Want To Become A Dog Trainer? Here's How!

Are you thinking you would like to become a dog trainer? Are you interested in pursuing a career in dog training, but don't know where to begin or how to get started? Here are the different ways you can get the knowledge, training, and experience that you need to become a dog trainer.

1. Attend Workshops, Seminars, and Conferences

Perhaps the cheapest way to qualify for dog training jobs is to attend as many dog training workshops, seminars, and conferences as you can. The good news is that these are typically inexpensive and for a nominal fee (usually no more than $30 to $50 a day), you can learn how to become a dog trainer from industry experts.

According to the American Dog Trainers Network, if you want to learn through this route, you should attend at least 24 one-to-four-day workshops and seminars on a wide variety of canine-related subjects, among them

● The Development of Different Breeds
● How to Choose a Puppy
● How to Raise a Puppy
● Puppy and Dog Training
● Obedience Training (for all levels)
● Handling Skills
● Behavior Modification Techniques
● Canine Nutrition, Medicine, and Health
● Training and Handling Aggressive Dogs
● Training and Handling Phobic, Shy, or Timid Dogs
● Dog Activities and Sports
● Tracking
● Protection Training
● Canine Structure, Anatomy, and Movement
● Training Service Dogs: AAA and AAT

2. Join Animal Behavior and Dog Trainers Associations

Certain groups can train you to become a dog trainer. Recommended organizations include

● American Dog Trainers Network
● Animal Behavior Society
● National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors

3. Sign Up for a Program

A number of schools and universities offer animal behavior programs. Ask the local college what courses they are offering or check out the programs of the following universities:

● Geulph UniversityOntatio, Canada

● Cornell UniversityIthica, NY

● Tufts UniversityBoston, MA

Many schools offer apprenticeships, but they only take on apprentices that pass written and field tests. To become a trainer, you must pass both the written and field tests administered. Another set of written and field tests is given to would-be instructors. Certain states have additional requirements, too. For example, California requires instructors to pass a state-certifying test before they can be issued a license. 4. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

Of course, nothing beats the hands-on training you will get from animal shelters. Forget theories; these shelters put you to work right from day one. So, if you want quick, practical training on how to become a dog trainer, volunteer for the animal shelter nearest you. Shelter work is the best way for you to get hands-on experience training dogs of different temperaments and breeds.

5. Go to Trainers' Schools

You can sign up for many K9 academies and trainers' schools--there is bound to be at least one very near you. Choose your school with care, though. There have been many complaints against the programs of these schools, such as:

● they promote harsh training methods even though their ads claim they use humane methods and positive reinforcement techniques. Such abusive methods include "helicoptering" and "choke collaring".

● they provide limited information.

● they show very impressive course outlines but actually covers very important topics superficially.

● the training is limited in scope.

The good news is that you do not need a degree to become a dog trainer. Simply choose any of the five methods listed above, and then supplement what you learn with books, DVDs, and magazines. In a nutshell, a dog training career is not without its difficulties. The right training prepares you for the challenges ahead and makes you so good at what you do you can teach even an old dog new tricks!

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