How to Become a Dog Trainer in Texas

If you have a passion for dogs or are considering a career change, becoming a dog trainer in Texas could be fulfilling and exciting.

This field is relatively easy to enter, and this guide will help outline the steps you need to take to start your journey.

In Texas, obtaining certification is not crucial for working as a professional dog trainer.

This guide will explain the certification process and introduce you to some of the top programs to help you succeed.

Read on to find out!

Primary Responsibilities of a Dog Trainer in Texas

As a dog trainer, you’ll handle a variety of important tasks, such as:

• Teaching dogs basic obedience commands
• Enhancing their socialization skills
• Assessing the temperament and behavior of each dog
• Customizing training methods to suit individual dogs
• Educating dog owners on how to reinforce training at home

In addition to these fundamental duties, dog trainers may address specific needs based on the dog’s behavior and the owner’s requirements.

You also have opportunities to specialize in areas like:

• Agility training
• Service dog training
• Behavior modification for dogs with anxiety or aggression

Even if you choose not to specialize, you’ll acquire the skills to recognize behavioral issues and refer clients to specialists when necessary.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Dog Trainer in Texas

Your journey toward certification starts with gaining hands-on experience and mastering key dog training techniques.

Here are some steps to help you build your knowledge:

• Attending dog training workshops
• Enrolling in professional courses
• Participating in relevant industry seminars
• Watching educational videos on training techniques
• Volunteering at local animal shelters
• Observing experienced trainers to learn their methods

Once you’ve built a solid foundation of skills, you can pursue certification.

One of the most respected certifications is offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

To qualify, you must complete 300 hours of practical experience over three years and pass a 180-question exam.

Consider joining reputable organizations such as:

• The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
• The American Kennel Club (AKC)

These organizations will help keep you up to date with industry standards and assist you in maintaining your credentials.

Dog Trainer Certification Programs in Texas

Here are some popular programs that can help you get certified.

Starmark Academy 

This academy offers 3 types of classes, based on duration:

• 4 weeks
• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks

The 4-week class has 3 sessions, meaning they take place 3 times a year.

This is the Pet Obedience Theory and Application course that aims to strengthen the communication between dogs and their owners.

It runs for 40 hours per week along the Canine Training Specialist program, it offers participants a certificate of attendance upon completion.

Those who finish the course are eligible to progress into the Canine Training Specialist Program.

The 8 and 12-week classes also have 3 sessions per year.

These classes are more advanced than the previous ones.

If you want to enroll in any of these classes, expect to pay between $6,795 and $11,795.

However, various fees are mandatory to pay:

• $50 – application fee
• $500 – tuition deposit, refundable
• $300 – training equipment package

The International School for Certified Dog Trainers

This school offers a course priced at $499 and upon completion, students will receive the ISCDT certification.

Participants will complete written assignments and homework, supported by visual guides and class videos.

Each lesson combines comprehensive text descriptions with training videos that showcase trainers, dogs, and owners applying the techniques in real-life scenarios.

Upon completion, you’ll be able to:

• Train dogs professionally
• Be ready for ISCDT’s advanced training courses
• Provide knowledgeable answers to dog owners’ questions

Each chapter requires you to:

• Read lesson materials
• Watch supporting videos
• Complete assignments (at least one per chapter)

Assignments are uploaded for instructor review and must be approved to progress.

You’ll be notified of each lesson completion, guiding you steadily toward certification.

Dog Trainer Salaries in Texas

Salaries for dog trainers in Texas can vary based on several factors, including:

• Experience level
• Geographic location
• Specialization
• Market demand

On average, dog trainers in Texas can earn between $26,756 and $34,792 annually.

The median salary is approximately $30,279 per year.

To give you a clearer idea of salary potential, here’s a breakdown of average dog trainer salaries across different cities in Texas.

This will help you understand what to expect once you complete your training and begin your professional journey.

Regional Salary in Texas

Dog Trainer by State