About Dog Obedience Training Certification
If you love dogs, getting your dog obedience training certification can be the beginning to a rewarding career in the animal services industry. A training certificate is simply a way to prove that you’ve taken professional training classes and are qualified to work with dogs. Find a reputable school and complete all the necessary requirements to receive a dog obedience training certification.
- Look for training schools in your area. Go to the official website of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) to learn more about getting your certification and to find useful resources regarding choosing a training school. Make sure the school you select is legitimate and has a proven track record of successfully preparing students for careers in the animal services industry.
- Fulfill educational requirements. In addition to physically working with dogs, you’ll need to study dog psychology and behavior modification. You’ll also need to take an extensive list of courses on animal learning and how to communicate with dogs effectively. Look for a program that will also teach you business management aspects of dog training including how to find new clients, advertise your services and design your own training programs. Your curriculum should be a combination of classes, lectures and hands-on experience. Many dog trainers are self-employed, which means they need to know how to communicate with people as well as dogs. Unless you are hired by a training company, you’ll be completely in charge of your own business and getting new clients.
- Join the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). The APDT is the largest association for professional dog trainers. It provides numerous benefits to both aspiring and experienced trainers including dog training seminars, newsletters, information, tips and support.