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We’ve all seen the show with Cesar Millan and how he handles being a dog trainer.
That said, the job is much different than what television makes it look like.
If you’re interested in becoming a dog trainer, there is much to consider.
Below, we’ll give a detailed rundown of the pros and cons of being a dog trainer.
That way, you can see if it’s a suitable career path.
Article Table of Contents
Pros of Being a Dog Trainer
Being a dog trainer is highly rewarding, and you’ll get to work alongside some amazing owners and dogs.
However, you’ll want to carefully consider what the job entails.
Below, we’ve summarized the benefits of working as a dog trainer.
1. Working Alongside Man’s Best Friend
One of the biggest appeals of working as a dog trainer is the ability to work with dogs.
You will be introduced to a wide variety of canines, some of which can be cute and cuddly.
That said, owners are coming to you for a reason, and you’ll need to remain professional while working with them.
2. No Training Necessary
As a dog trainer, you don’t need to get any formal training to start working or advertising your services.
However, many dog trainers need some sort of experience or certificate to sell clients in their training programs.
For example, some tend to complete certificate programs such as the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Karen Pryor Academy, or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
In addition, others may join the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator.
3. Flexible Schedule
As a dog trainer, you’re essentially working as a freelancer unless you’re hired by a company.
So, you’ll have plenty of ability to customize your schedule.
If you’re working on your own, then you can easily set up client meetings at any time you want.
However, if you’re working for a company, then you may be stuck working the general nine to five.
4. Career Growth
While there aren’t any educational requirements, there is a lot of opportunity for career growth.
Dog trainers often find themselves either starting their own dog training company or moving on to work with other animals.
They also can be found creating their training programs, recording videos, and posting on social media.
Regardless, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to career advancement.
5. Creative
Working as a dog trainer allows you to get creative and use some fun techniques.
Other jobs tend to require you to stick to the book.
However, as a dog trainer, you’ll be doing what works for the animal.
Some may need some specialized training, while others may require some classic dog training.
That said, you’ll also have to get creative with owners, as the saying goes “You’re not only training the dog, but you’re training the owner too”.
5. Positive Impact
Dog trainers can have a positive impact on their clients, pets, and the community.
As a dog trainer, you’ll have the opportunity to work with clients who may have struggled or given up hope.
For example, you may be working with a client who has an aggressive dog and needs to help get its behavior under control before it gets put down.
On the other hand, you also may be working with shelters or other organizations.
For dog trainers who want to work with organizations, you can help train dogs in the police force, service animals, and more.
In addition, you can also help train pets in your community by offering your services to dog adoption centers.
7. Growing Demand
One of the biggest issues is that more people are deciding to get dogs as pets.
With the influx of pets, it’s no surprise that there is also a need for more dog trainers.
If you’re specialized, then that’s even better.
With the rise in demand, there will not only be more jobs open, but opportunities to expand your career and even business.
8. Fulfilling
Lastly, working alongside owners and their dogs can be a highly fulfilling job.
You will be making owners’ and dogs’ lives safe and positive by enhancing the bond and trust between them.
You may even be able to work with difficult cases, which, with your help, will be completely turned around.
Seeing the difference that you make on families and their pets can be satisfying and rewarding in the long run.
Cons of Being a Dog Trainer
Before you consider becoming a dog trainer due to all the benefits, you should also weigh the cons.
There are just as many cons as there are pros to being a dog trainer.
Below, we’ll give you a bit of insight into the drawbacks of being a dog trainer and what it entails.
1. Risk of Injury
Dog bites can be extremely deadly and also be risky to treat.
If you’re working as a dog trainer, then there is always a chance of getting a bit even if the dog is properly trained.
Dogs can have a complex learning history, which can make predicting their behavior tricky.
You’ll need to be prepared to not only handle your injury but also risk to the owner and those around you.
2. Physically Demanding
Working alongside dogs is a physically demanding job, especially when it requires repetitive movements.
Dogs will often be very energetic and if you’ve ever tried to outlast one in a play session, then you know that you’re in for a challenge.
As a dog trainer, you’ll be tasked with keeping up with the dog back to back.
Being in good physical shape or having the endurance to keep up with the demands of the job is crucial to success.
3. Difficult Clients
Sometimes, owners will come to you with the expectation that you will magically fix their dog’s behavior.
However, dog training has a lot more to do than just training your dog.
You often have to train the owner so that the dog can be successful.
Some owners won’t want to partake or even listen to what you say, which can be frustrating.
You may also end up facing clients that undo your training at home.
This can be extremely frustrating, especially when you’ve worked hard to get the dog to a certain place.
So, you’ll need to have strong patience skills and be able to handle difficult customers.
4. No Benefits
Working as a freelance dog trainer often means no benefits.
You’ll be in charge of getting your healthcare and insurance and providing all the tools.
That can add up over time if you’re not tracking your expenses.
So, it’s important to consider the other expenses associated with being a dog trainer.
5. Inconsistent Income
Yet again, working as a dog trainer usually means that you’re self-employed, which can result in inconsistent income.
Those who want to have consistent work schedules and income should work for an organization and not be contractors or freelancers.
The lack of consistent income can be damaging to your finances, especially if you’re not carefully tracking how much you’re spending.
6. Competitive
There are many dog trainers out there, and you will need to compete against them to get your clientele.
It’s a difficult field to break into, especially if you don’t have any formal certificates or training.
That’s why most often dog trainers start by either volunteering or working at a dog training center.
Once you gain experience, it’s still competitive, as you’ll be going against professionals who have higher degrees and training.
7. Stressful
Lastly, being a dog trainer can be stressful. Dogs are unpredictable, but also generally have a mind of their own.
Some training techniques may not even work on a dog, which can lead to reduced progress.
Owners can become frustrated at you, and often even quit before you get the chance to make any real progress.
Aside from that, you may also have to dedicate extra time to learning new training techniques for complex behavioral issues.
8. Low Pay
Those working in an organization often face low pay.
Many dog trainers make a little more than minimum wage.
For those with advanced training, they may do more.
However, compared to other careers, a dog trainer doesn’t make that much.
The average salary of a dog trainer is estimated at $40,000 a year or less.
Pros and Cons of Being a Dog Trainer – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Dog Trainer | Cons of Being a Dog Trainer |
|---|---|
| 1. Working Alongside Man’s Best Friend | 1. Risk of Injury |
| 2. No Training Necessary | 2. Physically Demanding |
| 3. Flexible Schedule | 3. Difficult Clients |
| 4. Career Growth | 4. No Benefits |
| 5. Creative | 5. Inconsistent Income |
| 5. Positive Impact | 6. Competitive |
| 7. Growing Demand | 7. Stressful |
| 8. Fulfilling | 8. Low Pay |
Should You Become a Dog Trainer?
If you’re considering becoming a dog trainer, we believe that you should define what you’re going to do as a career.
Ask yourself what type of dog you’re going to work with if you can keep up with the physical demands of the job, and if you’re ok with the potential of being injured.
If so, then you’ll likely be able to handle being a dog trainer.
That said, you’ll also want to consider getting some formal training to help get your foot in the door.