Certified dog trainers assist pet owners with correcting the pet's undesirable behavior.
Certified dog trainers demonstrate knowledge and skills suitable for behavior identification and modification, response training and creating a safe environment for dogs and their owners. In Connecticut, individuals researching this career should consider a combination of education in business and animal physiology with a general familiarity with and appreciation for dogs. A work history that includes dog care and completing a formal dog training program can help dog lovers prepare for certification and flexible work options, whether they work for a dog training institution or go into the training business independently.
Instructions
1. Develop a familiarity with dogs. To become an effective dog trainer, you will need to cultivate a good sense of comfort in interacting with dogs of various sizes and breeds. Consider volunteering with a local shelter or animal rescue center that accepts volunteers. The Connecticut Humane Society has volunteer opportunities available that can assist you with dog interaction, including dog walking. Volunteer facilities commonly provide light training to help people handle their volunteer assignments.
2. Take some small-business workshops or a continuing-education course to develop business knowledge. Whether you're operating an independent dog training business or working for a larger training facility, you should familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of running a business prior to beginning your dog training. The Connecticut K-9 Education Center recommends that dog training applicants take business courses and get previous work experience before participating in a training program. Consider taking business preparation courses at your local community college, or consider workshops through the Small Business Administration's Connecticut District Office (see Resources).
3. Choose employment that continues to advance your exposure to dogs. Consider working for local veterinary offices as a volunteer or entry-level assistant with duties like dog walking, cleaning and maintaining living facilities and caring for kenneled pets. Also consider employment with your local animal shelters where you volunteer, to get exposure to dogs, dog groomers and medical personnel.
4. Complete a dog training professional program. Programs like the one offered at the Connecticut K-9 Education Center provide education on basic and advanced dog obedience, breed identification, canine psychology and socialization. For admission into a training program, you should possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent, previous experience in handling dogs and some general business knowledge.
5. Seek professional experience as an entry-level dog trainer. Once you have completed formal training, seek employment with a dog training facility. Consider small private operations in your area, which you can find using national resources like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers website (see Resources). Also contact local pet stores to inquire about pet training classes and employment opportunities as an instructor. (For a listing of dog trainers in Connecticut, see Resources.)
6. Test for dog training certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. With sufficient dog training education and experience, you will be ready to take the certification exam for professional dog trainers. Download the candidate handbook from the CCPDT website for full instructions on completing the test application and scheduling the exam. Complete the application included in the candidate materials and include one reference letter from a veterinarian, a dog training associate and a client. Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to take a computer-based exam at a designated location near you. Certification testing is conducted during the spring and fall.
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