Learning Dog Training under a mentor:

[milos_mommy]

so, i don't know what i want to do when i'm older, AT ALL. I mean, i have a general idea, and it isn't dog training. But i'd love to further my knowledge and experience of dog training, and maybe a few years from now do it part-time.

Anyway, i've noticed a lot of members mentioning training as a sort of "apprentice" or "assistant". I'd LOVE to do this, but i'm not sure how i'd go about finding a good training who wants someone to teach.

Maybe just call up some local trainers? Any suggestions?

[otch1]

Working with animals is a wonderful first job for a teenager and it doesn't necessarily have to be with a trainer to learn about handling skills, behavior and breeds. Call around to your local veterinarians, training schools and Humane Society to see if someone has a volunteer position available for you, to start with. Good luck!

[MafiaPrincess]

People I know who became assistant instructors, all took classes somewhere and then were asked to when they'd progressed some, or asked themselves after a good long time of taking classes. At that point the school knew them, how they handled their dog, and to a point what they were capable of.

[heartdogs]

You do need to be careful who you choose as a mentor. But, if you want some possibilities for schools, you could try dogsofcourse.com, San Francisco SPCA, Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy. All three use positive techniques and give you a good foundation in behavior, too.