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If you’re passionate about dogs or seeking a career change, becoming a dog trainer in Rhode Island could be an ideal path.
It’s a rewarding career with a relatively straightforward entry process, and this guide will help you get started.
Obtaining certification is essential to work as a dog trainer in Rhode Island.
This guide will outline the steps to certification and highlight some of the top programs available in Rhode Island.
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Article Table of Contents
Key Responsibilities of a Dog Trainer in Rhode Island
As a dog trainer, you’ll handle various responsibilities.
These include:
- Teaching essential obedience commands
- Enhancing dogs’ social skills
- Assessing dogs’ temperaments and behaviors
- Adapting training techniques for individual dogs
- Advising owners on reinforcing training at home
Depending on the specific needs of each pet and owner, additional tasks may arise.
Trainers can also specialize in areas like:
- Agility training
- Service dog preparation
- Behavior modification for anxiety or aggression issues
Even trainers without a particular specialization possess the skills to recognize behavioral issues and refer clients to specialists when needed.
Steps to Certification as a Dog Trainer in Rhode Island
Gaining hands-on experience is crucial in becoming a certified dog trainer.
You can build your knowledge through several avenues:
- Attending dog training workshops
- Enrolling in formal classes
- Participating in seminars on canine behavior
- Watching training technique videos
- Volunteering at animal shelters
- Observing seasoned trainers
At this point, it seems certification is the next step.
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is one respected option.
The CCPDT requires candidates:
- To complete at least 300 hours of training over the last three years
- To pass a test with 180 questions
Many dog trainers join either or both institutions:
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
By doing so you can stay informed on industry developments and certification requirements.
Dog Training Programs in Rhode Island
Have you ever considered what it takes to become a certified dog trainer in Rhode Island?
Animal Behaviour College
ABC offers an online program with practical, in-person training across Rhode Island.
Students have about a year to complete the program.
The tuition is around $2,700 when paid in full.
Additionally, a $75 application fee must also be paid.
Payment plan options may raise costs to approximately $5,647.
The tuition covers:
- 29 educational dog training videos
- Nearly 1,000 pages of study materials
- Hands-on experience with certified trainers
- Pet CPR and First Aid certification (valid for two years)
- Lifetime ABC Dog Trainer certification
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy 
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy is a state-approved school that offers various certification levels, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
The school’s program is accessible in Rhode Island and throughout the United States because it is available online
The course is supported by professional mentor trainers in every state.
This academy provides a range of courses to equip aspiring dog trainers with essential skills and knowledge.
Here are some of the core classes:
- Core Skills – Pro Dog Trainer:
- Designed to teach foundational skills for dog trainers.
- Basics Pro – Dog Training & Behavior:
- Focuses on understanding dog behavior and applying effective training techniques.
- Master Class Certification, CCDT:
- A comprehensive program that provides advanced training and certifies participants as Certified Canine Dog Trainers (CCDT).
In addition to these main courses, the academy hosts workshops and seminars for ongoing education.
By enrolling in multiple courses, students can earn certificates for each, helping them stand out in the field and gain a robust training foundation.
Modern Dog Training 
This school takes a personalized approach to training.
For instance, there are training classes for puppies and adult dogs.
They can be:
- Semi-Private
- Private
- Manners
- Obedience
- Reactive Rover Class
- Walk this way
Most of the classes have a duration of 5 weeks.
Each class has a different tuition, between $45 and $255.
The semi-private class is very small.
It accepts between 3 and 5 pups.
If you want to be part of this class you must travel to the center with your pup.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Animal Behaviour College | online classes |
| Modern Dog Training | 120 Telmore Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818, |
| CATCH Canine Trainers Academy | online classes |
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Salary Expectations for Dog Trainers in Rhode Island
Dog trainer salaries in Rhode Island vary by experience, location, specialization, and demand.
Trainers in Rhode Island typically earn between $28,532 and $37,102 annually, with an average salary of about $32,290.
A table of average salaries across different Rhode Island cities is included below to provide further insight.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Glendale | $32,352 |
| Prudence Island | $32,383 |
| Coventry | $32,383 |
| Woonsocket | $32,414 |
| Warren | $32,444 |
| Warwick | $32,444 |
| Providence | $32,444 |
| Lincoln | $32,444 |
| Cranston | $32,444 |
| Portsmouth | $32,537 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need formal education as a dog trainer in Rhode Island?
While formal education isn’t mandatory, certified workshops and courses can enhance your skills and credibility, making it easier to attract clients.
What career options do I have if I become a dog trainer in Rhode Island?
Dog trainers do indeed have diverse career paths available beyond traditional dog training roles.
Some options include:
- Trainers for Other Dog Trainers:
- Experienced trainers can mentor and teach aspiring dog trainers, guiding effective techniques, industry standards, and client management skills.
- Working Alongside Veterinarians:
- Trainers with a background in animal behavior can collaborate with veterinarians to support behavioral assessments, suggest behavior modification plans, or work on cases requiring specialized training.
- Veterinary Technicians:
- Trainers with additional certification in veterinary technology may choose to become vet techs, utilizing their knowledge of animal behavior in a clinical setting to handle animals calmly and safely.
- Animal Behaviorists:
- With further education, trainers can specialize in animal behavior, often consulting with veterinary practices or animal shelters to address complex behavioral issues.
These career paths offer opportunities to expand expertise and adapt to different settings within the animal care industry.
Do I have to continue my education as a dog trainer in Rhode Island?
Nationally recognized dog training certifications do indeed require renewal, and this process typically includes periodic continuing education.
Certification bodies like the CCPDT mandate that trainers earn a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) within a specified period, often every three years.
This ensures that certified trainers stay updated on best practices, emerging techniques, and ethical standards in dog training.
By maintaining these certifications through continued education, trainers reinforce their commitment to professionalism and stay competitive in the evolving field of dog training.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog Trainer
Dog Trainer by State