I have wanted to train service dogs since I was 11, and I’m graduating this year. I plan to attend a technical school for training in various service tasks, including K9, drug sniffing, medical alert, and disability assistance. After that, I’m not sure of the next steps. Can I jump straight into this field, or do I need to work up to it? Any advice, especially from experienced trainers, would be greatly appreciated.
Check out Canine Companions. They have apprentice trainer positions that can lead to professional trainer status.
More people should ascend the ladder, in my opinion. Volunteering at an ADI organization is a fantastic opportunity to begin acclimating yourself to working with service dogs and impaired individuals. Raising puppies is incredibly helpful for someone who aspires to work as a trainer. Every day, you’ll receive guidance, pointers, and strategies directly from qualified service dog trainers. From there, you have the option of working for an ADI organization, a non-ADI organization, or even trying to start your own company. If you have no prior experience, I would NOT advise starting your own service dog training business right out of high school. It’s important to exercise caution when training service dogs, particularly when helping owner trainers. This is due to the possibility that you could waste someone’s money, destroy their prospect, and more.
Volunteering and continuing your education will help you move up the ladder. After completing your studies, we have plenty of volunteer possibilities. I am a service dog trainer with Assistance Dogs of the West in Santa Fe, and we are now looking to add a new trainer to our team.
First, you must become a dog trainer. Start by volunteering at your local shelter, and if there is a training program, participate in it. Find a reputable trainer to apprentice under, and learn everything you can. Before becoming a service dog trainer, you must first get experience as a trainer.