Dog Trainer, Dog Training, Train Dogs, Animal Career, Animal Trainer

Training Dogs for Travel

One of the most common concerns that dog owners have when they bring their pet in for animal training is dealing with travel. Many people love the idea of traveling with their dogs but have trouble making sure that their pets behave during a trip. Having a dog as a "co-pilot" on a road trip can make for wonderful memories, but it can also be a major headache if the dog misbehaves or dislikes travel. Dog owners want to make sure that their pets are well-trained and prepared to have a fun and exciting vacation experience and often come to a dog trainer looking for help.

Before a pet can be trained for travel, it's a good idea to make sure they are well-versed in the basic dog training commands. If a dog doesn't know how to sit, heel or lie down, then getting them to behave in unfamiliar circumstances is going to be a challenge. If a dog does have the basic commands down, you might want to work on having them perform them in places they are not used to being in. You might take a dog out for a trip to a crowded dog park and have them perform basic commands to make sure they are comfortable doing them when they are in a high-stress environment.

One of the most important aspects of an animal career is keeping pets safe. While many pet owners would love the freedom to have their dogs run without a leash on a beach or at a rest stop, most dogs do not have the discipline to heel or come back to their owners reliably. As a dog trainer, it's up to you to make this assessment about a dog you are working with and communicate this information back to the owner so they don't place their dog in danger.

Another important aspect to consider when you train dogs for travel is their ability to go to the bathroom in unusual circumstances. It's important to make sure that the dog is well housebroken and can "hold" their urges until they reach an appropriate destination. It's a good idea to recommend to dog owners to have pads for dogs to use - even those that are housebroken - just in case they can't wait or are put off by being in a hotel or other unusual environment.

Training Shelter Rescued Dogs

If you are looking at a dog training career, you will have lots of challenges that you might potentially face with your clients. One of the things that can make training dogs so interesting and challenging at the same time is the fact that you have to deal with an array of canine behaviors and traits, each one unique to different pets. However, there is perhaps nothing that is more of a challenge to dog trainers than working with a dog rescued from a shelter.

Rescuing a dog abandoned in a shelter is one of the most caring and compassionate things that a dog lover can do. However, adopting a dog used to living in a shelter is not like adopting other pets. Shelter dogs can have trouble socializing with owners or other pets. In many cases, these animals spent time on the street or were even abused by past owners. This all means that a dog trainer has to consider treating dogs rescued from shelters differently than they would other pets.

When you are performing animal training on a dog rescued from a shelter, it's important to ask as many questions of the new owner as possible. Find out if they know why the dog was in the shelter in the first place. If they were brought in for reasons like because the owner had to move to a place that did not accept pets or that they weren't housebroken, chances are that the dog can be treated more like any other pet. However, if the pets were abandoned on the street or abused, then you might have to do additional work with these pets.

If you are working with a rescued dog that is having trouble socializing or adapting to its new environment, it's important to work with the owner to create bonds of communication and trust with their new dog. The use of clickers and reward systems is one effective way to train dogs that have been rescued from a shelter. Once dogs begin to realize that their owners have love and affection for them, they are more likely to begin to be more open to training.

You might be leery about working with animals that come from shelters because of the unique challenges they bring. However, consider that the main reason you choose an animal career in the first place is because you wanted to help animals in need. Working with dogs rescued from animal shelters to acclimate them to their new lives with loving owners is one of the greatest rewards you can get from your dog training career.

Tips for Training Indoor Dogs

Working in the field of animal training gives you the opportunity to train dogs and other animals who live in various environments. One of the most common challenges faced in dog training is working with dogs that live in apartments. Some dogs thrive in apartment settings while others struggle with the confinement and lack of access to outside spaces.

If you have an animal career in a large city like New York where the majority of people live in apartments, there is a good chance that you will be spending time helping pets deal with the challenges of living indoors. Here are three of the most common problems you will encounter when dealing with training dogs that live in apartments.

Housebreaking: It can be difficult to train dogs that live in apartments to be housebroken -- since they spend the majority of their time indoors (especially if their owners work during the day) they sometimes need to be trained to use litter boxes or pads. If you are attempting to housebreak a puppy in an apartment, it's important to create a space for them to use that is away from where they eat or sleep and cover it with pads or other products. It is also important to make sure your pup is on a feeding schedule.

