Dog Trainers - What It Takes To Become A Professional

Topic: Careers with Dogs

Filed under Dogs

Tags: Training

 

Many people really seem to have a knack for working with dogs. You may be someone that just seems to get dogs to do what you ask or that dog's seem to respond to in a very positive way. Most dog trainers are very attuned to dogs and may even seem to have an ability to determine what a dog is thinking. This insight into the canine thought process and behavior can definitely be an asset in training dogs, either in group classes or in private types of session.

Dog trainers can be general trainers offering obedience classes of various levels as well as individual training for dogs that are showing problem behaviors, or they can be very specialized trainers. Examples of specialized training include guide and assistance dog trainers, police and search and rescue dog trainers and even schutzhund, agility, hunting, herding, guarding and working dog trainers.

Besides just an aptitude for working with dogs and an understanding of canine behavior, most professional level trainers have extensive training and classes in the various training disciplines. Most also have a background in showing or competing with the dogs that they train, or at least working with professional level handlers to prepare the dog and handler teams for competitions and events. In some cases the professional dog trainer may work for a specific organization such as the police, military or search and rescue group.

Dog trainers, however, don't just have to work with dogs. Often the dog trainer spends most of his or her time teaching the human how to interact with the dog, rather than the other way around. Often dog trainers that are called in to work with the so called "problem" dogs find out what they really are working with is a problem owner that is inconsistent or unrealistic as to what they expect the dog to be able to understand or actually perform. Being able to talk to people and explain things in a comprehensive yet empathetic way to the human in the pair is critical as a professional trainer.

One of the best options for people considering a career as a professional dog trainer is to find a way to volunteer, intern or work for an established dog training professional. There are lots of books, DVD's, online videos and demonstrations as well as actual in-person courses you can attend. If you have the ability go to different shows and talk to the trainers or get involved in working within a rescue, dog breed club, group or association to help understand what dog owners are looking for in a trainer.

Working with an established trainer or being able to take courses from a professional and well respected trainer is perhaps the very best possible option. Many professional trainers offer weekend workshops and training seminars that are really one of a kind opportunities to learn from the pros. While these courses may be a bit more expensive than an online class or a DVD dog training course, they also give you the option to see training strategies and programs in action as well as be able to ask questions and discuss potential issues you may see in using the training method.

There are several different dog training schools available, especially if you want to work within a specific type of training discipline. For example many companies offer police dog trainer programs or specific training for search and rescue dogs. Often the trainers are active duty police officers or first responders, but other trainers are also contracted for use within a great number of these organizations. Having some type of credentialing or recognition through these schools is not only beneficial if you want to work within the agency or organization but it can also help in private dog training businesses and classes.

Credentialing or membership in a professional dog or pet trainer group is a great way to network, advertise and provide information on your services to potential dog owners and handlers. There are several organizations you may want to consider but two of the most recognized are the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Business Decisions, Advertising and Classes

Finding a facility to hold your dog training classes, either in groups or individual, is often the first step in getting started. Summer classes and trainings can be held outdoors, sometimes public or community parks can be booked at little or no cost for these types of events. Indoor facilities are ideal for year round training but choosing a suitable facility is important. They should be designed to be easy to clean, for those little accidents that might happen, and should be well ventilated, heated or air conditioned and well managed to ensure it is safe for both dogs and their owners. A good flooring type such as tile, wood or cement may be suitable for general classes provided you can use mats and non-skid surfaces for jumping or more specific types of training.

Making the decision on the types of training you are prepared to offer is also important. Since word of mouth will be one of your best advertising options it is better to pass on a training you aren't confident you can do than take something on that isn't within your area of expertise. Networking with other trainers may also help you make referrals for these types of issues plus can be a good source of referrals to your training expertise as well.

You may want to start out with obedience classes for puppies and dogs, then as you build confidence and ability in working in group settings move into more specialized training such as agility, herding, hunting, guard dog work or even earthdog competition training. Make sure you are very familiar with the judging, scoring and organization of these types of competitive events as this will be an asset to the owners and handlers as well as to the success of your dog training business.

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