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How to Become a Dog Trainer: An Enjoyable Job That Makes a Difference

To be a professional dog trainer, you need a love for dogs and a solid set of skills at your disposal. Having a foundation in animal behaviour and training skills is a huge advantage, and will boost your job prospects of becoming a dog trainer. Although a qualification isn’t required for this role, a Dog Psychology and Training Certificate can provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to get started.

Find out about the job market, what it’s like to be a dog trainer and how to go about nabbing your first job.

dog-trainer
  • Overview
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Skills
  • How to Become
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  • Reviews

Dog trainer job description
info Where we source our data

Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That’s why we anonymously surveyed dog trainers about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

Dog trainers show owners how to teach their dogs to respond to commands, focusing on appropriate behaviour, social skills and safety. They design and create training programs that suit a dog’s needs where they need behavioural improvement. Dog trainers are responsible for identifying problem behaviours and teaching the dog owner how to train their pet.
Cooperative

Cooperative
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Physical

Physical
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Persuading

Persuading
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Tasks and responsibilities for a dog trainer

So, what exactly do dog trainers do? A dog trainer’s main tasks include:

  • Designing training plans
  • Conducting classes in dog obedience with other dogs and their owners
  • Teaching owners and supporting them on how to establish good habits day-to-day to ensure training is effective
  • Identifying potential behavioural problems
  • Communicating any issues to the dog owners for further attention
  • Providing training for assistance dogs, detection dogs, police dogs, guide dogs or show dogs

Reasons to choose this job
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.

Enjoyable

Enjoyable

Building relationships with dogs and working with them every day can be fun. Plus, watching them learn new skills and helping their owners to feel more confident can be highly fulfilling.

Read More
Makes a difference

Makes a difference

Training dogs and teaching owners how to connect with their dogs effectively makes a huge difference in the lives they share. In specialised training roles, trainers work with guide dogs to improve the quality of life for sight-impaired people. Trainers who work with rescue dogs aid in the rehabilitation of mistreated animals, giving them a second chance at life.

Read More
Flexible hours

Flexible hours

Dog training can be a full-time career part-time or casual — leaving time for family commitments or other job roles. You could even start your dog training business.

Read More

Job satisfaction

Overall job satisfaction
info
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.

Stress level
info
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

low

Fulfilment
info
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

very-high

Skill level
info
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.

low

Job market trends for a dog trainer

Australia will always need dog trainers, with one of the world’s highest pet ownership rates. In addition, a surge in dog ownership has been seen in the last two years — with over a million additional dogs being brought into households.

With a considerable uptake of pooches in Aussie homes, there comes a need for experienced trainers, and the predicted growth for the job remains very stable.

$51,272 Per Year

Median salary
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Projected job growth
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Pathway options
info
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

Being a dog trainer can be a gratifying career. Plus, starting in this role can also lead you to further study or work in other animal-related roles.

Future career options:

Junior

  • Apprentice animal trainer

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)

  • Assistant dog trainer

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training (22542VIC)

Mid

  • Animal behaviourist

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)

  • Animal trainer

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)

Skills you might already have
info
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.

If you have had your own dog as a pet, you already know more than others about dog training. Having experience setting good habits and the care it takes to work with animals are all skills you can bring to the table.

These skills may include:

Empathy

To work in any role with animals, a caring and compassionate nature is a must. An innate ability to empathise and put the dog’s welfare first also allows you to set an excellent example to owners, showing them that a caring nature goes a long way when dealing with dogs.

Read More

Confidence around animals

Dogs can be unpredictable, and many that have had no training can be harder to handle. Having knowledge and confidence around dogs is essential for the safety of the dogs and others around them.

Read More

Problem-solving

Some dogs (and owners) are easier to train than others. Identifying when something isn’t working and quickly finding a resolution is a massive advantage in this role.

Read More

Patience

Like people, no dog is the same. Some may learn quickly, and some may need constant reminding of a simple command. Being patient, consistent and using positive reinforcement with dogs is the best way for them to learn and feel safe.

Read More

Communication

A role as a dog trainer requires communicating with animals, but arguably, the most critical communication happens with the pet owner. They need to take the skills taught in lessons home with them and use them effectively.

Read More

Hard skills
info
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.

Studying a course through a recognised training organisation teaches you essential skills needed to succeed at your job. These skills are specific to a role in dog training, and are needed every day.

Some of the skills required are:

Dog anatomy and canine behaviour recognition

Animals tell us a lot by the way they behave and their body language. In a training setting, it’s essential to have a firm understanding of these behaviours and knowledge of their anatomy.

Read More

Safety around dogs

It is vital to have procedures and guidelines established around potentially dangerous situations, so you can keep the dogs safe, along with anyone else involved.

Read More

Dog obedience training methods

Knowledge of tried and tested training techniques ensures you are providing the best service to your customers.

Read More

Training program design

Dog trainers must know how to put together a time-efficient and easy to follow lesson plan.

Read More

Animal welfare assessment

Having a solid understanding of animal welfare requirements is a must for any dog training business. Dog trainers need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the client and dog and implement safety measures where required.

Read More

As a trainer, excellent communication skills and a love for both people and dogs is a must.

Shannon Kirwin, Dog Behaviourist and Training Director at Furever Life Canine Training

How to become a dog trainer

Taking the proper steps to make sure you are ready to train dogs is recommended. Luckily, there are several ways you can give your job application an added edge.
  1. Volunteer at a dog training company

    Contact any local dog training schools and offer your time on the weekend or after hours to assist in animal training sessions. It is a great way to get experience and may even open you up to job opportunities if they arise.

