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If you’ve always had a passion for dogs or are considering a career change, becoming a dog trainer in North Carolina could be an excellent option for you.
This rewarding profession is relatively easy to enter, and this guide will walk you through the steps to get started.
In North Carolina, certification is required to work as a professional dog trainer.
This article will explain the certification process and highlight some top training programs in the state to help you get started.
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Article Table of Contents
Responsibilities of a Dog Trainer in North Carolina
Dog trainers have several key duties, such as:
- Teaching dogs basic obedience commands
- Helping dogs develop social skills
- Assessing each dog’s behavior and temperament
- Tailoring training techniques to suit individual dogs
- Coaching owners on how to maintain and reinforce training at home
Depending on the needs of the dog and its owner, additional responsibilities may come up.
You can also choose to specialize in areas such as:
- Agility training
- Service dog training
- Behavior modification for dogs with anxiety or aggression
Even if you don’t focus on a specialty, you can still help identify behavioral issues and recommend specialists when necessary.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Dog Trainer in North Carolina
The journey to becoming a certified dog trainer starts with hands-on experience and acquiring knowledge about dog training.
Here are some ways to gain the necessary skills:
- Attend workshops focused on dog training
- Take part in dog training classes
- Attend seminars on canine behavior
- Watch training videos that cover different techniques
- Volunteer at local animal shelters
- Observe and network with experienced dog trainers
Once you’ve built your skills and feel confident, you can move forward with certification.
It’s also helpful to become a member of professional organizations such as:
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- The American Kennel Club (AKC)
These organizations keep you updated on industry trends and certification renewal requirements.
One of the top certifications is offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
To qualify, you’ll need at least 300 hours of dog training experience over the past three years and pass a 180-question multiple-choice exam.
Dog Training Certification Programs in North Carolina
Here are a few schools that offer dog training certification programs:
Animal Behavior College (ABC) 
Animal Behavior College provides online courses for those interested in becoming dog trainers.
Although most learning is done online, the college partners with dog trainers nationwide to ensure you gain practical experience.
The program typically takes one year to complete, allowing you to start your career quickly.
The tuition fee is around $2,700 if paid upfront, with a $75 application fee included.
If you opt for a payment plan, tuition could reach up to $5,647.
The tuition includes:
- 29 instructional videos on dog training
- Nearly 1,000 pages of study materials
- Hands-on training with a certified dog trainer
- Pet CPR and First Aid certification (valid for two years)
- Lifetime certification as an ABC Dog Trainer
School for Dog Trainers in North Carolina 
The school is situated an hour north of Charlotte, NC, and is easily accessible from surrounding areas like Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Hickory, and Lake Norman.
The Main Campus features a sprawling 50+ acre Canine Education Center, just a few minutes from Interstate 77.
The center serves as the hub for the dog training programs, housing our classrooms, pro shop, and administrative offices, as well as offering ample outdoor space for training activities.
The classroom comfortably accommodates up to 30 students.
Around 35% of the program consists of lectures, discussions, videos, and presentations that take place in the classroom.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Animal Behavior College (ABC) | online classes |
| School for Dog Trainers in North Carolina | 162 Early Ln Harmony, NC 28634 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Salary Expectations for Dog Trainers in North Carolina
The salary of a dog trainer can vary depending on factors like experience, location, specialty, and demand for services.
In North Carolina, dog trainers typically earn between $26,237 and $34,117 per year, with an average salary of around $29,692.
A breakdown of dog trainer salaries across different cities in North Carolina is available below to give you a clearer idea of what you can expect.
Becoming a certified dog trainer in North Carolina can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, gaining practical experience, and obtaining the necessary certifications, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on a successful career in dog training, helping both dogs and their owners.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Cary | $30,156 |
| Raleigh | $30,156 |
| Morrisville | $30,125 |
| Clayton | $30,094 |
| Willow Spring | $30,063 |
| Zebulon | $30,032 |
| Charlotte | $30,001 |
| Cramerton | $29,970 |
| Saratoga | $29,939 |
| Nashville | $29,939 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 190 | $39,100 | $18.8 | $50,420 | $20,640 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 60 | $41,150 | $19.78 | $51,180 | $26,360 |
| Raleigh, NC | 130 | $44,690 | $21.49 | $60,600 | $29,910 |
| Wilmington, NC | 50 | $36,710 | $17.65 | $47,610 | $24,770 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 30 | $48,360 | $23.25 | $73,120 | $32,910 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a successful dog trainer in North Carolina?
You should treat the job as an ongoing learning experience.
While attending classes, courses, and workshops is beneficial, nothing compares to the real-world, hands-on experience you’ll gain by working with a variety of dogs.
This practical experience is key to developing your skills and adaptability as a dog trainer.
Which duties are most important for a dog trainer in North Carolina?
Some of the most important duties are:
- Working with dogs on basic commands
- Ensuring that owners are comfortable and familiar with how to command their dogs
- Using positive and negative reinforcement to train dogs effectively
- Training dogs for specialized tasks, such as hunting, emotional support, or service roles
- Disciplining dogs when they misbehave
- Providing feasible coursework for both dogs and their owners to complete
Why should I choose a career as a dog trainer in North Carolina?
The demand for dog trainers in this state is increasing, much like it is across the country.
Finding a job is relatively straightforward, particularly if you’re self-employed and can set your schedule by yourself.
Let’s not forget the earning potential which can reach $100 per hour.
Additionally, this occupation allows you to have access to several other career paths.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog Trainer
Dog Trainer by State