Becoming a Dog Trainer: Steps, Costs, and Certifications

You want to become a dog trainer because you love dogs, right? Makes sense. But here’s the catch: Most of dog training is about people. A dog trainer’s job often involves teaching pet parents how to communicate with their dogs and stick to training programs.

Unless you work with service dogs or shelter animals, your success will depend on guiding humans as much as guiding dogs. If that still excites you, you’re on the right path.

What is a dog trainer?

Dog trainers do far more than correct undesired behavior. They help pet parents understand their dogs, strengthen relationships, and solve everyday challenges.

Trainers read canine body language, barks, tail wags, and posture to decode what a dog is feeling and how to respond. Good trainers act as translators, helping both ends of the leash understand each other better.

Beyond communication and behavior, dog trainers often educate families about enrichment, exercise, and mental stimulation that prevent future problems from developing. They may design customized training plans that address a dog’s unique temperament, environment, and history.

Trainers also act as resources for troubleshooting issues such as separation anxiety, leash reactivity, or introducing a new pet into the household. Many collaborate with veterinarians, groomers, and behavior specialists to provide comprehensive care. By combining technical knowledge with patience and empathy, dog trainers help set dogs and their humans up for long-term success, making everyday life smoother and more enjoyable for both.

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How to become a dog trainer? Step by step

There is no single path to becoming a professional trainer. Many trainers are self-taught, while others apprentice with established professionals or attend academies. The best trainers combine different approaches and continue learning throughout their careers.

Step 1: Gather educational resources

Most people catch the training bug after working with their own dog or taking a class that inspires them. The first step is learning from books, videos, and seminars.

Recommended reading:

• Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide by Brenda Aloff

• Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor

• The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson

• Excel-Erated Learning by Pamela Reid

• The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell

• The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Positive Dog Training by Pamela Dennison

Seminars and conferences:

Events provide hands-on instruction and networking. Some of the most popular include ClickerExpo and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Conference.

Beyond books and conferences, there are countless online resources that can help new trainers build a foundation. Reputable YouTube channels, podcasts, and webinars hosted by certified trainers or behaviorists can provide free or low-cost education. Many universities and veterinary schools also publish articles and research on canine behavior that are available to the public. Staying current with this research helps you understand not just how to train, but why specific methods work better than others.

It is also essential to seek out resources that emphasize positive reinforcement and force-free training. Modern dog training relies on science-based methods that reward desired behaviors rather than punishing mistakes. Trainers who commit to ongoing education in these areas will be better equipped to explain the process to pet parents and build trust with both the dogs and their families.

Keeping a training journal is another valuable tool at this stage. By recording what you read, watch, and practice, you create a personalized reference that highlights what resonates most with you. This will help you identify areas where you need more practice and ensure you are building a well-rounded knowledge base before moving on to hands-on experience.

Step 2: Gain dog training experience

Education is important, but hands-on work is where you will really learn. Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to get experience. Some academies build them into their programs, but many trainers offer informal mentorships or internships.

Volunteering at shelters is another excellent option. Shelters often teach volunteers how to train dogs to improve their adoptability. This might involve simple skills like waiting at doors or more complex behavior modification.

If your local shelter does not have a program, you can eventually help start one. Trainers often gain clients and referrals through this type of community involvement.

Example: Jill Dextrase of Sit Happens! in Calgary, Alberta, began as a student in a shelter class. She apprenticed for years before taking over her mentor’s business and now runs her own facility.

Another valuable way to gain experience is by working with a wide variety of dogs outside of formal training settings. Offer to help friends, family, or neighbors with their dogs so you can practice handling different personalities, energy levels, and problem behaviors. Each dog you work with will teach you something new, from basic leash manners to confidence-building in nervous pups.

You can also look into dog daycares, boarding kennels, or veterinary clinics that allow staff to practice positive training methods. These environments expose you to large numbers of dogs and give you insight into canine behavior in group settings. The more dogs you work with in different contexts, the stronger your skills will become, and the more prepared you will be to handle clients once you begin training professionally.

Step 3: Earn a dog trainer certification

The dog training industry is not government-regulated in the United States, but certifications help build credibility. Be cautious when evaluating schools. Some promote themselves as positive or humane while using harsh methods. Choosing carefully ensures you receive a reliable education, demonstrate professionalism, and build trust with future clients.

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT):

• Offers the CPDT-KA (Knowledge Assessed) and CPDT-KSA (Knowledge and Skills Assessed).

• Requirements include at least 300 hours of experience, a written test, and, in the case of CPDT-KSA, video submissions and hands-on evaluations.

• Cost: $240 to $400, depending on the certification

Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC Certification):

• Founded by Jean Donaldson, former director of the SF/SPCA Academy.

• Remote program with intensive video coaching, self-paced study, and exams.

• Length: two years

• Cost: about $8,225

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA):

• Online coursework plus four in-person weekend workshops.

• Curriculum includes training a non-dog species as part of graduation requirements.

• Length: six months

• Cost: about $5,600

• Each certification has different strengths, but all provide structure, education, and proof of commitment to humane training methods.

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Bottom line

Dog training is not just about teaching a dog to sit or stay. It is about helping people connect with their pets, building stronger bonds, and creating homes where both feel understood. If you truly love dogs and have the patience to guide their humans, too, this career can be gratifying.

Start with simple steps like reading a book, attending a seminar, or volunteering at a shelter. That is often enough to spark the passion that keeps future trainers moving forward.

Even after many years in the field, the best trainers keep learning. There is always more to discover about how dogs think, feel, and communicate. Skilled and compassionate trainers will always be needed to bring dogs and people closer together, and choosing this path means you can make a real difference in both their lives.

FAQs

How long does it typically take to become a dog trainer?

The timeline depends on the path you take.

Some people start working with dogs within a few months if they apprentice with a trainer or volunteer at a shelter, while formal certification programs can take six months to two years to complete. Since most certifications also require hundreds of logged training hours, expect the process to take at least a year if you are pursuing credentials seriously.

Does it make sense to specialize in a certain type of dog training?

Yes. Many trainers start with general obedience but later find a niche that matches their strengths and interests. Some specialize in behavior modification for fearful or aggressive dogs, while others focus on service dogs, agility sports, scent detection, or therapy animals.

Specialization can set you apart, attract the clients you most enjoy working with, and allow you to build deeper expertise in a specific area.

What are career opportunities for dog trainers?

Dog trainers can work in a variety of roles.

Common options include private lessons, group classes, and service or therapy dog preparation. You can also open your own dog training business. Others find work in shelters, boarding facilities, or veterinary clinics. Some expand into writing, online education, canine sports coaching, or detection work. 

References

• “Certification of Professional Dog Trainers and Dog Behavior Consultants.” CCPDT, 30 Apr. 2024, www.ccpdt.org/certification/. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

• Hall, Nathaniel J., et al. “Working Dog Training for the Twenty-First Century.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 8, no. 646022, 27 July 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.646022.

• ‌“Helpful Dog Training and Animal-Related Resources - CCPDT.” CCPDT, 3 Sept. 2025, www.ccpdt.org/resources/. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

• Hiby, Elly; N. J. Rooney; and J. W. S. Bradshaw. “Dog Training Methods: Their Use, Effectiveness and Interaction with Behaviour and Welfare.” Animal Welfare, vol. 13, no. 1, 2023, Cambridge University Press, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/abs/dog-training-methods-their-use-effectiveness-and-interaction-with-behaviour-and-welfare/B219F8FBE35C05DA269D02F310E38B66.

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Animal Care and Service Workers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” Bls.gov, 8 Aug. 2018, www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm.