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If you’ve always had a love for dogs or are considering a career change, becoming a dog trainer in Arizona could be a great option for you.
It’s a rewarding career that’s relatively easy to start, and this guide will provide everything you need to get going.
In Arizona, certification is necessary to work as a dog trainer, and I’ll explain the steps you’ll need to take to become certified.
Additionally, I’ll highlight some excellent schools where you can receive the proper training.
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
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Job Duties of a Dog Trainer in Arizona
Dog trainers handle a variety of important tasks, such as:
- Teaching dogs obedience commands
- Improving dogs’ social skills
- Evaluating each dog’s temperament
- Personalizing training methods for individual dogs
- Instructing owners on how to continue training at home
Additional duties may arise based on the specific needs of the pets and their owners.
This profession also offers the opportunity to specialize in areas like:
- Agility training
- Service dog training
- Behavior modification for dogs with anxiety or aggression
Even trainers without a specialization can assess behavioral problems and refer clients to specialists when necessary.
Steps Towards Certification as a Dog Trainer in Arizona
The first step toward becoming a certified dog trainer is gaining practical experience and deepening your knowledge of dog training.
There are several ways to do this:
- Attending workshops
- Participating in dog training classes
- Attending seminars
- Watching instructional videos on training techniques
- Volunteering at animal shelters
- Networking with experienced trainers and observing their sessions
Sometimes, it’s easier to learn when you have a dog yourself.
Once you’ve developed your skills and feel confident, you can pursue certification.
It’s also a good idea to become a member of professional organizations such as:
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- The American Kennel Club (AKC)
These associations help you stay current with industry developments and alert you when it’s time to renew your certification.
One of the most respected credentials to earn is from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
To meet the AKC’s requirements, you must have 300 hours of dog training experience within the last three years and pass a 180-question multiple-choice exam.
Dog Training Certification Programs in Arizona
Let’s see some schools where you can enroll in a program for a future dog trainer!
AZ Dog Smart Academy 
The classes offered by this academy are small in size.
The topics covered are:
- Puppy training classes
- Agility
- Sports
- Behavioral training
- All levels of dog obedience
- Service Dog Training
- How to be a dog trainer
All the classes are offered in person, making them more effective than the online ones.
The facility is 4,000 ft sq and it has 3 outdoor spaces for training dogs during the warm months.
For the customized classes expect to pay at least $500.
The Academy of Pet Careers 
This academy is located in Missouri, however, it offers classes both in person and online.
It also has 3 schools to enroll in, if you think another career might be a better fit for you:
- Dog Grooming School
- Veterinary Assistant School
- Dog Training School
You’ll earn a dog trainer certification even through the online classes, which is an added plus.
The certification is the nationally recognized APC-PDT credential.
The online option is self-paced and offers access to both an instructor and resources after graduation.
If you’re not sure you can land a job after graduating, you’ll also receive assistance in this regard.
The course can be completed in less than 12 months and once enrolled, you’ll receive at your door all the tools needed by a dog trainer.
These include:
- Harness and Leash
- Portable Water Bowl
- Clicker
- Treat Pouch
- Biothane Leash
- Slip Lead
- Dumbbell
- And more!
Those who can travel can also participate in a workshop lasting for 5 days in Missouri.
The tuition is $5,500, but those who pay in full will shell out just $4,400.
If you can’t pay in full, you can make a loan for 2 years, make a down payment of $400, and then $228 per month.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| AZ Dog Smart Academy | 10624 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85028 |
| The Academy of Pet Careers | online classes |
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Salaries for Dog Trainers in Arizona
It’s well-known that several key factors influence earnings in any profession:
- Experience
- Location
- Specialty
- Demand
In Arizona, dog trainers earn between $26,619 and $34,614 annually, with an average salary of around $30,125.
To provide a clearer breakdown, I’ve created a table showing the average salaries for dog trainers in various cities in Arizona, which you can view below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Yuma | $33,032 |
| Lake Havasu City | $30,743 |
| Phoenix | $30,558 |
| Mesa | $30,558 |
| Chandler | $30,558 |
| Glendale | $30,558 |
| Scottsdale | $30,558 |
| Gilbert | $30,558 |
| Surprise | $30,279 |
| Maricopa | $30,249 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 490 | $39,830 | $19.15 | $58,320 | $30,740 |
| Tucson, AZ | 90 | $43,280 | $20.81 | $54,320 | $30,110 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dog training industry a lucrative one in Arizona?
Yes, this industry is a lucrative and satisfactory one.
Dog trainers can earn even $100 per hour.
The demand for such professionals is also on the rise due to more people adopting pets and wanting to offer them a good life.
Do I have to be a dog trainer after graduating from these classes in Arizona?
A dog trainer program can prepare you for a variety of jobs, to help you earn more.
Here are the main occupations:
- Dog foster parents
- Doggie daycare providers
- Pet sitters
- Dog walkers
- People working with rescue and shelter animals
Is there an age limit to become a dog trainer in Arizona?
No, there’s no age limit.
For instance, you can perform this job in the following situations:
- Retirement
- As a second job
- Main job
- Paid hobby
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog Trainer
Dog Trainer by State