The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) in the United States and the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT) offer good lists of educational resources. For example, they recommend books by Sophia Yin (How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves) and Gail Fisher (The Thinking Dog) to further your education. Nicole Wilde, author of It’s Not the Dogs, It’s the People, is also a great source to read. If you have a dog (or dogs) you can also start to carefully observe his behavior. Take note of different moods or habits, and start keeping a journal of your observations. Your own dog’s vet is a great resource for you. Ask her if she can recommend some reading material for you. You can also ask the reference librarian at your local library to give you pointers on which books to look for. There are several common behavior patterns you will want to learn about, including aggression, food guarding, barking, and whining. You can do some of your research online by looking at websites of organization such as the ASPCA and the Humane Society. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Aside from basic obedience dog trainers, there are many other specializations. [5] X Expert Source Sheri WilliamsCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 5 June 2020. For example, you could consider training dogs for medical purposes. One way to do this is to become a trainer for seeing eye dogs. As a dog trainer, you could also consider training police or military dogs. These animals are trained in supporting officers and are sometimes used to find missing people or to alert officers to illegal drugs or bombs. Another career path is to become a trainer who works with dogs who appear in movies and on television. You would likely need to live in an area where films are made to pursue this option.
Some programs will let volunteers assist with training dogs. Ask the person in charge of your local shelter if that is a possibility. It’s a great way for you to get some hands-on experience. Volunteering can help you make sure that this is the right career path for you. Many shelter dogs suffer from behavioral problems. Being a volunteer can give you a good idea of what you can expect if you make training your career. Consider becoming a foster home for dogs in need. This involves caring for dogs while they are between a shelter and a permanent home, and can last anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks or months. Fostering dogs is a great way for you to learn to interact with a lot of different breeds and personalities. Ask your local shelter if they have a foster program.
Meet with an admissions counselor at a nearby college and ask for information about their degree program in Animal Behavior. Consider the costs and the time that you will need to put in in order to succeed. If you do not have the time, money, or desire to get a college degree to become a dog trainer, there are other ways to further your education. One way is to go to trade school. Although these programs are not accredited in the same way that colleges are, there are many reputable programs. Do some research online, and read reviews from former students to learn what the experience is like. [8] X Expert Source Sheri WilliamsCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 5 June 2020.
Once you are certified, the CCPDT requires you to participate in continuing education, which means that you will need to take certain classes and seminars each year.
If you are not attending classes, you can still get guidance from a professional. Many larger dog training businesses offer internships. Contact the obedience schools in your area to find out if this is an option. Be aware that interns/apprentices are often paid very little, and sometimes not at all.
If you are interested in a more specialized training career, make sure that you live in the right area. For example, military and police dogs are only trained in certain cities. Are you willing to relocate? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself as you think about your career path.
Make sure that you have a professional cover letter ready to send out with your resume. It should indicate why you are applying for that particular job and highlight your strengths as a dog trainer.
When you are just starting out, you might consider trying to get a job at a chain pet store. These businesses often have many opportunities for new trainers. There could also be lots of room for advancement. Use your professional network to learn about potential jobs. Ask people you know in the field and former classmates if they are aware of any openings. Networking is one of the best ways to find a new job. Ask local dog trainers if they are looking for a partner. Working as part of a small team can be a great way to hone your skills.
Market yourself. Make sure to set aside a portion of your start-up funds for advertising. You might want to print flyers to hang in your neighborhood or buy advertising space on a website. Use social media. The internet is a powerful tool, and you can use it to your benefit. Get the word out about your new business using sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Ask your friends to make sure to “like” and share your posts.
Join the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (www. nadoi. org), the International Association of Canine Professionals (www. canineprofessionals. com) and/or the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www. apdt. com) where you can network with other trainers online, attend conferences, and continue your education even if you are not a professional trainer just yet.
