What do you have to do to become a dog trainer?

Answer 1

It depends, there is no regulation in Canada unfortunately.
Most responsible trainers are registered with the Canadian Association of Proffessional Pet Dog Trainers,
(CAPPDT) There is an American club as well THe Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
You should have plenty of experience with dogs, dog sports, and have trained multiple dogs.
I worked as an apprentice under my breeder who also did training after I completed several years of competitive obedience and research. It is important to work with someone who is more experienced, training to sit or stay isnt everything, you must learn how to prevent problems in the future, behavioral issues can be very complex and it is important to learn from someone. The wrong advice can cause greater problems.
After I trained with my breeder for a while I decided to work at Petsmart for a year, there you can work with many different breeds, and learn how to structure the classes. personally, I did not learn techniques from them, yet practiced what I learned and worked with many different breeds in a family environment, which was different than a serious competitve environment that I was used to.
I would assume that there are many different ways that people have become trainers, I think that the best ones happen upon it because they enjoyed it first.

I dont agree with trainers having to be at least 30, it is more the information, experience and techniques that they use. Also, techniques are always changing, a 30 year old may not had kept up on thier reading and continue to use the older less effective methods.

Answer 2

I believe it is a four step process. First you need to apprentice under someone who already is a dog trainer. You can do this at club in your area. Many of the clubs are non profit so the instructors are not paid and neither are the apprentices. You need to do this for at least year. Move around learn obedience, family dog, agility, etc.

Next you go on to instruct at the club. Again, you probably won't be paid. Don't over volunteer yourself! Just do one or two classes a week. This is where you start to specialize. Stick with something you like. Read, research, experiment with your own dogs, go to trials, create interesting curriculum for your classes. Really start to find your own style. Do this for ever.

After you start to feel confident enough, apply at a pet store. I would stay away from Pet Smart. They have a program that you will have to follow. You want to do your own thing at this point. Find a store where you design the class. Take about a year to build your reputation and your client base.

Then you are ready to go out on your own. This is a big step because you will need all the stuff that goes along with a business like a license, insurance, a facility etc. etc. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I am obviously not a dog trainer! Love the Dog Whisperer!

When I first began to volunteer at a pet shelter I received excellent training - with dogs and cats. Our local humane society's "head of dogs" has an outstanding reputation as a dog trainer.

I think a shelter with a good reputation with dogs would be an excellent place to get started and you will meet many people who can steer you in the right direction.

I would love to see Cesar Milan go into an animal shelter and put 30 dogs into "a calm, submissive state of mind". I think that man is incredible and think he could do it.

So, the dogs were a little too barky, jumpy and excited for me. I found I liked the cats.

Answer 4

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aMPmr

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 5

My father is a professional trainer and I have tinkered here and there.

It really depends on what kind of trainer you would like to be......Obviously you need to learn the basics and move on.

Basic Obedience
House breaking
Problem traits(biting, barking, etc)
Tracking

Learn on your own dog starting 5 or 6months(old)
Then you need to branch out as every dog is different . What works well with one does not with another.

See if there are any group classes in your area they can offer help training you and your dog!

Try getting involved with a club. Schutzhund clubs work with people all the time they do more
Advanced OB,Protection, and tracking.

Its a very hard field to just drop into you need a lot of networking and word of mouth advertising.
Be very patient.....Maybe a Kennel in your area would let you help part-time training to get your feet wet(Start with house breaking and basic OB)

Answer 6

Know how to train dogs... kinda important! Many different breeds representing many different personalities. You never really train a dog in a dog training class... you train the owners in how to be consistent with training their own dog! So you'll have to know people to... so this would put you in a higher age category... say in your 30's minimum.

I personally would never go to a trainer younger than 30... they haven't been around long enough or worked with enough people/dogs to have a good background in the field.

Answer 7

If you want to become a professional dog trainer you would have to go to ABC or Animal Behavior College. Their website is www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com

Answer 8

how serious are you?
what kind of trainer?
dog training takes a kind but stern person
you must know how dogs think & the pack mentality.
most of the time you're training the humans how to correctly work with their dogs.

Answer 9

Talk to Cesar Milan---"the dog whisperer" he's on the National Geographic channel on Friday nights---also check your time zone.

Answer 10

If u want to be a professional one then go to a pet school or worjk at a place where they train dogs.