Do I have to attend school or get a certification? I am considering helping out in the shelter. I have always enjoyed spending time with dogs and have grown weary of working in an office. Besides moving forward and continuing the training part-time until I feel safe leaving my job, I was considering volunteering for a while to see if I enjoy working with various canines.
In addition, although I work in HR and make a respectable $39,000 now, I have the potential to earn up to six figures if I continue up the ladder. If I were to pursue something I enjoy, I would be happy to earn the amount I do today. Is that wage a fair one?
Take on a side gig. Few, if any, people that I know could begin full-time training right away. That normally requires ten or more years of experience. Until you can gradually start filling those hours with lessons, either hold onto your existing employment or start providing a service like dog walking, sitting or boarding. Alternatively, take up a few shifts at a groomer, dog daycare or shelter. It is helpful, in my opinion, if you can work with dogs for at least half of your working hours. Experience is something you can at least get compensated for.
Dog training classes are a popular way for trainers to generate ongoing income. Many new dog owners immediately seek out training classes, often preferring the group setting to one-on-one sessions.