You can take puppies there after they eat or drink water, before and after nap times and whenever they look agitated. Over time, the puppy will begin to understand that they are expected to use the pads or litter box. Positive reinforcement and forceful (but not negative) behavior correction will train dogs appropriately, but it will likely take longer than training a dog to go outside.

Barking: One of the most common reasons a dog owner living in an apartment comes to a dog trainer is because their dog won't stop barking. This can be a serious problem if the barking is enough to disturb neighbors. However, barking is a natural action for dogs. Instead of trying to eliminate the problem, it's a good idea to reinforce when it's appropriate to bark or re-direct him to an appropriate behavior like sit.. If you can train a dog to bark on cue, they will be less likely to bark at other times.

Unruly Behavior: Nothing can ruin a pet owner's day more than coming home to find out that their dog has torn up their couch or soiled their favorite rug. A dog trainer can help pet owners with this problem by introducing their pet to crate training. Many dogs enjoy having an enclosed space of their own to go into when they feel stressed or have separation anxiety from their owners. A trained professional can help teach dogs to go into their crates when they are alone instead of acting out.

Becoming a Dog Trainer Lets You Be Your Own Boss

If you love dogs and are the type of person who loves being your own boss and setting your own agenda, becoming a dog trainer might be the perfect career choice for you. Just like dogs are independent creatures, so are some people. Becoming a dog trainer is the perfect way to maintain your independence while teaching dogs how to behave and become better companions for their owners.

At Animal Behavior College, we understand that some people are passionate about dog training but are equally as passionate about working for themselves. That's why we're created the Business Building module as part of our coursework. These classes will go beyond teaching you how to train dogs and show you how to build your own career as a dog trainer. It's surprisingly easy to start your own dog training business: there are relatively little start-up costs and you can do it from your own home. These courses will give you the framework and confidence to get started on your career as an independent trainer.

The Business Building section of the program is also great if you are already a solo dog trainer who is interested in expanding your animal career and turning your successful private business into a larger company. The coursework was written by Steven Applebaum, President of Animal Behavior College. He has first-hand experience in the matter: Steve took his own dog training company from homemade fliers on supermarket bulletin boards to the largest dog training company in North America.

A career as an animal trainer gives you the potential for unlimited income -- if you know how to market yourself and your services. ABC is ready to help you learn more about the business side of animal training and prepare you to "be your own master" and take control of your career. We can also provide you with guidance if you are looking to work as a professional dog trainer at major companies like Petco. Please visit http://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/career.asp for more information about our various career services.

Luxury Dog Kennels

A professional dog trainer can choose to work in a variety of settings. Some may decide to work from home and set their own schedules while others might work for major corporations such as Petco. Here is a quick look at what is becoming one of the most popular work environments for dog trainers-luxury dog kennels.

Luxury dog kennels are popping up all over the nation as more pet owners invest in high-quality services for their animals. These Kennels are designed to be a hotel experience for pets. Luxury kennels offer dog training courses along with boarding, daycare and grooming services for all types of dogs.

The typical work environment at a kennel, especially if it is a high-end facility, can be as a nice as a resort, day spa or country club. In contrast to the sometimes disheartening environment of animal shelters or hospitals, a luxury kennel may offer cage-free boarding, including spacious doggie suites with regular beds, botanical yards with doggie pools and much more. Many dog trainers enjoy working at kennels because they are able to train dogs in a friendly, healthy environment.

A dog trainer who works at a kennel is responsible for training dogs according to every dog's needs. Trainers offer extensive programs and courses in obedience and behavior modification, including both group and private lessons. Since most dog kennels offer boarding services, the facilities are ideal locations for on-site training. The dogs can stay overnight and for weeks at a time while they receive ongoing animal training from a certified dog trainer. Along with regular training courses, many trainers and kennel assistants tour the facilities to ensure the well-being and comfort of all the guests.

