How to Become a Dog Trainer in Illinois

Becoming a dog trainer is more challenging than it might appear.

It requires dedication and a series of strategic steps to achieve success as a professional in the field.

Illinois offers numerous career opportunities, and becoming a dog trainer is one of them.

To excel, you’ll need key skills like a deep understanding of animal psychology and behavior, patience, empathy, and strong communication abilities.

But there’s more to it! Let’s dive deeper into what it takes to become a dog trainer in Illinois.

Stay tuned!

The Role of a Dog Trainer in Illinois

Dog trainers in Idaho are responsible for a variety of important tasks, such as:

• Teaching dogs basic obedience commands
• Promoting positive social behaviors between dogs
• Assessing each dog’s temperament
• Tailoring training methods to suit individual needs
• Coaching pet owners on how to maintain training at home

Additional duties may arise depending on the specific needs of the dogs and their owners.

Trainers also have the option to specialize in areas such as:

• Agility training
• Service dog training
• Behavioral modification, especially for dogs with anxiety or aggression issues

Even without specializing, dog trainers often identify behavioral problems and can refer clients to specialists as needed.

Path to Certification as a Dog Trainer in Illinois

While certification is not always mandatory to become a dog trainer in Illinois, obtaining one can significantly enhance your career opportunities.

Many certifications require hands-on experience, typically 300 hours completed in the previous 3 years.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to enhance your skills as a dog trainer.

Local shelters are always in need of volunteers, and this provides a great opportunity for you to help animals while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Not only will you contribute to the well-being of many dogs, but you’ll also deepen your understanding of dog behavior and training techniques.

It’s a win-win: you make a positive impact on the lives of animals and simultaneously improve your skills in the field.

When this step is completed, you’ll have an exam to pass, that has 180 questions.

Animal psychology is a real and valuable field that can greatly benefit aspiring dog trainers.

Understanding animal psychology allows you to better interpret a dog’s behavior and emotional state, which is crucial for effective training.

There are numerous reputable books and resources available that focus on proper animal observation and behavior.

While every dog is unique, gaining knowledge in animal psychology will deepen your understanding of their instincts and reactions.

This foundation will not only improve your ability to train dogs but also enhance your communication with both dogs and their owners, leading to greater success in the field.

Dog Training Programs in Illinois

Let’s see which schools offer training and certification in this state.

Karen Pryor Academy

This professional dog trainer program costs $5,600 and offers a blend of integrated online learning and hands-on workshops.

A key feature is that you’ll need to travel four times for the in-person workshops.

The best part?

You can bring your dog to each 2-day workshop, allowing you to practice and apply what you’ve learned in real time.

This academy offers several training programs, including:

• Dog Trainer Professional
• Dog Trainer Comprehensive
• Dog Trainer Foundations
• Dog Trainer Foundations Immersion
• Therapy Dog Team Training
• Click to Calm for Instructors

The academy uses a force-free training method, setting it apart from many other schools.

Upon completing the program, you’ll earn the KPA Certified Training Partner certification.

One of the standout features of this program is that the skills and knowledge gained can be applied to training other animals, not just dogs.

Animal Behavior College

If you worry about not having a dog training center near you, the main office in Illinois is in Chicago.

However, several other locations are spread throughout the state.

On top of that, classes are made available online as well, for those who don’t have enough time to commute to any ABC school.

The class will take a year to complete and there are several courses to choose from:

• Dog obedience instructor
• Veterinary Assistant
• Grooming instruction program
• On-campus dog trainer program
• Cat management and training
• Aquarium maintenance – online
• Zookeeper assistant program
• Service dog trainer program
• Continuing education

Each of these programs cost a different amount and can last for different amounts of time as well.

Salary Expectations for Dog Trainers in Illinois

Like many professions, a dog trainer’s salary can vary based on several key factors, such as:

• Level of experience
• Geographic location within Illinois
• Areas of specialization
• Demand for dog training services

In Illinois, dog trainers typically earn between $27,958 and $36,355 annually, with the average salary being around $31,640.

For a more detailed look, I’ve provided a table below showcasing average salaries for dog trainers across different regions of Illinois.

Regional Salary in Illinois

Dog Trainer by State