  2. Study

    Take a course in animal services or dog training. Courses allow you to learn the skills needed and makes you more attractive to prospective employers.

  3. Apply for a dog training assistant role

    Hands-on experience is the best way to learn, and a job as an assistant trainer can enhance your skills. You can start part-time if you wish to retain your current employment.

  4. Start your own business

    Once you have experience and are confident in dog training, you might like to start a business. If so, you need to research and apply for any local permits required.

Explore related qualifications

Dog Psychology & Training

Study method Online

Several short courses are available that provide you the basic skills needed to get into the dog training industry.

 

Some can be conducted 100% online, are self-paced and can be started at any time, meaning you can fit it around your current schedule.

Read More

5 providers offer this course

Learning Online
Careers Collectiv
Careerhouse
Ulleo
Future Courses

Certificate III in Companion Animal Services

Study method In-class

For an overall and thorough course in animal services, this certificate provides you with skills in animal nutrition, grooming and the health and wellbeing of animals. 

The course combines the flexibility of online learning and immediate enrolment. It also includes an invaluable work placement that could open up employment opportunities.

The course can be completed in six months full-time or over one year part-time.

Read More

1 providers offer this course

Dentos Pet Stylist Academy

Related subjects

For those that love animals and have natural abilities in this area, there is no shortage of other animal-related career options available in Australia. 

Animal Care
Animal Care
Animal Science
Animal Science

Reviews
info How we collect reviews

Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.

Is this your job title?

Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.

Leave a Review

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
Linda
Sep 09 2021

Able to change lives of both the dog and the owner.

What are the best parts of the job?

One of the best things about my job is the ability to change peoples lives - literally. Many people and families struggle every day with their dogs behavioural problems, creating havoc in their lives with many having to fit their lives around those of their dogs. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing that light switch moment when they "get" their dog, and understand why he does what he does and how they are enabling and at times encouraging this. From the dog's perspective, it is extremely rewarding to be able to help them understand and fit in with our lifestyles and become more relaxed and engaged in their lives. When we can take the confusion and/or anxiety out of the equation in a dogs life, making his life more enjoyable and fullfilling, it is lifechanging for everyone.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

I always say that training the dog is the easy bit. I think one of the most challenging aspects of dog training is being able to communicate effectively to owners and families as to why issues with their dogs are occurring and how in many cases, they are, at least in part, creating the problems. We need also to remember that generally speaking, families make decisions and are doing things that they believe are in the best interests of their dogs. Explaining how sometimes this isnt the case can be challenging, as we have to consider different personalities and ways people take in information. People also have different skill sets and learning their dogs body language, new skills with leash handling, timing of reward events, and at times changing their own perceptions can be challenging for both trainer and client. This is why it is so important to have empathy for clients and adapability in delivery of training and advice.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 10+
Organisation size Self-employed
Specialisation Puppy development
Kaveen
Sep 04 2021

Enjoy helping animals but working on owner-animal interaction can be hard.

What are the best parts of the job?

I love helping animals and training them to be well-behaved.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Training dogs to love their owner when they don't have the best relationship can be difficult.

Read More
Qualification Advanced diploma
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 0-4 employees
Nicholas
Sep 05 2021

Dog interaction is exciting and a good challenge.

What are the best parts of the job?

Interactions with dogs one-on-one is the best part of the job.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Its all challenging but in an exciting, positive way.

Read More
Qualification Professional doctorate
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Specialisation Communication
Jason
Sep 05 2021

Flexible role where I can sometimes work from home.

What are the best parts of the job?

When I meet cute dogs and am able to train them at home.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Stopping the unfriendly dogs from attacking me.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Timothy
Sep 12 2021

Engaging career.

What are the best parts of the job?

It's an engaging job that is very enjoyable.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

The training process, learning all the strategies and methods.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 10+
Organisation size 200+ employees
Kyle
Sep 13 2021

Enjoyable to watch dogs' progress and have better relationships with their owners.

What are the best parts of the job?

The best part is getting to see dogs grow more interactive and strengthening the bond between them and their owners.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

There's really not many challenges, I love every aspect of my job.

Read More
Qualification Diploma
Experience 1-3
Organisation size Self-employed
Thomas
Sep 21 2021

A career where organisation is essential.

What are the best parts of the job?

Persuading people to train their pets so they can form better bonds.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Time management is a challenge, since you need to stay organised and on top fo everything.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Brandon
Sep 30 2021

A fun, challenging career.

What are the best parts of the job?

Being a dog trainer is a fun career.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Getting extremely disobedient dogs to listen is the hardest part of the job.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 200+ employees
1 2 3

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The Carer Take the Career Quiz

Job cluster: The Carer
info What are job clusters?

The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.

The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.

This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.

Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?

Having the patience and perseverance to work with animals and the communication skills to teach people how to implement your training plans at home is best suited to the career personality of The Carer. 

 

People with the  ‘Carer’ personality type thrive in environments where they can help all living things, and see fulfilment in others reaching their goals.

Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dog trainer earn?

Entry-level positions in dog training start at around $57k per year, while most experienced workers (like assistance dog trainers) can earn up to about $81k per year.

What makes a good dog trainer?

A love for dogs, a strong ability to empathise, communicate and exercise patience are the keys to being a good dog trainer.

Is dog training a good career?

If you are a dog lover and love to see animals thrive and reach goals, a career in dog training is a great choice.

How long does it take to become a dog trainer?

While there’s no set time frame to become a dog trainer in Australia, it is recommended that you take some time to study in order to learn the essential skills. 

What courses do you need to become a dog trainer?

No formal education is required for dog training, but it is recommended that you take a course in animal services or dog training to become more attractive to prospective employers.

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