How to Become a Dog Trainer in New Jersey

If you’re enthusiastic about working with dogs or thinking about a career switch, becoming a dog trainer in New Jersey could be an excellent choice.

This rewarding profession allows you to help dogs and their owners while offering flexibility and fulfillment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to begin your journey toward certification.

Certification Requirements for Dog Trainers in New Jersey

In New Jersey, certification is key to pursuing a career as a professional dog trainer.

Certification not only establishes your credibility but also ensures you meet industry standards.

This guide will take you through the certification process and introduce you to the best training programs available.

Why Become a Dog Trainer in New Jersey?

Dog trainers play a vital role in shaping dogs’ behavior and ensuring strong bonds between pets and their owners.

Here are some of the primary duties you’ll perform as a dog trainer in New Jersey:

• Teaching dogs basic commands for obedience
• Improving social behavior with other animals and people
• Assessing each dog’s temperament and behavior
• Customizing training methods to suit individual dogs
• Coaching dog owners to reinforce positive behaviors at home

In addition to these core responsibilities, trainers may address specific behavioral issues, such as aggression or anxiety, based on the dog’s needs or the owner’s concerns.

You can also choose to specialize in areas such as:

• Agility training
• Service dog training
• Behavior modification

Even if you decide not to specialize, your training will equip you to recognize behavioral challenges and, if necessary, refer clients to experts in the field.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Dog Trainer in New Jersey

To start your career as a dog trainer, gaining hands-on experience and learning the fundamentals of dog behavior are critical.

Below are the steps you can take to build your knowledge and skills:

• Attend dog training workshops
• Enroll in professional training courses
• Participate in industry seminars
• Watch educational videos on training techniques
• Volunteer at local animal shelters for practical experience
• Shadow experienced trainers to learn proven methods

After you’ve built a solid foundation, the next step is certification.

You can consider joining professional organizations, such as:

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

These organizations will help you stay informed of industry standards and maintain your credentials.

One of the most widely recognized certifications is from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

To qualify, you’ll need 300 hours of hands-on experience within three years and must pass a comprehensive 180-question exam.

Dog Trainer Certification Programs in New Jersey

If you’re ready to get certified, there are several excellent programs available that will help you meet the necessary qualifications.

Animal Behavior College (ABC)

ABC offers a few online dog training programs that cover various specialties.

While much of the coursework is completed online, ABC partners with certified trainers across the country to provide hands-on experience.

The program takes approximately one year to finish.

The tuition starts around $2,700 upfront, with payment plans available up to $5,647.

The program includes:

• 29 instructional videos,
• Nearly 1,000 pages of study materials,
• Hands-on training,
• Certification in Pet CPR and First Aid,
• Lifetime certification as an ABC Dog Trainer

The Academy of Pet Careers (APC)

APC offers both online and in-person training options, giving you flexibility in your learning approach.

The school is located in St. Louis, MO, APC also provides housing options for out-of-state students attending in-person classes.

Graduates earn nationally recognized credentials.

The curriculum covers modern training techniques, behavioral assessments, and industry trends.

You’ll gain hands-on experience, equipping you to handle scenarios from puppy training to more complex behavioral issues.

The program prepares you to either start your own business or join a reputable training company, giving you the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in New Jersey’s competitive dog training market.

Dog Trainer Salary Expectations in New Jersey

Salaries for dog trainers in New Jersey can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• Your level of experience
• Geographic location
• Area of specialization
• Market demand

On average, dog trainers in New Jersey can expect to earn between $29,953 and $38,950 annually, with a median salary of around $33,898.

Understanding these figures can help you gauge what you might earn as you build your career as a certified dog trainer in New Jersey.

Here’s a breakdown of average dog trainer salaries across different cities in this state.

Dog Trainer by State