Hello guys, I have been considering my career options, and for the past almost two years, being a certified dog trainer has been at the top of my list. I have always loved animals, especially dogs, with a profound and lasting affection. I adore dogs of all breeds, and I would much prefer to spend time with my dog than with people. I have the potential to be a competent trainer or teacher. but, I am not sure where to begin. My dog is one that I trained myself. Although his behaviour is not flawless, I believe I did a good job raising him and he is well-behaved, considering I handled all of his training on my own without any prior expertise. I am hoping that some folks in this discussion either work in this industry or know someone who does. If that’s true, I would highly appreciate some initial recommendations on proactive actions I can take to make progress in this direction.
Turning your passion for dog training into a career is a fantastic goal.
Plan to help you get started:
1. Education and Certification
- Training Programs: Enroll in reputable dog training schools or organizations for certification.
- Online Learning: Check out flexible online courses if you need more convenience.
- Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced trainers to gain practical insights.
2. Gain Experience
- Volunteer: Offer your training services at local shelters or rescue organizations.
- Shadow Trainers: Observe and learn from seasoned professionals.
- Practice: Train friends’ and family members’ dogs to build your skills and portfolio.
3. Build Your Brand
- Online Presence: Develop a website or social media profiles to showcase your services.
- Networking: Connect with other trainers and pet industry professionals.
- Specialization: Consider specializing in areas like puppy training or behavior modification.
4. Business Planning
- Financials: Plan your startup costs, pricing, and marketing budget.
- Legalities and Insurance: Understand legal requirements and obtain necessary insurance.
- Business Structure: Choose the right legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC).
5. Continuous Learning
- Stay Updated: Attend industry conferences and workshops to keep up with new techniques.
- Client Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients for referrals and trust.
This is certainly a controversial response, but PetSmart is a wonderful place to start if you’re new to dog training. Although you will simply learn the fundamentals of dog training, this will provide you with a solid foundation. It will also allow you to assess whether or not it is something you want to pursue professionally without making a long-term commitment.
Locate a reputable trainer in your neighborhood, and consider taking your dog to one or more of their classes. Find out what books, films, or courses they suggest. My dog trainer consented to allow me to observe a few of her sessions when I inquired about how to break into the field. As a result, I now spend four hours a week helping at various classes. In addition to offering helpful resource recommendations, she has shared her expertise and experience.
Continue conducting independent research. Get as much reading as possible, join online forums, look for free or inexpensive events and lectures, etc. Try your best to train your dog as much as you can, or volunteer to assist in training friends’ and family members’ dogs.