Become A Dog Trainer Homepage

Question: Become a dog trainer?

(Posted by: J P on 2009-05-18 06:03:41)

I am in a decent office job where I am able to make ends meet. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful to be employed but being tied down to a desk and phone all day is really taking it's toll on me. My natural love of animals draws me toward dog training / vet tech. Anyone have any experience in this field? Can you share salary potential, thoughts on my change in this economy, chances of success?? Again - I am grateful to be employed but I think for my mental well being I need a change. Thanks!

Posted by: Unstoppable--as always :- p on 2009-05-18, 06:15:29

REAL trainers PROVE their expertise by the numbers of dogs they've TITLED to top levels. REAL trainers spend DECADES learning & then training their dogs. Any boob-off-the-street can get a job scamming the gullible into paying (minimum wage!) for halfazz "training " at some mega-mart supply place. Keep your day-job.You'll starve w/ out it.

Posted by: Single Worker 1230 on 2009-05-18, 06:24:53

I'm not sure about full time trainer earning potential as that depends upon the area where you live. Some areas can support a full-time dog trainer. The biggest thing that most really successful trainers have is name recognition in their field of dog training. There are many fields of training that a person can go into. Anywhere from service dog training to field dog training to solving household obedience problems. The changes in the economy has helped some trainers and hurt others. Again this is dependent on the area and the field of training. Many people start out by training as a hobby, then moving up and teaching a class or several and finally doing board and train. This gives them a chance to get their feet wet and to develop a name. Starting out as a hobby trainer might help keep your day job a little more exciting as you are learning new things while working. A dog trainer doesn't need to go to any special schools in order to become a dog trainer. A vet tech needs to have graduated from an AVMA accredited program in order to be a credentialed technician.

Posted by: savannah_jc23 on 2009-05-18, 06:25:38

Well..your first probalem is looking into a bigger salary for dog training or vet tech.............I doubt you will get it and you can't go into it like that. You ahve to do it strictly b/ c you love it!!!!! I am vet tech trained and am now training to be a dog trainer..Now if you like being indoors , and having little- moderate actually physical work...vettech is your job....while you may get snapped at or have a to pick up a big old dog from time to time its alot less demanding than training......Training is rough...I love it, but I get jumped on, knocked down, pulled down, scratched, bitten(mostly by accident) everyday. You are outside, sometimes its hot, sometimes its cold, sometimes you have dogs that hate you, sometimes you have dog that want to be your boss....there is alot of tough love and consistantcy with it. WE teach tracking dogs, which means running 100-150yard tracks with a dog.........and you ahve to keep up and not hold them back. Being a dog trainer doesn't mean playing games with a chiahuahua...It means having big dogs that owners can't handle give to you to handle for various reasons. You have to learn how to read each dog, and figure out a training method for that dog....It want to be a little petsmart trainer...then yeah go for it...but if you want to really train dogs....its not all fun and games...Its hard work and if you are older or have a low pain tolerance...its not the job for you......you ahve to have alot of paitents!!!!!!! I am not trying to scare you off the idea...just letting you know what the books don't tell you. the money is good....approx $60-75 hour if you work hourly...approx $1600 for a 4week training course..Now vet tech do not make as much, but the job is easier...............step back and look at what you are willing to put into your work....if you want to traina dog to sit and lay.then yeah you can do it and make about $20 an hour........If you want to train...You ahve to train and be able to train any dog that is brought to you reguadless. I am working with a mal...that is only 5 months and will absoluty tear you to shreds given the chance...She belongs to a 76yr old woman.....who can't deal with a dog like this...............She can't be sent back to this woman b4 she knows all commads and will not bite.....she has not been sociallized..or taught any manners.........Research it all and talk with some trainers around your area.