Dog Training Positions Career Development Guide

As a dog trainer, you have a wide range of career development options to choose from. With experience, you can move into specialized positions such as a behavior consultant or a dog sports coach.

You can also consider working in different environments, like a shelter or a private practice. Many shelters have in-house training programs that help socialize and rehabilitate dogs.

If you're interested in teaching others, you can pursue a career as a dog training instructor or a behavior consultant. This will allow you to share your knowledge and expertise with others.

To succeed in these roles, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest training methods and research. This will help you provide the best possible care and training for the dogs in your care.

To start training your dog for position changes, make sure they can do the position changes in front of you on a platform. You can use a verbal cue or a signal, but it's essential to use a signal that can be seen from a distance.

It's crucial to ensure your dog is comfortable getting on the platform and understands that staying on the platform is rewarding. You can start by practicing one position change at a time, such as the stand to down, and rewarding your dog for staying in position.

As your dog becomes more confident, you can add distance and reward them for staying in position. For example, you can start by taking one step back and then gradually increase the distance. It's also essential to watch your dog for any forward movement or stepping off the platform.

Here are some common position changes you can practice with your dog:

Remember to reward your dog for staying in position and to be patient with them as they learn. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your dog will master position changes in no time.

Front position changes are a crucial part of dog training, and it's essential to start with a solid foundation.

Use a verbal only cue or a signal that's not dependent on proximity to the dog, such as a hand signal. I prefer to start with verbal only cues and add signals as the dog becomes more comfortable with the change.

Ensure your dog is comfortable getting on the platform and understands that staying on it is rewarding. This will make the training process much smoother.

Start by practicing one position change at a time, such as the stand to down. Lure the dog to the starting position, cue the change, reward, and repeat the cycle.

Reward your dog for stillness in between positions, as they may be quick to offer movement. I've found that reinforcing stillness is essential, especially with dogs like Excel who are prone to movement.

As your dog becomes more experienced, you can start mixing things up, but if you encounter mistakes and confusion, go back to practicing one position change at a time.

To add distance to the position changes, start by taking one step back and reward your dog from a distance. As they become more confident, you can gradually increase the distance between you and the platform.

You can start training positions in heel once your dog understands the positions in front.

Depending on how wide your platform is, you can either stand next to the platform or on the platform.

Standing on the platform is necessary if there's not enough room for both of your feet, so your dog doesn't get crooked.

A dog training career is a great option for those who love animals and want to make a living doing something they're passionate about. With the pet industry spending expected to nearly triple to $275 billion by 2030, there's a lot of potential for growth and success.

The U.S. Dept. of Labor projects that Animal Care and Service Workers will experience faster than average growth from 2020 to 2030. This means that dog trainers will be in demand, and those who are certified and skilled will have a good chance of finding employment.

You can choose from a variety of learning options, including self-paced courses with a mentor or hands-on workshops on campus. This flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace and in a way that suits your learning style.

Here are some ways you can get started:

With the right training and experience, you can start your own dog training business or work as a professional dog trainer. It's a rewarding career that allows you to work with animals and help them and their owners build strong relationships.

Becoming a dog trainer can be a rewarding career, but it requires dedication and hard work.

To start a dog training business, you'll need to consider factors like certification and degree requirements, as well as the time it takes to get certified.

It can take several months to a year or more to get certified as a dog trainer, depending on the certification program you choose.

You can make a living as a dog trainer, but it's essential to be aware that it may take time to build a client base and establish a successful business.

I've seen many dog trainers start out by working with friends and family, and then gradually build up their client list over time.

If you're considering a career as a dog trainer, you're in luck - the industry is growing rapidly. The U.S. Dept. of Labor projects continuing growth for Animal Care and Service Workers from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

At CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, you can earn a certification that will prepare you for a successful career as a dog trainer. Their curriculum is designed to prepare you for the many successful careers that professionals in the industry have followed.

You can choose from a variety of career paths, including starting your own dog training business, being hired by national franchises, or working at animal shelters and rescue organizations. In fact, you can even specialize in areas like service dogs, scent detection, or therapy dogs.

Here are some potential career paths as a dog trainer:

To get started, you can enroll in a self-paced course with a mentor anywhere in the U.S., or join a hands-on workshop on the CATCH campus. And, as a graduate of the program, you'll receive a consultation and one-on-one coaching to help you launch your career.

You can earn a part-time income as a dog trainer by working part-time in your own business or for an established company. Many pet stores offer dog training classes in the evenings or on weekends.

Working part-time allows you to keep your present job or continue with school while pursuing a career you love. This flexibility is a big plus for those who want to balance their current responsibilities with a new career.

Some dog training positions are available in the evenings or on weekends, making it easy to fit training into your schedule.

You can find dog training positions in various settings, including major cities like Chicago and smaller rural communities.

Dog trainers can work at pet retail stores, where they can help customers with their pets' behavior and training needs.

Established dog training organizations are another option, offering a structured environment for trainers to work with dogs.

Animal shelters provide a unique opportunity for dog trainers to work with dogs in need of training and socialization.

Veterinary hospitals also employ dog trainers to help with animal behavior and training.

Many dog trainers start their own business, which can be a rewarding and challenging venture.

Here are some potential workplaces for dog trainers: