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If you’ve always loved dogs or are considering a career change, pursuing a role as a dog trainer in California could be an ideal opportunity for you.
This rewarding profession is relatively easy to enter, and this guide will provide you with the essential steps to kickstart your journey.
In California, dog trainers must obtain certification, and I’ll guide you through the process.
Additionally, I’ll highlight some excellent training programs to help you gain the skills needed for success.
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Article Table of Contents
Popular Programs
Explore the Role of a Dog Trainer in California
Dog trainers in California undertake various essential responsibilities, including:
- Instructing dogs in obedience commands
- Enhancing dogs’ social interactions
- Evaluating each dog’s temperament
- Tailoring training methods to meet the unique needs of individual dogs
- Advising pet owners on reinforcing training techniques at home
Additional duties may arise based on the specific requirements of pets and their owners.
Moreover, dog trainers have the flexibility to specialize in areas such as:
- Agility training
- Service dog training
- Behavioral modification for dogs facing anxiety or aggression
Even trainers who do not focus on a specific specialty can identify behavioral concerns and refer clients to specialists as necessary.
Pathway to Certification as a Dog Trainer in California
The initial step to becoming a certified dog trainer involves acquiring practical experience and knowledge in dog training.
You can achieve this through various avenues, such as:
- Attending workshops and seminars
- Participating in dog training courses
- Watching educational videos on training techniques
- Volunteering at animal shelters
- Networking with seasoned trainers and observing their sessions
Once you feel confident in your skills, you can pursue certification.
Joining professional associations, like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers or the American Kennel Club, can also keep you informed about industry developments and certification renewal timelines.
A highly regarded credential to consider is from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
To qualify, you must accumulate 300 hours of hands-on training experience within the past three years and pass a comprehensive exam with 180 multiple-choice questions.
Dog Training Certification Programs Available in California
Here are some schools where you can enroll to begin your journey toward becoming a dog trainer:
Have you ever considered what it takes to become a certified dog trainer in California?
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy 
CATCH Canine Trainers offers a state-licensed dog training school, featuring multiple certification levels and the flexibility to complete each course at your own pace.
Our program is available in California and nationwide, with professional mentor trainers ready to assist you in every state.
Based in northern New Jersey, just outside of New York City, our acclaimed program connects you with local mentors in any city across the United States.
We strive to educate the individuals who will make a difference in the dog training field, allowing you to earn a fulfilling income doing what you love.
Dog Trainer College 
A career in dog training can be incredibly fulfilling, and it all begins at Dog Trainer College.
Before you dive into this rewarding profession, it’s essential to complete courses that teach you the most effective dog training techniques.
At Dog Trainer College, we offer professional training classes designed to enhance your dog’s behavior and skills across various specialties.
Dog Trainer Certification Courses: Launch Your Career in California
When you choose to enroll at Dog Trainer College, you’ll discover a diverse range of courses tailored to meet your specific career aspirations within the dog training industry.
Upon completing the program, you’ll be equipped to teach a variety of skills, including obedience training, scent detection, and more.
The training services offered are:
- Dog Obedience Training
- Personal Protection Dog Training
- Police Dog Training
- Detection Dog Training
- Security Dog Training
- Drug Detection Dog Training
- German Shepherd Training
- Bomb Detection Training
- Cadaver Detection Training
- Handler Protection Training
- Suspect Apprehension Training
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| CATCH Canine Trainers Academy | online classes |
| Dog Trainer College | online classes |
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Salary Expectations for Dog Trainers in California
As with any profession, earnings can vary based on several factors, including:
- Experience level
- Geographic location
- Specialty area
- Demand for services
In California, dog trainers typically earn between $30,145 and $39,199 annually, with the average salary hovering around $34,115.
To provide further insight, I’ve prepared a table showcasing the average salaries for dog trainers across various cities in this state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose | $38,816 |
| Santa Clara | $38,816 |
| Fremont | $38,754 |
| San Francisco | $38,661 |
| Daly City | $38,661 |
| Berkeley | $37,733 |
| Oakland | $37,733 |
| Hayward | $37,671 |
| Richmond | $37,053 |
| Los Angeles | $34,455 |
Regional Salary in California
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CA | 50 | $41,140 | $19.78 | $53,780 | $32,240 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 880 | $46,700 | $22.45 | $61,730 | $34,330 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 50 | $44,110 | $21.21 | $57,820 | $32,240 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 160 | $38,550 | $18.54 | $45,180 | $33,040 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 110 | $42,180 | $20.28 | $58,020 | $34,060 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 350 | $45,980 | $22.11 | $57,040 | $35,170 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 330 | $52,220 | $25.11 | $71,330 | $37,260 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 110 | $49,270 | $23.69 | $59,640 | $38,000 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | 50 | $43,740 | $21.03 | $60,970 | $32,950 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 60 | $51,110 | $24.57 | $59,990 | $32,300 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 60 | $48,400 | $23.27 | $66,490 | $37,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it esy to find work as a dog trainer in California?
California is a large state and this means there are also many pet owners.
Going to dog parks and identifying owners who can’t properly control their pets is probably one of the easiest ways of starting to earn an income.
Can I bring my own dog to the course in California?
Yes!
You can bring up to 2 dogs to the schools offering in-person classes.
Are there requirements for enrolling in a dog training course in California?
All jobs and classes have requirements for those performing or attending.
Here are some for the dog trainers:
- Patience
- Willingness to work in various weather conditions
- Able to lift weights up to 40 lbs
- Able to carry up to 20 lbs
- Able to restrain large dogs
- Good hearing
- Good communication skills
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog Trainer
Dog Trainer by State