What Does A Dog Trainer Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Teach Dogs the Basic Commands

One of the most common responsibilities of a Dog Trainer is to teach dog owners how to train their dogs to respond to basic commands. This is often referred to as obedience training.

The basic commands include sit, down, stay, come, heel, and off. Obedience training is often recommended when a dog is still young. Many dog owners begin taking their dogs to obedience training classes when the dogs are 6 to 12 months old.

To teach these basic commands, dog owners are often instructed to repeat the command and reward the dog when they respond correctly. Some dogs may learn these commands quickly while others require many training sessions.

Identify and Correct Behavioral Problems in Dogs

Dog owners who are struggling with specific issues may take their dog to a Dog Trainer to correct the problem. For example, a dog owner may have trouble with potty training, barking, biting, and other common behavioral problems.

Dog Trainers may also help identify these problems when working with individuals to train dogs, such as when training a dog to assist the disabled. To identify problem behaviors, Dog Trainers need to understand the characteristics of different dog breeds. The temperament of the dog breed can impact the effectiveness of different training techniques.

Develop Training Programs for Dogs

Dog Trainers who offer group training may develop original training programs. These programs are often designed to address specific areas of dog training, such as obedience or behavioral issues. Training programs tend to last for several months as repetition is an important part of teaching a dog to perform a specific activity or to eliminate negative behaviors.

Train Dogs for Specialized Activities

Dogs are frequently used to assist people with various activities. For example, law enforcement professionals use trained dogs to track suspects. People with disabilities may require dogs to help with daily activities such as walking in public or remembering to check their insulin levels. Dog Trainers help train dogs to assist with these tasks.

Provide Private Lessons to Dog Owners

one instruction and recommendations to teach basic commands or correct behavioral problems.

The private lessons may be held at the Dog Trainer’s residence, the dog owner’s residence, or a public setting, such as a park. The lessons are often weekly, which allows the Dog Trainer to assess the progress of the training.

Teach Humans How to Bond with Dogs

Dog Trainers provide dog owners with advice that goes beyond basic training and obedience. They may also provide tips for continued bonding, which can make it easier for a dog to learn new commands.

Step 1: Start Training Your Dog

High school students who want to become Dog Trainers should start training their own dogs. If you do not own a dog, consider volunteering at an animal shelter or spending time with a friend’s dog.

Step 2: Attend a Dog Training Academy

Learn more about dog training techniques by enrolling in a dog training program. Various dog training academies and vocational schools offer both in-person and online courses.

Step 3: Become a Certified Dog Trainer

Dog Trainers may join a professional organization and obtain a voluntary certification to increase their job prospects.

Step 4: Look for Dog Trainer Jobs

Apply for dog training jobs in your area. Common employers include dog training schools, animal boarding houses, and animal shelters.

Step 5: Establish Your Own Dog Training Business

After gaining experience working with dogs and people, you may choose to establish your own dog training business.