A luxury dog kennel offers pets a variety of benefits, including socialization, playtime, constant supervision, and most importantly love. This unique setting provides professional trainers the opportunity to work side-by-side with other animal career professionals such as groomers and kennel assistants, and contribute to creating a safe and relaxing environment for the "guests."

“Must Dos” When Bringing Home A New Dog

When you make the decision to get a dog, you are making a decision with a lifetime of commitment. After all, this is a new addition to the family that will depend on you for food, health and comfort. While animal training by a professional dog trainer is an important component of ownership and might keep your dog obedient, there’s a lot more to caring for a dog than that.

While you don’t have to approach it with the professional gusto of someone with an animal career, there are certain things that you need to do in order to provide a happy, healthy home for your new dog. Here are some of the most important:

Diet & Exercise: This is the most important thing that you can provide for your dog. Different dogs will have different nutritional or exercise needs. Make sure you do the research on the needs of your breed before bringing them home. Depending on your living space and ability to give them regular exercise, some breeds may not be the right fit for you.

Training: Dog training can help your pooch become a welcome addition to the household. While it can be easier to condition dogs when they are puppies, even old dogs can learn new tricks, if you find the right trainer, such as an ABC Certified Dog Trainer. You’ll be amazed at what someone with experience and skills can do to train dogs in certain fields.

Vet Visits: It’s important to bring your dog to the vet for a check-up as soon as you get him. You’ll want to make sure that he’s healthy and find out if there are any potential recurring problems to know about. It’s also important to get the right shots for your dog and stay on top of the booster shot schedule.

Affection: This is the easiest yet sometimes overlooked thing that you can give your pet dog, so plan on spending some “quality time” with your pooch every day.

Animal Caretakers

There are many career choices when it comes to working with animals. If you have a specific love for dogs, however, it is easier to narrow down your options. One of the most promising occupations within the industry that guarantees you will be working with canines is an animal shelter caretaker. The following is a brief introduction to this rewarding animal career and why attending dog training school can get you started in the right direction.

Animal caretakers in animal shelters are responsible for attending to the basic needs of the animals. Physical duties involve cleaning animal cages, restraining animals and sometimes lifting up to 50 pounds. Other routine responsibilities include feeding, watering, medicating and general care of impounded animals.

Although animal caretakers are not required to know how to train dogs, dog training courses and workshops are available for individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge in the field. With more experience and specialized training, caretakers in animal shelters can move up the ladder to become adoption coordinators, animal control officers, emergency rescue drivers, assistant shelter managers or shelter directors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of animal care and service workers is expected to grow 19 percent over the 2006-16 decade. In 2006, animal caretakers and service workers held 200,000 jobs. In addition to working in animal shelters, animal caretakers can also be employed by boarding kennels, grooming shops, pet stores, animal hospitals and veterinary offices. Many caretakers work for animal humane societies and dog racetrack operators.

Animal Behavior College (ABC) Animal Training School is a great starting point for anyone interested in working in an animal shelter. The complete program is 11 stages and covers over 800 pages. One of the last stages of the program is a shelter practicum and externship. Students are required to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours at a local animal shelter, humane society or rescue organization. Students are able to practice everything they have learned during the program. ABC also offers continuing education courses designed specifically for training shelter dogs. Although your title may not be dog trainer, the knowledge and experience you receive through this training will allow you to handle and care for shelter dogs. In addition, students will have the know-how to launch their own animal shelter or dog rescue training program if they desire to do so.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career as an animal caretaker, knowing how to train dogs will significantly improve your chances for landing a job and moving up in the field.

Dog Training Education Proves Advantageous for Groomers

Although dog training is an exciting career, the unique set of skills acquired at professional dog training school can also prove to be beneficial for other animal-care professionals, including groomers. If you’re considering a career as a professional groomer, Animal Behavior College (ABC) can be a smart way to enhance your grooming experience and possibly open the way for other animal career opportunities in the future.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, groomers are animal caretakers who specialize in maintaining a pet’s appearance. Although groomers love animals, the work can be physically and emotionally demanding. The job duties include brushing, clipping, and combing of hair; cutting nails, cleaning ears, bathing, blow drying and styling. Groomers are often kneeling, crawling, bending and lifting heavy supplies. They are also responsible for cleaning animal cages and holding or restraining animals, which can result in bites and scratches. However, animal training courses can provide the groomer with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that may lift the weight off some of the burdens associated with the job.

