Becoming a trainer!!

[SuperNova]

Hello I am 15 and was wondering if theres anything i can do at this age like to volunteer or idk something to work towards becoming a trainer like what do i need to get a degree in or something please just want some suggestions

[LuvsDogs]

Go to a local dog training club & ask if they'd mind if you volunteered. Make sure they do positive reinforcement training. You could also look up the apdt web site. They may be able to help you.

[SuperNova]

whats apdt?? when do you think i can get a job or somthing to train dogs? or have some 1 teach me and i help?

[SuperNova]

-bump-

[Tazwell]

Actually, I'm also just 17, and I just graduated high school, and I have my heart set on becoming a professional animal (dog...) behaviorist/trainer. I also want to know the same thing! I have no idea where to start!

Sorry I can't help, but if you find anything, please share! :D

[EbonyDal]

One good place to start might be to try and get a job as a vet tech or helper in a kennel. This would give some good handling and management skills while you look for a dog training club to volunteer at. Hope this helps!

[Dekka]

At your age I would start by volunteering at a local (good) training place. You will learn tonnes. Read books by Jean Donaldson, Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar etc etc.. Then move on to books in animal behaviour.

If you are good, likely the training place will hire you, when you know more. If you want to be a trainer full time, I suggest taking some post secondary courses in animal behaviour.

Do you have a dog now? If so get training it. People are more likely to take lessons from you if you can point to ribbons (in a trained event) And you will learn so much by training your own dog(s)

[dr2little]

whats apdt?? when do you think i can get a job or somthing to train dogs? or have some 1 teach me and i help?

APDT is the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and their website is filled with good information, including seminar dates with the top professionals in the industry.:)

[SuperNova]

thanks guys for every suggestion

[Labra]

As far as I am aware you do not need any formal qualifications (degrees or likewise) to become a dog trainer. Unless you are lucky enough to have someone mentor you through the process, becoming a trainer is often one of those things that happens by chance through time - for example, you work at a dog rescue shelter for years, moving up in the ranks. Then, when you have many years of experience under your belt, you are promoted to a trainer. Training is not something that can be 'taught' in its entirety, it is something that you learn through time and experience.

If you wanted to enter a more academic aspect of the dog world (ie; behavior, veterinarian) you would almost certainly have to go through college and obtain relevant qualifications.

[otch1]

Not to step on toes, but while your description of dog training certainly was the case when I started out, Labra, I now find there's a greater access to schooling for the individual contemplating becoming a trainer. Some of these schools have some of the best trainers, behaviorists and veterinarians in the industry, contributing to the programs. Some are a complete waste of money. I agree, while it's wonderful to start out mentoring with a reputable trainer or as a volunteer and a good place for a 15 yr old to start, I believe a lot more education is required before becoming a trainer these days. Good luck supernova, it's very cool that you know what you want to do at this age.

[Dekka]

I think it depends on your goals, if you want to train so you can put food on the table, further education is a great way to go. Its getting to be a more competitive field. Why should people come to you?

I train, have my own little business, that does well. But I have gone back to school (at the ripe old age of 31) so training is a part time hobby. THAT said, still I have to 'prove' why ppl should come here. My dogs win in various dog sports, agility, obedience, lure coursing, racing, go to ground (earthdog) etc. My students are doing very well too.

I guess what I am saying is you need some sort of qualification before most people will trust you.

[Tazwell]

Where do you go to school for these things? What are the classes called? Or Classified as?

[Dekka]

There are places like the cynology college (not really a college, but has a pretty good rep) which focus on teaching the theories (online learning). There are some schools that you go to for short intense training. Or you can do animal behaviour at a university.

[Labra]

Where do you go to school for these things? What are the classes called? Or Classified as?

Agricultural colleges or Universities. To become an applied animal behaviorist you will have to study animal behavior or a particular branch of behavior, often up to Ph.D level. It is a competitive industry and I can tell you first hand that it is hard work.

I think it depends on your goals, if you want to train so you can put food on the table, further education is a great way to go. Its getting to be a more competitive field. Why should people come to you?


Absolutely. There is a huge difference between, say, a PetSmart "trainer" and a qualified, experienced applied animal behaviorist, yet both are still techincally trainers but of totally different calibres.

[mrose_s]

i'm just 17, halfway through year 11. in 2009 i'm doing an 11 month course through the Delta Society, but its an australian organisation.

Also, you'll most likley have to do soemthing else as well because being a trainer doesn't pay heaps. i'm now trying to get a job with a groomer so i can start learning now