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If you grew up with or love dogs or want a career change, you could consider becoming a dog trainer in Alabama.
This is a relatively easy job, and I wrote this article to help you get started.
You’ll need to be certified to work as a dog trainer in Alabama.
I’ll tell about you the steps towards certification as well as some of the schools where you can get trained.
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Article Table of Contents
Popular Programs
Read on if you are curious!
Job Duties of a Dog Trainer in Alabama
Dog trainers have these main duties:
- Teaching dogs obedience commands
- Teaching dogs social skills
- Assessing the temperament of the dog
- Tailoring the teachings for each dog
- Explaining to owners how to reinforce the training sessions at home
Other duties may arise, based on pets and their owners.
This occupation gives trainers the possibility to specialize in specific areas.
These areas can be:
- Agility,
- Service dog training,
- Behavior modification for dogs with anxiety or aggression issues.
Dog trainers who don’t specialize in an area can identify any problems in a dog and refer clients to trainers who specialize in those problems.
Steps Towards Certification as a Dog Trainer in Alabama
The first step to becoming certified is gaining experience and knowledge in training dogs.
There are several ways to complete this step:
- Attending workshops
- Going to dog training classes
- Attending seminars
- Watching videos on this theme
- Volunteering at shelter
- Connecting with other dog trainers and observing how they perform their sessions
Once you feel ready, you can think of becoming certified.
Dog Training Certification Programs in Alabama
You’ll have to attend some classes and then pass an exam to earn a certification.
Let’s see which schools offer programs for future dog trainers!
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy 
This academy has classes for future dog trainers, as follows:
- Core Skills – Pro Dog Trainer
- Basics Pro – Dog Training & Behavior
- Master Class Certification, CCDT
Additionally, the academy offers various workshops and seminars.
If you enroll in more courses, you’ll receive a certificate from each.
When you pay for any course, you’ll have access to the following:
- Print and video study materials with free shipping in the US
- The study materials are available in both printed and electronic format
- ET evenings and Saturdays
- Access to the Student Center online
The Core Skills Program
Through this program, you’ll earn a Diploma in Dog Training and Behavior from the State of Alabama.
There are 7 self-study phases for all the core concepts in behavior and training.
If you want to pay the tuition all at once, then you’ll need $1,261.
If you prefer paying in installments, the first installment is $99, and then you’ll pay $144 monthly.
The duration of the course is 12 months.
Basics Pro
Unlike the previous one, this one offers the option of being connected with a mentor.
Through this class, you’ll also learn pet first aid and earn the CPR Certification with the help of a video-based online training course.
There are 10 study phases for which you’ll pay $2,933 representing the tuition in full.
For the installment pay, you’ll start with $199 down, and then $286 each month, until 12 months are reached.
Master Class
This program is designed for those who want:
- high-level training,
- behavior,
- total career preparation
- personal training
- Help for career and business building
- A set of customizable lesson plans when they graduate
This program awards a diploma and the title of Certified Dog Trainer.
$5,226 is the sum if you want to pay the tuition in full.
Otherwise, you’ll need to pay $200 for the first month and between $239 and $259 per month for the two-year term.
School for Dog Trainers 
One of the best features of this school is the large outdoor space that is perfect for training dogs.
The school has several training areas:
- Warehouses,
- Schools
- Vehicle lots
- Safe rubble pile
- Countless acres of wooded areas
Both the dogs and their handlers can train in:
- Disaster search and rescue
- Detection training
- Training trailing
- Other types of search and rescue:
- Live-find
- Cadaver detection
Here are the names of the courses offered:
- Police K9 Trainer Course
- Dog Obedience and Behaviorist Program
- Search and Rescue Dog Trainer Course
- Protection Dog Trainer Course
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| CATCH Canine Trainers Academy | Headquarters in NJ Offices in every state |
| School for Dog Trainers | 4339 County Rd 216 Hanceville, AL 35077 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Salaries for Dog Trainers in Alabama
Everyone knows that how much you’ll earn for any occupation will depend on:
- Experience
- Location
- Specialty
In Alabama, dog trainers earn between $25,116 and $32,660 annually, although most earn around $28,424 annually.
To make things easier, I prepared a table with the salaries across various cities in this state, which you see below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Edwardsville | $30,063 |
| Huntsville | $29,661 |
| Madison | $29,661 |
| Gadsden | $29,011 |
| Tuscaloosa | $28,980 |
| Birmingham | $28,888 |
| Tanner | $28,764 |
| Decatur | $28,671 |
| Mobile | $28,486 |
| Cedar Bluff | $27,898 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start working as a dog trainer in Alabama?
As already mentioned, you could volunteer in animal shelters, and not only.
For instance, you could also go to a dog park and identify owners who have issues with their pets and offer help.
You could also open a business but this is a more complicated step.
Do I have to continue my education as a dog trainer in Alabama?
Nationally recognized certifications for dog trainers have to be renewed.
This involves having to continue your education periodically.
What are the skills needed by a dog trainer in Alabama?
Here are some of the skills needed by a dog trainer:
- Good communication skills
- Patience
- Loves animals
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Problem-solving skills
- Detail-oriented
- Open-minded
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog Trainer
Dog Trainer by State