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If you’re passionate about working with dogs or considering a new career path, becoming a dog trainer in South Carolina might be ideal.
This career path offers a straightforward entry process, and this guide will help you start your journey.
Certification is a key step in building your career as a dog trainer in South Carolina.
This guide offers an overview of the journey to becoming a dog trainer in South Carolina, from certification to specialization choices.
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Article Table of Contents
Core Responsibilities of a Dog Trainer in South Carolina
Dog trainers in South Carolina take on various essential tasks.
The most common include:
- Teaching basic obedience commands
- Enhancing social interactions among dogs
- Assessing each dog’s temperament and behavior
- Adapting training techniques to fit individual needs
- Guiding pet owners on how to reinforce training at home
Your responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of each dog and their owner.
Trainers can also choose to specialize in areas such as:
- Agility training
- Service dog training
- Behavior modification for issues like anxiety or aggression
Even without specializing, you’ll be equipped to recognize behavioral problems and refer clients to specialists if needed.
Achieving Dog Trainer Certification in South Carolina
Practical experience is essential for becoming a certified dog trainer.
Here are several ways to build your skills:
- Attending dog training workshops
- Enrolling in formal classes on canine training
- Participating in seminars focused on dog behavior
- Watching instructional videos on training techniques
- Volunteering at animal shelters
- Shadowing experienced trainers
Once you’ve built a solid foundation, certification is the next step.
Membership in professional organizations such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the American Kennel Club (AKC) keeps you informed on industry trends and certification requirements.
The certificate offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is a well-regarded option.
To qualify, candidates must complete at least 300 hours of training within three years and pass a comprehensive exam with 180 questions.
Top Dog Training Programs in South Carolina
Here are two notable institutions offering training programs for aspiring dog trainers:
Animal Behavior College (ABC) 
ABC provides an online program with practical, in-person training in South Carolina.
The program typically takes about one year to complete.
The tuition is set at approximately $2,700 if paid upfront, plus a $75 application fee.
Opting for a payment plan can increase the total to around $5,647.
Tuition covers the following:
- 29 educational videos on dog training
- Nearly 1,000 pages of study materials
- Hands-on experience with certified trainers
- Certification in Pet CPR and First Aid (valid for two years)
- Lifetime ABC Dog Trainer certification
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy 
CATCH is a state-licensed school offering various certification levels and a flexible pacing structure.
Programs are available nationwide, including in South Carolina, with professional mentor trainers in each state.
CATCH offers a nationally recognized program that pairs you with local mentors.
Their mission is to support individuals who want to make a positive impact in the dog training field while building a fulfilling career.
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy is a fully state-licensed dog training school.
It offers a range of certification levels, providing students with a flexible, self-paced learning experience.
Penn Foster Institute 
This institute offers a program with a duration of 5 weeks.
The program specializes students in obedience training.
For this program, you will have to pay $800 which can be paid in monthly installments of $60.
Its duration is 8 months and students can learn at their own pace.
However, fast learners can complete the program in 5 months, and the slower ones, in 11 months.
Students have access to the course either on the computer or on their mobile devices.
The course is available in other countries as well.
The obedience course covers these topics amongst others:
- How Dogs Learn
- Behavior Analysis
- House Training and Crate Training
- Dog Breed Selection
- Search and Rescue Training
- Agility Training
To graduate, you’ll need to complete:
- 11 courses
- Pass 29 exams
- Submit 4 projects
To maintain your certification, you’ll need to accumulate 48.7 CEUs.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| CATCH Canine Trainers Academy | online classes |
| Animal Behavior College (ABC) | online classes |
| Penn Foster Institute | online classes |
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Salary Expectations for Dog Trainers in South Carolina
Dog trainer salaries in South Carolina depend on factors such as experience, location, specialization, and demand.
The average income for dog trainers in the state ranges between $25,799 and $33,548 annually, with a median salary of about $29,197.
For a closer look, we’ve provided a table of average salaries for dog trainers across various cities in South Carolina.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bowling Green | $29,970 |
| Van Wyck | $29,939 |
| Lando | $29,908 |
| York | $29,877 |
| Smyrna | $29,846 |
| Sharon | $29,815 |
| Lancaster | $29,785 |
| Pageland | $29,754 |
| Hickory Grove | $29,599 |
| Blacksburg | $29,537 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC | 40 | $46,660 | $22.43 | $74,480 | $27,650 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 50 | $37,800 | $18.18 | $61,580 | $21,490 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 50 | $32,500 | $15.63 | $45,070 | $20,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dog training industry a lucrative one in South Carolina?
Absolutely!
Dog training can be a fulfilling career that combines a love for animals with the opportunity to make a positive impact on pets’ and owners’ lives.
With hourly rates reaching up to $100, experienced trainers, especially those offering specialized services like behavior modification or service dog training, are usually in high demand.
As pet ownership rises, so does the demand for skilled trainers to help families build better relationships with their dogs through effective, compassionate training.
At what age can I become a dog trainer in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, there is no strict age requirement for becoming a professional dog trainer.
The journey typically depends on when a person begins relevant education, gains practical experience, and develops the skills needed for the role.
Whether starting early or transitioning later in life, aspiring dog trainers have flexible pathways to enter the field when they feel ready.
Shortly, this means you can start fresh out of high school.
Do I need formal education to become a professional dog trainer in South Carolina?
While formal education isn’t required to be a dog trainer in South Carolina, taking certified classes or courses can make a real difference in building your client base.
A certificate or diploma not only proves your expertise but also reassures clients of your professional skills, potentially leading to more clients and higher demand.
This investment in certification, especially from reputable organizations, can help boost your credibility and set you apart in a competitive field.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog Trainer
Dog Trainer by State