How to Become a Dog Trainer in Oregon

If you’re passionate about dogs or exploring a new career path, becoming a dog trainer in Oregon could be a fantastic opportunity.

If you are interested, this guide will help you navigate the steps to get started.

In Oklahoma, dog trainers must obtain certification to practice professionally.

In this article, we’ll outline the certification process and explore some of the top training programs in the state.

Responsibilities of a Dog Trainer in Oregon

Dog trainers in Oklahoma take on several key responsibilities, such as:

• Teaching dogs fundamental obedience commands
• Helping dogs develop better social skills
• Assessing each dog’s behavior and temperament
• Adapting training techniques to meet the specific needs of individual dogs
• Providing owners with guidance on how to reinforce training at home

Additional duties may vary depending on the dog’s and owner’s unique needs.

Some trainers may choose to specialize in areas like:

• Agility training
• Service dog training
• Behavior modification for issues such as anxiety or aggression

Even without specializing, dog trainers can identify behavioral challenges and refer clients to specialists when necessary.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Dog Trainer in Oregon

The first step to becoming a certified dog trainer in Oregon is gaining hands-on experience.

You can build your skills through various avenues, such as:

• Attending dog training workshops
• Enrolling in formal training classes
• Participating in seminars on canine behavior
• Watching instructional videos to master different techniques
• Volunteering at animal shelters
• Networking with seasoned trainers and observing their sessions

Joining professional organizations like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers or the American Kennel Club helps you stay informed about industry trends and maintain certification.

Once you’ve built a solid foundation and are confident in your abilities, it’s time to pursue certification.

A highly respected certification comes from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

To qualify, you need at least 300 hours of training experience over the past three years.

The next step towards certification is to pass a test that has 180 questions.

Dog Training Certification Programs in Oregon

Here are two well-regarded programs to consider for dog training certification in Oregon:

Animal Behavior College (ABC)

ABC provides online courses for those aspiring to become dog trainers.

While most of the coursework is online, students also gain hands-on experience with certified trainers across Oregon.

Students can complete the program in about a year, allowing them to start working right after graduating.

The cost for the program is around $2,700 upfront when paying upfront.

When enrolling you’ll have to pay an additional fee of $75 that will not be returned.

Opting for a payment plan can increase the total cost to $5,647.

If you’re accepted and paid the tuition, you’ll have access to:

• 29 instructional videos on dog training
• Nearly 1,000 pages of study material
• 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

National K-9 School for Dog Trainers

This program provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in dog training, whether part-time or full-time.

The professional obedience and behavior course lasts for four weeks.

Here are some of the subjects you’ll attend:

• On-leash and off-leash obedience training
• Behavior modification and counseling
• Puppy development
• Confidence-building exercises
• Customer relations and owner education
• Starting and running a small business
• Dog care and kennel management

Graduates also have opportunities for continued learning through workshops and seminars covering service dog training, scent detection, tracking, and therapy dog training.

These programs help trainers expand their expertise and grow their businesses.

Course schedules are updated regularly on the school’s website.

The National K-9 School for Dog Trainers is approved by the Oregon State Board of Career Colleges and Schools.

Graduates earn the title Certified Professional Trainer (CPT), which they can use after their name.

Salary Expectations for Dog Trainers in Oregon

Dog trainer salaries in Oregon can vary based on several factors, such as:

• Level of experience
• Geographic location
• Specialization
• Demand for services

Typically, dog trainers in Oregon can expect to earn between $27,767 and $36,107 per year, with the average salary falling around $31,424 annually.

For a more detailed look at salary ranges in specific cities, see the table below.

This information will give you a clearer idea of what to expect as you begin your career as a dog trainer in Oregon.

Regional Salary in Oregon

Dog Trainer by State