Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Find More Information
• Method 2 of 3: Get a Diploma
• Method 3 of 3: Find a Job
• Additional articles

Dogs are not only pets, but also our friends. Maybe you are a dog lover trying to build a career out of your love for animals? Becoming a trainer is a great way to make money, fulfill yourself in life and just do what you like! If you want to excel and become a good dog trainer,you need to be patient and ready to spend a lot of time and energy on achieving your goal. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps you will have to take to become a dog trainer.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Find More Information

1. 1 Learn about animal psychology. To become a successful dog trainer, you must understand how these animals think. So you have to study their behavior. You can start reading different manuals and books. Look for books by renowned authors that analyze and explain why in a given situation a dog behaves this way and not otherwise.
   • The Professional Dog Handlers Association offers a list of educational resources. For example, this list includes the book "Intelligent Animal Behavior" (AR Luria), "Textbook on Dog Training" (Thomas A. Knott, Dolores Oden Cooper). Another excellent textbook - "Social behavior of animals" (N. Tinbergen)
   • If you have a dog (or several dogs), start observing its behavior closely. Pay attention to your dog's mood swings and different habits, and you might even start keeping a diary of observations.
   • You can learn a lot from your dog's veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian if he or she can recommend educational literature on dog training. You can also ask a consultant at the library or store to help you find a guide.
   • There are several patterns of behavior that you definitely need to know about: aggression, food defense, guarding, barking, howling. Do your own research and find information on the Internet, on the websites of various dog breeding and training organizations.
2. 2 Find out what skills and abilities you need. There are several types of dog handlers. Take your time and read about different ways to build a career as a trainer, and then decide what interests you the most. Find out about the most famous dog handlers in your city and ask them to tell you exactly what their job is. These conversations will help you understand the pros and cons of the profession and make a decision.
   • There are many other specialties besides the pet dog trainer. For example, you can train dogs for medical purposes. One option is to start training guide dogs.
   • You can train dogs for security personnel or train military dogs. Trained dogs help officers in the service, sometimes they participate in the search for missing people, and also help find explosives and drugs.
   • You can also become a dog trainer, who will then participate in the filming of a movie or in a show. This option is best suited for those who live in cities and regions where there are film studios.
3. 3 Try volunteering. Even if you have a lot of experience with your dogs, as a trainer you will have to learn how to work and communicate with other people's animals. A great opportunity to gain the necessary experience is to become a volunteer. Visit several of the city's shelters and see if they need volunteers.
   • In some shelters, volunteers are allowed to work with dogs and train them. Find out about this opportunity at the shelter where you volunteer. This is a great way to gain the necessary experience and skills in working with animals.
   • If you work as a volunteer, you can understand if you really want to choose this profession for yourself. Many shelter dogs have behavioral problems. Volunteering will give you an idea of ​​what to expect from your profession if you want to become a dog trainer.
   • Think about whether you have the opportunity to take dogs to your place for overexposure, that is, provide them with temporary housing. You will have to look after the dogs while looking for a permanent owner for them. Overexposure of animals can last from 24 hours to several weeks or months. Working with dogs at the shelter and at home is a great way to learn how to communicate with dogs of different breeds and temperaments.Learn about the possibility of overexposing animals at the shelter.

