How to Become a Dog Trainer in Minnesota

If you’ve always had a passion for dogs or are considering a career change, becoming a dog trainer in Minnesota might be the ideal path.

This rewarding profession is relatively accessible, and this guide will help you take the first steps.

In Minnesota, certification is essential to work as a dog trainer, and I’ll guide you through the certification process.

I’ll also introduce you to some of the top training programs available to help you begin your journey.

Keep reading to discover how you can start your career as a dog trainer!

Dog Trainer Responsibilities in Minnesota

Dog trainers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks, such as:

• Teaching dogs basic obedience commands
• Improving socialization skills
• Assessing each dog’s temperament
• Adapting training methods to suit individual dogs
• Coaching owners on how to reinforce the training at home

In addition to these duties, trainers may need to meet the specific needs of both the dogs and their owners.

This career offers the chance to specialize in areas like:

• Agility training
• Service dog training
• Behavior modification for dogs dealing with anxiety or aggression

Even if you don’t focus on a specialty, you’ll be able to recognize behavioral problems and refer clients to specialized experts when needed.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Dog Trainer in Minnesota

The first step toward becoming a certified dog trainer is gaining hands-on experience and a strong foundation in dog training techniques.

Here are some ways to start building your expertise:

• Attending workshops
• Enrolling in dog training courses
• Participating in seminars
• Watching educational videos on dog training methods
• Volunteering at local animal shelters
• Observing experienced trainers during sessions

Once you’ve developed your skills, you can pursue certification.

For example, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is widely respected in the field.

The AKC certification requires at least 300 hours of hands-on experience over three years, followed by passing a comprehensive exam consisting of 180 questions.

Consider joining professional organizations like:

• The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
• The American Kennel Club (AKC)

These organizations keep you up-to-date with industry standards and help you stay on track with certification renewals.

Dog Trainer Certification Programs in Minnesota

Below are some top training programs that can help you achieve certification:

Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College (ABC) offers online courses for aspiring dog trainers, covering a range of training specialties.

While the courses are conducted online, they include practical, hands-on training through partnerships with professional trainers across the U.S.

The program is one year long, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly.

Tuition starts at approximately $2,700 if paid upfront, while payment plans increase the total cost to $5,647.

The fee covers:

• 29 dog training educational videos
• Pet CPR and First Aid certifications (valid for two years)
• Lifetime ABC Dog Trainer certification
• Nearly 1,000 pages of study materials
• Practical training with a professional trainer

The Academy of Pet Careers (APC)

APC helps students realize their dream of becoming certified dog trainers through flexible, nationally recognized programs.

They offer both online and in-person courses, with housing available for students attending in-person classes at their St. Louis, MO headquarters.

Completing your certification through APC provides you with valuable credentials that set you apart in Minnesota’s competitive dog training market, whether you’re starting your own business or joining an existing team.

APC’s curriculum covers the latest training techniques, behavior assessments, and industry trends.

You’ll also benefit from learning under experienced trainers who are dedicated to helping you develop your skills.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program focuses heavily on real-world training scenarios, preparing you for everything from puppy socialization to managing complex behavioral issues.

APC’s state-of-the-art facility offers an ideal environment for building confidence and honing your expertise.

Dog Trainer Salaries in Minnesota

Dog trainer salaries in Minnesota vary based on factors such as:

• Level of experience
• Geographic location
• Area of specialization
• Market demand

On average, dog trainers in Minnesota earn between $27,958 and $36,355 per year, with the median salary being around $31,640.

To give you a better understanding of how earnings differ across the state, here’s a breakdown of average dog trainer salaries by city in Minnesota.

Regional Salary in Minnesota

Dog Trainer by State