Dog Trainer
Teach dogs to follow commands and exhibit appropriate behaviour
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Job growth
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5-year projection
Salary
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Typical salary
Job satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Job satisfaction
-
What's it like to be a Dog Trainer?
A Dog Trainer is an individual who uses their knowledge of animal behaviour to teach dogs to obey their owner’s commands and/or exhibit appropriate behaviour. Dog Trainers are usually patient people who have a genuine affection for, and interest in, animals. They also need to have a solid understanding of different dog breeds and their characteristics and how these may impact their behaviour.
Tasks and duties
- Conducting training sessions to teach dogs to socialise and to obey specific commands from their owner such as sitting, staying or coming when called.
- Teaching owners how to handle their animal’s behaviour and to obey verbal and non-verbal commands.
- Advising owners on how to establish good habits and discourage problematic behaviour.
Many Dog Trainers conduct group sessions for six to eight weeks at a time with the same group of animals and owners.
How to become a Dog Trainer
You can become a Dog Trainer without any formal qualifications. However, basic animal training is considered an advantage and will give you a strong foundation to begin your career as a Dog Trainer.
- Explore opportunities to gain knowledge through on-the-job training by working as an assistant to a professional trainer or by joining a local dog obedience club.
- Consider relevant animal training and care qualifications, such as a Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training (22542VIC) or a Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122). These courses usually include classroom and practical experience.
- If you intend to establish your own dog training business and conduct sessions in a park, you’ll need to ensure you have relevant permits from your local council.
- There are many career pathways for Dog Trainers, such as working as a detection/defence dog trainer for police, customs or defence force work, or training animals for the film and television industry.
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Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Dog Trainers.
Latest Dog Trainer jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Dog Trainer employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Dog Trainer reviews
May 2021
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Anxiety
The good things
Helping dogs overcome behavioural issues is the most rewarding feeling ever
The challenges
Sometimes you can't help them and their behaviour can lead to euthanasia
Read more
May 2021
Experience
5 – 9 years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
Specialisation
Reactive dogs
The good things
Helping owners with tough situations improve their relationships with their animals
The challenges
Not getting biten, and making tough decisions for some animals
Read more
Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through seek.com.au
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