Dog training jobs – what you need to know
, by Brenda Knapik, 3 min reading time
If you’re passionate about dogs, you might consider a career working with them. So, how can you find dog training jobs? And, is it the right career path for you?
If you’re passionate about dogs, you might consider a career working with them. So, how can you find dog training jobs? And, is it the right career path for you?
Is a dog training job for you?
There are several ways to get involved with dog training. Dog training jobs require skill, expertise, and dedication. So, if you’re not sure whether it’s the path for you, it can be a good idea to get some experience first. You may enjoy being around your own dogs, but would you like to be with dogs who have behavioral issues? Would you like working with their owners?
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Becoming a dog trainer
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Get experience
One way to get experience in the field is through volunteering with dogs or getting work experience shadowing a dog trainer. This will help you find out whether you enjoy working with dogs or prefer being around them at home. Even if you’re sure that you want to work with pups, experience in a related field is useful. It could help your dog training job application to stand out and show you’re serious about learning the trade.
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Decide what kind of dog trainer you want to be
Knowing where you’d like your career to take you can help you work out where to start. For example, you may wish to work in the private dog training sector. In this case, look out for relevant opportunities with reputable companies.
Alternatively, you might want to work with assistance dogs. This requires special training and it’s important to thoroughly research the best way to enter this field in your geographical area. Be wary of training courses that seem to offer quick solutions.
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Learn on the job
You may or may not be able to find relevant jobs immediately. Some companies look for assistant dog trainers to receive on-the-job training. This could be a direct path to your dream vocation. Your development often depends on how the company deals with career progression and is something you could ask about during the application process. Alternatively, you may need to transition into this role by starting as a kennel worker or similar.
Training dogs, training people
Dog training is typically a very active job. You may be asked to do some heavy lifting from time to time, travel to meet with dog owners, and go on a lot of walks. Dog training isn’t just about pooches, either. Oftentimes, training the dog is easiest part! You could find yourself giving classes or one-to-one sessions with owners about how to handle their dogs. This requires a lot of patience and very good knowledge of your subject area.
If you’re an aspiring dog trainer, you will need to do thorough research and plan your journey into the field. It can be helpful to speak with a guidance counselor or careers adviser. We wish you the best of luck, why not let us know how it’s going in the comments below?
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