How to Become a Dog Trainer in Arizona

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.

Keep reading to discover more!

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.

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.

Regional Salary in Arizona

Dog Trainer by State