Dog trainers help pet owners discourage negative behavior and bring out the best in the family dog.
In the United States, dog trainers are not regulated by state or federal laws or professional licensing. In Ohio, to gain employment with a reputable dog obedience training provider or to start a dog training business, individuals must learn the fundamentals of animal behavior and develop familiarity with techniques used to modify pet behavior. Aspiring dog trainers can complete training through a combination of personal experience, volunteering and formal instruction.
Instructions
1. Get dog handling experience. Become familiar with animal behavior to prepare you for training instruction. Volunteer with a local chapter of the SPCA, animal welfare group or dog rescue center. These facilities provide volunteer training to provide basic understanding of animal handling and assign you dog walking or feeding responsibilities. The Cincinnati chapter of the SPCA features dog socialization and humane treatment of animals as a volunteer requirement.
2. Take an obedience course. If you have a dog, enroll in a dog training class with your pet for first-hand experience in receiving instruction. If you do not have a dog, consider volunteering to go with a friend or associate who is participating in obedience training. Observe common commands taught with basic instruction including heel, sit and general behavior modification. The Obedient Dogs and More training facility in Berea, Ohio, features a variety of training programs depending on a dog's age and the type of training desired.
3. Complete coursework in dog training through a certified dog trainer or school. In Ohio, you can complete dog trainer education through the National K-9 Learning Center in Columbus. Coursework can be completed in as few as six weeks and covers training topics including basic obedience, behavior modification and breed- specific temperaments. Online training programs offer local onsite instruction in addition to online coursework. Contact an online school to inquire about local facilities that will assist you with completing the hands-on portion of your training.
4. Find entry-level employment with a certified dog trainer. Use your training resources to identify local dog trainers in your area. The National K-9 Learning Center indicates graduates commonly seek employment with established training businesses, pet boarding facilities or veterinarians. Trainers affiliated with the Learning Center may be willing to hire a recent graduate. Contact National K-9 Dog Trainers Association members to locate area trainers.
5. Access contacts through your volunteer efforts to locate affiliated veterinarians seeking dog trainers. You may need to use additional resources outside of your training network to seek employment. Check with local or national pet supply stores that offer onsite dog training services. Locate dog boarding facilities in Ohio and contact them about openings.
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