miller 
• “Don’t Shoot the Dog!” by Karen Pryor

Train your own dog

Once you’ve learned some of the dog training basics, it’s time to put them to the test with your own pup (or borrow a friend’s). Learning how to train a dog is about more than just teaching them to sit, you’ll need to try out some more advanced cues too. This is a great way to get comfortable with the process and practice the techniques you’ve learned, but every dog is different, so don’t stop here!

Practice with other dogs

While training your own dog is a great start, it won’t fully prepare you for what’s ahead. Dog trainers often work with dogs that have behavioral challenges, so it’s essential to gain experience with a variety of furry friends. Plus, what motivates one pup might not work for another, so the more variety, the better.

Rob Kuty advises, “Hands-on training and getting experience from the ground up is always priceless. Reaching out to your local animal shelter or zoo will not only give you some experience, but tends to open doors for you to reach your goal.”

So, if your friends or family have dogs, ask if you can train them. You can also offer dog training help at local rescue centers. And if you want to go all in, try shadowing a professional dog trainer. While you might not get paid, you’ll gain valuable experience that will make you a better dog trainer.

Get your dog training certification 

Once you’ve built up your knowledge and hands-on experience, it’s time to consider certification. While you don’t have to be certified to call yourself a dog trainer, it certainly boosts your credibility and skills.

Take your time to research dog training courses that align with your values. As Karen Schuppert explained over on our community forum, “Whether in-person or online, I would recommend conducting your own research when considering an educational course, and looking for ones that are properly accredited and if possible, reviewed by past students.”

Make sure the dog trainer certification you choose focuses on positive reinforcement, and be cautious of any that promote outdated techniques like:

• Dominance theory
• The use of choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars
• Any other form of punishment 

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dog trainer who makes a real difference in the lives of dogs and their humans. Good luck!

If you’re heading off on a dog training course or need to spend time away for hands-on experience, it’s important to make sure your pup is in good hands while you’re gone. Finding a reliable in-home dog sitter means your furry friend can stick to their familiar routine in the comfort of their own home, leaving you free to focus on your adventure with total peace of mind.