What do dog trainers do?

Whether you want to become a professional dog trainer or looking to enhance your relationship with your dog, there is one thing common amongst all dog lovers — making them happy makes us happy. Nurturing the relationship between dogs and humans enables us to understand them better and enhance our interactions. This can be a fulfilling experience when done correctly.

How can we better understand dog behaviour? It’s all about combining sound knowledge of canine behaviour with practical training techniques. As a professional dog trainer, you might work with dogs in a group training setting or conduct private lessons one-on-one. You will have the opportunity to work with various breeds throughout your career. It’s crucial to remember that one training method won’t work for all — because just like humans — every dog is unique.

There are many different types of training you can specialise in as a professional dog trainer. The most common focus areas are obedience training, advanced skills, and rectifying basic behavioural problems. You could work with dogs to prepare them for shows such as agility competitions or specialise in training dogs to become assistance dogs or police dogs. Or you could even launch your own dog training business — the possibilities are endless!

Whatever pathway you choose, one thing’s for sure — working with these humble creatures every day will be an enriching experience.

How to become a dog trainer?

In the pet industry, experience is everything. Most employers prefer those who have studied a certificate and previous dog training experience rather than higher education. The desired qualification usually ranges from a standard certificate or short course to certificate IV, and there typically aren’t any formal prerequisites to enrol in a dog training course.

It is highly recommended that you seek out work experience opportunities while completing your certification to give yourself every chance to find a job post-study. Volunteering at shelters or fostering a rescue dog is a great place to start to better understand animal behaviour and is a great stepping stone into the industry.

There are also many online dog training courses in Australia. If you’re currently working full-time and looking for a career change or looking to upskill and enhance your pet’s wellbeing, self-paced learning makes this easy for you.

Dog training course job outcomes

There are various career opportunities available after completing a dog training course. These include:

  • Dog trainer
  • Veterinary assistant
  • Dog shelter assistant
  • Dog walker
  • Dog kennel attendant
  • Dog handler

Is a dog training course the right fit for you?

Although dogs come in all different shapes, sizes, and temperaments, a few characteristics you will need are crucial to becoming a dog trainer. So, before deciding whether to enrol in a dog training course, consider the traits below to see whether it’s the right fit for you:

  • Patience
  • Endurance
  • Compassion
  • Flexibility
  • Confidence
  • Persistence
  • Systematic approach

Above all else, it’s important that you are a genuine animal lover who wants to dedicate their life to making our four-legged friends the happiest they can be.

If this sounds like you, enrol in a dog training course today!