If you love dogs and want to spend your life working with them, becoming a K9 trainer may seem to be a natural path. K9 trainers teach dogs to obey commands and instruct owners on work with their dogs. Becoming a K9 trainer does not take specialized, in-school education. But your level of canine education may affect your income. According to the "Original Dog Bible," pay for K9 trainers in 2000 ranged from $6.25 to more than $20 an hour. Certification for K9 trainers is voluntary, and K9 trainers don't need to have a license in order to work in the field.
Instructions
Informal education
1. Work at a boarding kennel or grooming salon, or volunteer at a dog rescue or animal shelter in order to gain experience working with dogs. A career as a K9 trainer is very dirty, with long hours, and you should find out if it's right for you before committing to it full-time.
2. Contact local K9 trainers to find out who is willing to take you on as an apprentice, training you on the job to become a part of a training center's team. The amount of time you need to spend under the tutelage of a trainer depends on the 's preferences.
3. Decide which of these trainers to work with by speaking with local veterinarians, kennel owners, breeders and trainers' clients. Working with a trainer who isn't respected by others in your community will limit your own future clientele.
4. Continue to educate yourself by reading books and periodicals related to dog-training theories. Watch dog-handling practices at dog competitions and observe other trainers in training classes.
Formal education
5. Search for in your area. Some may offer dormitories for enrolled students. Course length varies. The National K-9 Learning Center School for Dog Trainers offers three-week and six-week courses.
6. Speak with former students about their time at the school, and about their current careers.
7. Get opinions of the school from other professionals in the pet industry. With dog-training academies, however, seek recommendations on a more regional or even national scale.
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