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If you’ve always had a love for dogs or are considering a career change, becoming a dog trainer in New Mexico could be the ideal path for you.
This rewarding profession is relatively straightforward to enter, and this guide will provide you with the essential steps to get started.
In New Mexico, certification is a crucial requirement for those aspiring to work as dog trainers, and I’ll outline the process for achieving certification.
Additionally, I will highlight some excellent training programs available in the state.
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Article Table of Contents
Job Responsibilities of a Dog Trainer in New Mexico
As a dog trainer, you’ll be responsible for a variety of essential tasks, including:
- Teaching obedience commands to dogs
- Developing social skills in dogs
- Evaluating each dog’s temperament
- Tailoring training methods to suit individual canine needs
- Advising dog owners on how to reinforce training at home
Depending on the specific needs of the dogs and their owners, your responsibilities may expand.
In this profession, trainers also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as:
- Agility training
- Service dog training
- Behavior modification for dogs suffering from anxiety or aggression
Even trainers who do not specialize can identify behavioral challenges and refer clients to specialists when necessary.
Steps to Achieve Certification as a Dog Trainer in New Mexico
Your journey toward becoming a certified dog trainer begins with gaining hands-on experience and acquiring knowledge about dog training.
Here are several ways to develop your skills:
- Attend workshops focused on dog training
- Participate in dog training classes
- Join seminars related to canine behavior and training
- Watch instructional videos on training techniques
- Volunteer at local animal shelters to gain practical experience
- Network with seasoned trainers and observe their training sessions
Once you feel confident in your skills, you can pursue certification.
One highly regarded credential to pursue is offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
To qualify, you must have 300 hours of training experience within the past three years and pass a comprehensive exam featuring 180 multiple-choice questions.
It’s also beneficial to consider membership in professional organizations such as:
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- The American Kennel Club (AKC)
These organizations help you stay informed about industry developments and provide guidance on when to renew your certification.
Dog Training Certification Programs in New Mexico
If you’re interested in pursuing certification, here are some notable programs that can help you on your journey:
Animal Behavior College (ABC) 
ABC provides online courses for aspiring dog trainers, covering a variety of training styles and specialties.
While online learning is the primary format, the college partners with numerous trainers across the nation to ensure you gain practical, hands-on experience.
The program typically lasts about one year, enabling you to enter the workforce quickly after graduation.
Tuition is approximately $2,700 if paid in full, with a $75 application fee included.
If you opt for a payment plan, total tuition can reach up to $5,647.
What’s included in the tuition:
- 29 educational videos on dog training techniques
- Nearly 1,000 pages of study materials
- Real-world training experience with a certified dog trainer
- Certification in Pet CPR and First Aid (valid for two years)
- Lifetime certification as an ABC Dog Trainer
Karen Pryor Academy 
The Karen Pryor Academy offers various 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
Tuition for these courses is around $5,600, and classes are conducted online.
The academy emphasizes a force-free training approach, which sets it apart from many other programs.
Upon graduation, you’ll receive the KPA Certified Training Partner designation.
One of the benefits of this academy is that the skills you learn can be applied to training other types of animals, not just dogs.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Animal Behavior College (ABC) | online program |
| Karen Pryor Academy | online program |
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Salary Expectations for Dog Trainers in New Mexico
As with any profession, salaries for dog trainers in New Mexico can vary based on several factors, including:
- Experience level
- Geographic location
- Area of specialization
- Demand for services
On average, dog trainers in New Mexico earn between $25,198 and $32,766 annually, with a typical salary of around $28,516.
A breakdown of average salaries for dog trainers in various cities across New Mexico is provided below.
This should help you have a better understanding of how much you could earn.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $29,630 |
| Santa Fe | $29,228 |
| Glorieta | $29,104 |
| Albuquerque | $29,073 |
| Lamy | $29,042 |
| Tererro | $29,011 |
| Rio Rancho | $28,980 |
| Navajo | $28,949 |
| Santa Cruz | $28,919 |
| Cedar Crest | $28,888 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 50 | $42,700 | $20.53 | $103,450 | $31,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dog training industry a lucrative one in New Mexico?
Yes, dog training is both a rewarding and potentially lucrative career.
Trainers can earn up to $100 per hour, and the demand for their services is increasing as more people adopt pets and seek high-quality care and training for them.
What degree is best for a dog trainer in New Mexico?
Luckily for those who want to become dog trainers in this state, they don’t need any degree.
They could study for a degree if they want to work with dogs or animals in a different field than training.
How do I become a successful dog trainer in New Mexico?
You should approach the job as a continuous learning experience.
While attending classes, courses, and workshops is valuable, nothing can replace the real-world, hands-on experience you’ll gain by working with different types of dogs.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog Trainer
Dog Trainer by State