For individuals who want to attain a career working with animals, options range from working as a veterinarian to opening one’s own pet-walking service. For people looking to change careers or those who are not able to commit to years of study, animal training is a rewarding career that individuals can do on an hourly to full-time basis in various types of organizations. Many places use the services of animal trainers, including animal shelters, kennels, zoos, pet stores, and, of course, animal training schools. To become certified as an animal trainer, one can enroll in an animal behavior college.
To become a certified trainer, students learn the basics of animal care, as well as effective dog obedience training methods. Getting certification in animal training can often be done at home in as few as 40 weeks, and costs much less than the education required to work as a veterinarian or other careers that requires medical specialization. Curriculum generally begins with canine basics, including information about breeds and related traits, developmental periods, socialization, basic health routines, and communication. This coursework provides a foundation for further education on animal behavior and instructional methods.
Dog training certification can lead to a variety of jobs. Often organizations that care for animals prefer to hire employees with knowledge about animal training, even for positions that involve upkeep and tasks like walking, bathing, and grooming. Animal trainers also often end up running their own business, which might involve training animals on-site, in the homes of owners, or contracting with schools for an hourly rate.