Method 2 of 3: Get a Diploma

1. 1 Select a curriculum. You can choose to study at a college or university for four years, where you can earn an Animal Specialist Diploma. Such a program provides a good basic knowledge of animal psychology. In addition, the diploma is proof for the employer not only of your skills and knowledge in this area, but also that you have invested a lot of time and effort in their study.
   • Meet with your college admissions representative and ask them about the curriculum in your specialty. Be sure to think about how much effort and time it will cost you a successful college graduation.
   • If you don't have the time, money, or desire to get a college degree and become a dog trainer, there are other ways to get an education. One way is to go to vocational school. Although the curricula of schools and colleges differ, the colleges also have decent curricula. Find information on this on the Internet, read reviews from former students to find out how it all works.
2. 2 Higher education in this specialty can be obtained at the Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazeva (Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazev) at the zooengineering faculty, specializing in "Cynology". For secondary vocational education, please contact the Kennel College of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education Moscow State Academy of Medical Sciences named after K.I. Skryabin, Moscow Construction College No. 38 ("Profsoyuznoye" Branch) and other colleges where there is a specialty "Cynology".
   • Once you receive your diploma, you will have to continue improving your skills, that is, you will need to take part in seminars and conferences every year dedicated to the specifics of your specialty.
3. 3 Find a good mentor. The best way to get the knowledge and skills you need is to start working with an experienced trainer. Some training programs provide such an opportunity, where the school provides you with a job with a mentor. Before choosing an educational institution and a suitable program, ask if it is possible to practice with an experienced trainer.
   • Even if you do not attend classes, you can still learn about some of the intricacies from a specialist in your field. Many large animal care companies offer internships. Contact your institution to find out if it is providing internships for its students.
   • Keep in mind that interns and assistants are paid very little and sometimes not at all.

Method 3 of 3: Find a Job

1. 1 Prioritize. Towards the end of your studies or internship, think about what kind of activity you would like to continue doing. Are you interested in working with common household dogs that need to be made a little more obedient? Then consider getting a job where you can do typical dog training.
   • If you are interested in something more specific, consider how relevant it is in your area. For example, dogs for the military and police are trained only in some cities and regions. Perhaps for the sake of work, you might want to move? Ask yourself these kinds of questions as you think about your career and prospects.
2. 2 Update your resume. Once you decide for yourself what kind of trainer you want to be, it's time to start looking for a job. Please ensure that your resume is always up to date to include the latest information on educational background and work experience. You should also get some professional advice from experts in the field. It is best to get referrals from former employers, employees, and educators.
   • Make sure you have a professional cover letter that goes along with your resume.You should indicate why you are applying for this position and also highlight your strengths that are important in being a trainer.
3. 3 Find potential employers. You can register on job search sites to find more vacancies. This is the most relevant and effective way to find a job, as many companies update information and vacancies every day. If you know where you want to work, contact this company directly to discuss whether you have further prospects for cooperation.
   • If you are just starting out on the career ladder, you can try to get a job at an animal shelter. The animal shelter and various retail outlets offer many opportunities for young trainers. In addition, there is the possibility of promotion.
   • To find out about current offers and vacancies, talk to your friends. Ask former classmates, friends, and acquaintances if they have a suitable job for you. Social media is one of the most effective ways to find a new job.
   • Ask the trainers in your city if they need a partner. Working in small teams is a great way to hone your skills.
4. 4 Start your own business. If you start your own business, you will have certain benefits, for example, you can independently set working hours for yourself, be your own boss. If you are looking to start your own dog training business, you need a clear business plan. Make sure you accurately calculate your upcoming costs, identify clients, and build an action plan.
   • Present yourself. Allocate some of your startup funds to advertising. Maybe you should start printing flyers, posting ads around the neighborhood, or buying ad space on your site.
   • Don't neglect the power of social media. The Internet is a powerful tool that can benefit you. Advertise yourself using popular social networks: Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln. Ask your friends to put "I like" and "tell friends" under your posts.
5. 5 Professional communities are one of the best ways to find a job or start a business. Take time to get to know your coworkers. To do this, attend social events, seminars and conferences. Spend time with other trainers to build professional connections.
   • Even if you are not a professional trainer just yet, join the dog trainer community, dog handler association, or another professional community. This way you can chat online with other trainers, attend conferences and continue your education.

Additional articles

How to train puppies How to train your old dog to stay clean at home How to determine the age of a puppy How to put a dog to sleep How to make your dog love you How to calm your dog How to understand that a dog's labor is over How to make friends with a cat and a dog How to get your dog to drink water How to massage a dog How to play with a puppy How to travel with your dog by car How to convince parents to get a dog How to make homemade dog food