Do you feel a special connection with dogs? Have you considered working with them for a living? While there are no mandatory formal requirements for training, you will still need to develop certain skills before you can start working. Read this article to learn how.
Steps
Step 1. Read books on the subject
Since there aren't many official dog training educational courses, your best source of knowledge is books published by professionals in the field. These books will give you the foundational knowledge you need to really communicate with dogs, as well as give you more information about the profession.
- You should also read books on the science of animal behavior, as well as those on the dog trainer profession. Make sure the books you read on animal behavior have real scientific foundations. The Humane Society recommends the following books in English for those aspiring to become a dog trainer:
- Don't Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor
- Excel-erated Learning by Pam Reid
- So You Want To Be A Dog Trainer by Nicole Wilde
- Coaching People To Train Their Dogs by Terry Ryan
Step 2. Volunteer at the local animal shelter
It will give you the opportunity to develop and improve your dog handling skills by teaching you how to behave around multiple dogs together. Consider volunteering at an animal welfare or animal rights protection center.
Step 3. Sign up for a local dog training course
If you don't want to attend the lessons, ask the teacher if you can observe. This will give you the opportunity to observe a professional dog trainer and take a cue from his teaching method. Bring your dog with you, if you have one, so you can actively participate in the lesson.
Step 4. Work as an apprentice with a dog trainer
This is the best way to learn the profession, as there are very few official dog training courses. Look for a local dog trainer or ask someone you already know to be a dog trainer if you can apprentice them. Apprentices participate in lessons, help with teaching and gradually begin to conduct lessons under the supervision of the teacher.
The duration of the apprenticeship can vary, but it can usually range from six months to a year
Step 5. Find a job
Once you've read the necessary books and completed your apprenticeship, look for a dog training center or shelter in your area that will hire trainers. Search online job vacancies, or go on-site and ask who's in charge if they're looking for someone for the training program.
Advice
- Join the National Professional Association of Dog Educators (www.apnec.it), the Association of Italian Professional Dog Trainers (www.apaci.it) and / or the Italian Union of Consultants and Dog Instructors (www.unicisc.com), where you can connect online with other trainers, attend conferences and continue your education, even if you are not yet a professional trainer.
- Check which official dog training courses are in your area. In some cases it is possible to apply for a scholarship that covers all costs.
- Some courses allow you to obtain an official certificate. Once you have enough experience, consider taking a certificate.
- Animal lovers who want to become Certified Dog Handlers can see if their university offers courses on Animal Behavior, focused on training.
Warnings
- Don't feel obligated to accept every case that comes your way. If you are asked to tackle a problem such as aggression and you are not comfortable, or you think you do not have the necessary experience to do so, refer the caller to another trainer. Then ask if you can follow and observe.
- If during a private session you feel that you are unable to handle the situation, again refer the client to another trainer.
