How to Become a Dog Trainer without Quitting Your Day Job

Filed Under Pet Business Opportunity, Pet Business Tips |

Dog on LeashAre you interested starting your own pet business as a professional dog trainer? Wondering how you can get the training you need without giving up your day job income?

Today I found an interesting topic on the Off Lead Discussion board that gave reviews about the at home study / instructor mentored program offered by the Animal Behavior College (ABC). Their program combines an at home study course and exam work combined with hands on instruction and mentoring by an ABC trainer in your area. The course is designed to be completed in a 52 week (1 year) time period and costs significantly less than other available dog trainer certification courses. Their fees vary from $2700-$3500 depending on your choice of payment and financing options.

Their coursework includes the following modules:

Dog learning theory, training tools, basics of teaching obedience, problem solving, safety, public speaking and teaching, and business building.

ABC will help you find a local mentor that will allow to gain experience by observing training sessions and work with dogs on skills that have been learned during coursework under their supervision. This portion can last between 7-21 depending on the regularity of training sessions.

ABC also have a relationship with PETCO stores to provide trainers for their in-store classes and will give you assistance finding work after graduation from their class.

This course receives some great recommendations on the discussion board and also lists many success stories on their own website. As a full time worker myself I see the huge benefits that being able to gain dog trainer certification on a part time basis from home offers.

Dog training can be a full or part time profession and is a business that can be started with very minimal start up costs. All you need is the training tools and some money for marketing. Dog training experience is also a great skill for pet sitters, groomers, and day care owners as they can offer training as an add on to their existing service. I may even consider looking into this myself!

Please share your experience with the ABC course or other experiences as a dog trainer by leaving a comment…



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Comments

4 Comments so far

  1. Rachel Cullen on November 10, 2007 2:36 pm

    When Looking into a school make sure a couple of classes are included, these are key to balanced training. Make sure the course covers Animal psychology, Canine development, Training Tools, and Hands on Internship. Knowing the exercises are only a small fraction of training, knowing why an animal reacts a certain way is essential to correctly training a animal. There are many schools providing classes, just make sure the classes are what will truley teach you the language of Mans Best Friend.

    Good Luck!!

    Rachel Cullen CPDT
    Dogstar Training
    http://www.dogstartraining.com
    800-361-3647

  2. Danielle Chonody on November 10, 2007 6:25 pm

    Rachel - thank you for your tips! I believe that the ABC school does include at home study courses on the topics that you mention.

  3. senni on November 26, 2007 12:05 pm

    Hi,it was intreseting while going through your site which had a worthy information especially the way you have suggested about their training.At one time or another, almost all dog owners will have to use some sort of basic behaviordog training for their pet.

  4. Dee Green on December 5, 2007 8:00 am

    It is generally believed among career canine behavior and training professionals that it takes 10 years of hands on experience to be qualified to work with dogs in need of behavior modification. So while a course such as ABC provides a solid place to start your serious study of canine behavior and learning theories, they’re not a substitute for experience.

    If you’re serious about a career as a dog trainer or behaviorist, start volunteering as a dog walker for rescue groups, shelters, human societies, etc., and you’ll exponentially increase your dog knowledge, and handler skills, while helping improve the quality of life for homeless and abandoned dogs. Don’t worry about what you can teach them, just be open to the many lessons they can teach you.

    Be in it for the dogs, and the rewards will come.

    Dee Green
    Canine Behavior Therapist
    BalancedDogs.com

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