It takes time, practice, and dedication to become a dog trainer.
Becoming a dog trainer in Ontario takes time, patience, and dedication. There's more to being a successful trainer than having a love and passion for dogs; you must be experienced in dog behavior, knowledgeable about first aid for both humans and dogs, and skilled in behavior modification. Learning programs offer an introduction to dog training; however, completing a program does not make you proficient as a trainer. This is usually attained after three to five years of intensive study and hands-on dog training and handling.
Instructions
1. Learn about the career. Join dog training and animal behavior organizations. Talk to trainers and watch them as they work with dogs, this can help you decide whether you are suited for this work. Besides hands-on skills, to be a dog trainer you also need to have soft skills including empathy, compassion, patience, and a good sense of humor.
2. Work or volunteer at an animal shelter. Working with all types of dog breeds, sizes, and temperaments can give you experience and knowledge that will be invaluable to you as a dog trainer.
3. Serve as an apprentice. Working under the guidance of an established dog trainer can help you learn the job from the bottom up. You may assist in training the dogs, take care of kennels or handle administrative duties, and eventually take on more independent assignments under the supervision of the trainer. Keep in mind there are no regulations or guidelines to being an apprentice, so you may also get assigned tasks the trainer simply doesn't want to do.
4. Enroll in a dog training program. There are many dog training programs available in Ontario, do you homework before enrolling and make sure you are going to learn from the best. Successful dog trainers recognized in their field usually have 20-30 years experience, are internationally known, highly respected, and have written numerous books and articles on dog training.
5. Attend seminars and workshops. These forums are generally inexpensive and can provide dog training and behavior educational opportunities by a wide variety of experts in the field. Areas addressed include crate training, handing skills, dog evaluation, and the history of many dog breeds.
6. Join a professional training association. These organizations, such as the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT), provide access to educational opportunities, peer networking, online resources, and event advertising.
7. Strive to be the best you can be. After you have completed your educational process and have begun to train dogs, continue learning from as many sources as possible. There is always more to learn, look for new opportunities to explore such as training shelter dogs, opening your own business, and offering one-on-one training lessons.
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