by Updated on | $ $ Online Certification Programs for Dog Trainers: $500.00 - $5000.00 |
Have you ever imagined yourself working in a rewarding career where most of your time is spent instructing furry four-legged friends how to follow basic commands?
If so, becoming a dog trainer could be the right career move for you to make.
America’s BLS reports that the need for effective and highly skilled dog trainers is on the rise.
These animal care experts can make well-paying salaries and have rewarding careers with the right education and training under their belts.
Learn more about what dog trainers do, average dog trainer salaries according to the BLS, and get estimated costs on how much it costs to become a dog trainer in the informative guide below!
What Do Dog Trainers Do?
Before we dive into exploring the estimated costs of becoming a dog trainer, it is important for aspiring trainers to clearly understand the role and what dog trainers do.
The following are a few examples of common daily duties of dog trainers that give incoming trainers an idea of what working as a trainer looks like.
The majority of a dog trainer’s time is spent helping four-legged animals learn new acceptable behaviors and commands that make life easier for them and their humans.
Dog trainers also teach new pups basic commands and can help dog owners resolve issues with jumping, excessive barking, and leash training.
Just like humans, each dog’s personality is different.
As such, highly skilled dog trainers develop customized training plans that suit the needs of the animal being trained.
Customized training plans take into consideration the dog’s breed, size, temperament, and unique needs.
Dog Trainer Job Duties
- Assessment of Training Needs
- Development of Individualized Dog Training Plans
- Training Dogs to Follow Basic Commands
- Addressing Behavioral Issues
- Teaching Socialization Skills for People and Animals
- Teach Dog Owners How to Implement Commands
- Use Positive Reinforcement as Part of Training Sessions
- Monitor Dogs’ Behavioral Progress and Temperament
- Stay Abreast of the Latest Training Tools and Techniques
Dog Trainer Training – Overview
Now that you have a better idea about what dog trainers do, let’s talk more about how dog trainers get their training.
While many dog trainers in the past have been self-taught, today’s trainers have a wealth of learning opportunities for learning the latest techniques through professional dog training schools, online courses, and certification training programs administered by well-known training agencies like the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
Dog Trainers in training typically take some or all of the following courses:
- Behavior Modification
- Business and Marketing Skills for Dog Trainers
- Canine Behavior and Psychology
- Canine Health and Welfare
- Client Communication and Coaching Skills
- Ethics and Professional Standards
- Learning Theory and Temperament
- Obedience Training
- Puppy Training and Socialization
- Specialty Canine Training
- Training Techniques and Methods
Incoming dog trainers should note that the actual training courses and sequences for enrollees will vary by program type and depth.
Prospective trainers who are serious about enrolling in dog training schools should research the graduation or certification requirements of their favorite programs before enrolling in a program.
Dog Trainer Salary Average – US
Dog Trainers in the US fall under the classification of “Animal Trainers” according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics guidelines.
They also say that the need for highly skilled and certified Animal Service Workers is expected to remain in high demand as the need for trainers is projected to grow at a faster-than-average pace for all reported occupations.
National estimates for Animal Trainers in the US show the average annual salary of these highly sought-after professionals to be just under $45,000.00 per year.
The lowest-earning 10% of US dog trainers reportedly bring in about $29,000.00 per year.
In contrast, the highest earning 10% of professional dog trainers make as much as $65,320.00 annually.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Dog Trainer?
The educational route you choose for dog trainer training can significantly impact how much it costs to become a dog trainer.
Aspiring trainers should consider the following educational costs when researching new dog trainer programs:
- Tuition and Fees: $3,000 – $15,000.00 for complete programs
- Online Certification Programs for Dog Trainers: $500.00 – $5000.00 per certification
- Workshops and Seminars: $100.00 – $500.00
- Recertification and Continuing Education: $100.00-$500.00 per certification
- Professional Membership Fees: $100.00 – $300.00 per year
Dog training students who opt for in-person education provided by local colleges, schools, workforce development departments, and private training schools should also plan to budget for incidental expenses which can include transportation costs, childcare, and related fees.
Key Takeaways
- The Cost of Becoming a Professional Dog Trainer in the US falls between $3000.00 and $15,000.00 for professional education.
- America’s BLS Says The Role of Dog Trainers is Expected to Be in High Demand for the Next Few Years
- Prospective Dog Trainers Can Complete Their Education Within 2 Months to 2 Years Depending on Their Selected Program Type
- Dog Trainers in the US with Advanced Experience and Certifications Can Make High-Paying Salaries