The Dog Training Industry is unregulated and it can be confusing to figure out what path to take. Here are some ideas about what we recommend getting started with.
A great way to get a well rounded base of education is to attend a dog training school. There are both virtual and in-person options. These programs often require a significant financial investment. Do your homework before enrolling in any dog training school. HTA does not specifically endorse any particular program.
Mentorships and Apprenticeships provide valuable opportunities for individuals to learn and grow as dog trainers. They offer different approaches to learning, so the best choice depends on the individual’s specific needs.
A dog training apprenticeship is a program where an individual learns the skills of dog training from an experienced professional in a practical, hands-on setting. This usually involves observing and assisting the professional dog trainer during actual training sessions. The apprentice takes on more responsibilities gradually until they’re able to conduct training sessions independently. Apprenticeships can last from several months to a few years, depending on the depth and breadth of skills being learned.
A dog training mentorship is a relationship between an experienced dog trainer (the mentor) and someone who is less experienced (the mentee). The mentor provides guidance, advice, and support to the mentee, helping them to improve their skills and knowledge. Unlike an apprenticeship, a mentorship may not involve a formal structure or hands-on training. Instead, it often focuses on discussions, problem-solving, and advice-giving. A mentorship can be short-term or long-term, depending on the needs and goals of the mentee.
Some members of the Humane Training Alliance offer apprenticeships and/or mentorships. Details and any potential costs vary between individuals. Please contact the trainers directly for more information.
Jean conducts training sessions for in both private and group class scenarios, dealing with all types of dogs and any behavioral issues. She is based in Garden City. Contact Jean here
Ash primarily works with reactivity, fear, and aggression cases. No cost apprenticeship/mentorship opportunities are available for those who are actively volunteering at a shelter at least 3 hours per week. Availability is limited. Priority access to this opportunity will be given to members of BIPOC communities. Contact Ash here
The best way to get hands-on experience with dogs is by volunteering at a shelter. Before you start volunteering, it’s a great idea to study dog body language so that when you start, you are better able to interpret the emotional states of the dogs you are handling. Shelter volunteer experience is invaluable in understanding more about dog behavior and learning how to handle and train many different dogs. It’s a great opportunity to practice your skills with observation, and training mechanics.
In a shelter, you can learn a lot about animal care, mental and physical wellness, injuries, and illnesses. For instance, trainers need the expertise to alert owners about unnoticed potential health issues that may require veterinary attention before training.
It’s crucial to comprehend the realities of animal welfare. This includes understanding the crisis of pet overpopulation, recognizing the prevalence of cruelty, and knowing the behavioral consequences of poor breeding, trauma, and improper socialization.
Although it can at times be emotionally challenging to volunteer at a shelter, it is an essential experience for anyone who wants to call themselves a professional dog trainer.
Another great way to get experience is by fostering dogs. Fostering dogs allows you to practice your training skills in real-life situations. You’ll be able to apply the methods you’re learning and see their effects directly as the dog’s behavior improves over time.
Some dogs might have behavioral issues that need to be addressed. By fostering, you’ll gain experience in behavior modification. Training your foster dog can improve your understanding of subtle dog body language and the nuances of dog behavior.
Volunteering for shelters and rescues is not only beneficial for your education, it makes a big impact on the homeless dogs to improve their quality of life and make them more adoptable. Get started with your local open-admission county shelter, such as Detroit Animal Care and Control
Dog training books can provide a wealth of knowledge for both new and experienced trainers. Some of these books are also available as audiobooks.
“Don’t Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training” by Karen Pryor
“The Power of Positive Dog Training” by Pat Miller
“Control Unleashed” by Leslie Mcdivitt
“Bones Would Rain From the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs” by Suzanne Clothier
“So You Want to be a Dog Trainer” by Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA
“EXCEL-erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them” by Pamela J. Reid, Ph.D.
“The Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson
“When Pigs Fly! Training Success with Impossible Dogs” By Jane Killion
“Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook” by Barbra Handelman
“Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog” by Kenneth & Debbie Martin
“The Ethical Dog Trainer: A Practical Guide for Canine Professionals” By Jim Barry
“Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0: New Practical Techniques for Fear, Frustration, and Aggression in Dogs” by Grisha Stewart
“Hunting Together! Harnessing Predatory Chasing in Family Dogs Through Motivation – Based Training” by Simone Mueller
“Meet Your Dog: The Game-Changing Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior” by Kim Brophey
“Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know” by Alexandra Horowitz
“Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control” by Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Many of these books can be found on Dogwise
Webinars and other types of online learning are a great way to obtain information about specific topics. Here are some websites where you can purchase webinars. The HTA does not specifically endorse any particular website.
Michael Shikashio – Aggressive Dog
The dog training industry is unregulated, so literally anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. But when is it right to do so?
When starting to learn something new, it’s common to feel quite confident about your abilities. This is known as the Dunning-Kruger effect—a cognitive bias where individuals with limited expertise overestimate their competence. In dog training, someone with minimal experience might think they are more skilled than they actually are.
This overconfidence can lead to less effective training and misunderstandings of a dog’s behavior, potentially resulting in serious repercussions. To avoid this, it’s essential to seek guidance from professionals and educate yourself thoroughly on behavior, learning theory, and modern animal training techniques.
The more you delve into dog behavior, the more you’ll realize there’s always more to learn. Dog behavior is a vast discipline. Thankfully, there are numerous learning pathways available, some of which are listed above. No one knows everything, and humility is crucial in the dog training world.
Begin by extensively studying dog body language and communication. There are many excellent books and courses on the subject. Watching videos of dogs in slow motion, even frame by frame, can help you learn to identify various body movements and responses to the environment. Understanding body language and communication functions (such as space increasing, space decreasing, and emotion) is vital before working with people’s dogs.
A deep understanding of animal learning theory is foundational for training. While your clients don’t need to know all the details of learning theory, you should be well-versed in it.
Creating and implementing an enrichment plan is necessary for training dogs. Remember that dogs are captive animals, and unmet biological needs can manifest as problematic behavior.
Knowledge about how dogs should move and behave is also important. If a dog shows a behavior problem, there may be an underlying medical issue contributing to it. Regular vet care might not catch things like gait abnormalities or specific behavior concerns, so being observant can help the dog get the care they need.
Before taking on training clients, spend significant time training shelter dogs. Observing and working with various dogs is an invaluable experience. Find a trainer to shadow, ideally someone who can become an ongoing mentor. Ask those with more experience to watch and critique your training, and be open to constructive feedback. Learning from multiple trainers can provide a wealth of knowledge and skills.
A good trainer must remain flexible and continuously assess whether training plans are effective. If a dog or person is struggling, adjust your plan promptly to ensure success. Sticking rigidly to what you think should work won’t help if it isn’t working.
Developing strong interpersonal communication skills that are effective, appropriate, and kind is crucial in this line of work. People should be treated with the same humane approaches we use with dogs. It’s important to have empathy for people and maintain integrity. Your emotional intelligence is just as vital as your training knowledge.
Consider getting certified. The dog training industry is largely unregulated, with no uniform standards that professionals must meet. However, seeking certifications can provide credibility and elevate professionalism within our field. Dog Training Schools offer certifications, as do organizations like CCPDT and IAABC.
The field of dog training is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to study the most up-to-date, respected methods. Regularly assess your current capabilities and take on cases that you are qualified to handle.
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