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What does a Dog Trainer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A dog trainer is a professional who helps to teach obedience, tricks, and behaviors to dogs. They may work with all types of dogs, from puppies to adult dogs, and can specialize in specific areas such as obedience training, agility training, or search and rescue.

Dog Trainer job duties include:

  • Choose the right training method for each dog, based on the dog's age, breed, personality, and obedience level
  • Train dogs for specific purposes, such as obedience, tracking, herding, agility, hunting, protection, and assistance to people with disabilities
  • Teach dogs basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel
  • Reward dogs for obeying commands and performing tricks
  • Develop positive reinforcement techniques to motivate dogs to learn
  • Socialize puppies and young dogs to different types of people, animals, and environments
  • Identify behavior problems in dogs and correct them through positive reinforcement or other training methods
  • Keep records of each dog's training progress and behavior changes
  • Train owners to understand their dog's behavior and how to effectively manage it

Dog Trainer Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for dog trainers, although many have at least a high school diploma. Some dog trainers choose to pursue certification, which is available through several organizations. Certification typically requires passing an exam and completing a certain number of training hours. Many dog trainers have prior experience working with dogs in other capacities, such as grooming, veterinary assistance, or shelter work.

Dog Trainer Skills

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Physical Stamina
  • Mental Stamina
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Ability to Read Dogs' Body Language
  • In-depth Knowledge of Dog Behavior
  • Firm but Fair Training Methods
  • Creativity
  • Patience
  • Organization

Related: Top Dog Trainer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Dog Trainer

A dog trainer is someone who helps to socialize and train dogs so that they can be well-behaved members of society. There are many different ways to become a dog trainer, but most people start by working with a professional trainer or taking classes.

The first step to becoming a dog trainer is to find a good mentor. A mentor is someone who has experience in the field and can help you learn the ropes. It’s important to find a mentor who is patient and willing to answer all of your questions. Once you’ve found a mentor, the next step is to take some classes. There are many different types of training classes available, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and goals.

After you’ve taken some classes and gained some experience, you may want to consider getting certified. Certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful dog trainer. There are many different certification programs available, so it’s important to do your research and choose one that will best fit your needs.

Becoming a dog trainer is a rewarding career that allows you to help dogs and their owners build strong bonds. If you have a passion for dogs and helping others, then becoming a dog trainer may be the perfect career for you!

Related: Dog Trainer Resume Example

Related: Dog Trainer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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