How to Become a Dog Trainer in Alabama

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.

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

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.

Dog Trainer by State