Careers in Dog Training

1. Careers in Dog Training Stephanie Bell, BA, CPDT-KSA

2. What is the Definition of Dog Training? • The application of behavior analysis to modify the behavior of a dog.

3. What are the activities in which Dog Trainers engage? • Competition for Sport – working with dog fanciers or hobbyists to achieve set goals—agility, confirmation, obedience, herding, scent work, field trials, etc. • Behavior Modification – working with pet owners to achieve goals which are often unclear or fluid. Commonly addressing problem behaviors with a dog who has “baggage” in the form of behaviors that are “bad,” i.e., people- aggression, dog-aggression, chewing, barking, food stealing, resource guarding, etc.

4. What are the activities in which Dog Trainers engage? • Specialized “Task” Training – training a dog as part of a program that requires specific tasks. The dog is often selected and raised specifically to perform this task – service dogs, narcotics dogs, military dogs, protection dogs, etc.

5. What types of organizations or businesses employ Dog Trainers? Many trainers are self-employed but some trainers work for businesses including: • Dog Daycares • Retail Stores • Veterinary Hospitals • Government Agencies • Non-Profits or Animal Welfare Groups

6. How much graduate training is needed to become a Dog Trainer • There is no formal education needed to be a dog trainer. • Professional dog trainers will often recommend obtaining certification through an independent organization that provides an education on behaviorism and applied behavior analysis. • Depending on the certification you chose, your level of education will vary. Veterinary Behaviorists need to attend vet school and so forth. For some certifications, a Masters in ABA or a DVM with a behavioral specialty is needed.

7. Are certifications or special training needed to become a Dog Trainer? • CPDT-KA - Certified Professional Dog Trainer; Professional Dog Trainers • ACAAB - Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist; Animal Behavior Society • CAAB - Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist; Animal Behavior Society • CABC - Certified Animal Behavior Consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants • CDBC - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant ; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants • CCAB - Certified Clinical Behavior Consultant; International Assoc. for Study of Animal Behavior • DACVB – Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists; American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

8. How good are employment opportunities forDog Trainers? • For self-employed trainers, employment opportunities are largely self-determined. The more you work to promote yourself, the more business you will have. The quality of your work determines your ability to retain clients. • Most dog trainers work as part of the service industry. Areas of the country with a dense middle-class provide better employment opportunities for most trainers.

9. What salaries do Dog Trainers earn? • Salaries vary according to area of the country, education level and skill level. • A salary range of $25/hour - $150/hour would be reasonable for the South-East. • Annual salary: locally ~$10,000-$50,000/year

10. How flexible are working conditions for Dog Trainers? • Working Conditions are Flexible for Self-Employed Trainers: • Can choose to work part-time or full-time • Although cannot do most work remotely, trainer may have online presence that can provide extra income • Casual dress is common • Scheduling is flexible, although should be able to work evenings and weekends

11. What skills and experiences should Undergrads acquire if they are interested in Dog Training? • Must like working with people • Must like working with animals • Must have excellent understanding of operant & classical conditioning • Must be comfortable with public speaking • Must be willing to learn from others, especially your clients and their dogs • Must be able to “train-test-train” and modify your protocol as needed • Must be willing to work within the parameters of the individual client’s capability

12. What skills and experiences should Undergrads acquire if they are interested in Dog Training? • Recommended Courses: • Conditioning & Learning with Laboratory (EXP3422C) • Applied Behavior Analysis (EAB 3703) • Courses in Animal Behavior

13. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Dog Trainer? Some “Pros” include: • Flexible schedule • Little to no startup costs • Few business expenses But the most rewarding thing is being able to help a person communicate effectively with their dog and see how grateful they both are; in some cases, the trainer is saving that dog’s life.

14. What is the biggest drawback of being a Dog Trainer? • Salary (locally ~$10,000-$50,000/year) • No standardization or regulation • No education required; most trainers are “self-educated” • The feeling that failing your client may lead to the death of an animal

15. Website recommendations for students interested in Dog Training • Behavior: http://www.animalsforadoption.org/etho/ http://drsophiayin.com/resources/videos/ • Luring/Marking/Shaping Behavior: http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup • Dog Training as a Career: http://apdt.com/ • Dog Owner’s Resource: http://www.dogstardaily.com/

16. Book recommendations for students interested in Dog Training • The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson • Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor • On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by TuridRugaas • Excel-Erated Learning by Pamela Reid

17. Examples of Dog Training • https://www.dropbox.com/sh/du2pfnuxx4jpadi/AAA7cu5LPwXmTubqIn0l4LsRa?dl=0 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axY2RPTfRxw