During the first stage of courses at ABC, students get the chance to learn about dog breed characteristics, development periods, proper socialization, basic health routines, and disease prevention and canine communication—all of which are helpful when dealing with dogs on a regular basis. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that groomers are typically the first people to notice a medical problem with the animals. With proper dog trainer experience, groomers can also help identify whether the dog is exhibiting normal or abnormal canine behavior. These skills are especially helpful when dealing with neglected or abused dogs, as is often the case at animal shelters or pet hospitals. Dog training experience also comes in handy when groomers need to relocate animals from one place to another, such as from the salon station to the cages. Finally, since dog trainers are experienced in overseeing various aspects of animal care, groomers will learn the proper way to provide a safe and clean environment for the dogs.

An educated, experienced groomer has a better chance of becoming successful in their career. While many groomers learn their trade by informal apprenticeships, the most successful ones continue their education through various programs. Whether you work at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter or own your own business, customers feel more comfortable leaving their dogs with a knowledgeable groomer. Even if you don’t plan to train dogs as your career, the knowledge that you acquire at ABC will help you become a better groomer. However, your training can also lead the way to other careers within the industry, including becoming a veterinarian. All career paths start somewhere!

Although the recession has forced consumers to scale back their discretionary spending in a number of areas, anecdotal evidence from around the country suggests that when it comes to pets, owners will continue to shell out their hard-earned dollars in spite of the tenuous state of the economy.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the pet industry is expected to make $51.6 billion in 2009, a 1.3% increase over the previous year, and that the number of cats and dogs as pets will increase by 2.4% to reach 169 million. The obvious beneficiaries of this growth will be the veterinary services sector and pet food producers, both of whom are anticipated to pull in billions of dollars in revenue this year. However, pet stores, pet groomers, and boarding businesses are also forecasted to do well, and it stands to reason that cat and dog training will continue to be in demand as well.

An interview with Paul Mann, founder and CEO of Fetch! Pet Care, published on the blog of Rubies in the Orchard author Lynda Resnick adds to the case for an animal career as a stave against economic downsizing. Of life as an animal trainer, Mann says, “It’s almost the perfect storm against the recession, in that it’s a home-based business. The pet industry is proven to be pretty much recession-proof. I mean, I started Fetch in 2002, when we were in another recession period. You’ve heard that people spend more on their lipstick and those things during recession periods. Well, they also spend more on their pets, because they see a direct payback to their happiness for caring for them.”

In March, New York Daily News reported that while “New Yorkers are finding all sorts of ways to save their pennies as the economy worsens...so far it seems Fluffy and Fido have been spared the household budget cuts.” And although the article did not address whether New Yorkers continued to enlist the services of people who train dogs, it did say that many of the city’s high-end pet boutiques were still able to move toys and treats, as well as basic trimming and hygiene services for their clientele. The manager at one shop explained, “Times are tough, but pets come first. Your best friend comes first.”

Finally, a recent Chicago Tribune article noted that even luxury pet hotels have been able to weather the storm. In speculating on the reasons why this sector continues to flourish, American Pet Products Association President Bob Vetere said, “Pet owners are making decisions for their pets based on human feelings and emotions.” And with unemployed pet owners spending more time at home with their animals, it’s likely that they may realize behavioral problems that went unnoticed while they were working, necessitating the call to an experienced cat or dog trainer for assistance. So for now, at least, it appears that pet training careers continue to have strong employment prospects.

Dog trainers help families and animals live peacefully together. Families and individuals often need help teaching dogs basic behaviors that make the difference between a happy home and a hectic one. While trainers often do teach animals tricks like sitting down, rolling over, and standing up, dog training also involves life-saving skills, such as “come!” and other behaviors such as resisting begging for food at the table, sleeping in a designated area, and staying calm on cue. Not just anyone can be a dog trainer. To be successful, a person with this type of animal career must love dogs; work well and patiently with animals; and must also be able to communicate well with people in order to understand what clients need and clearly explain the training process, role of the animal trainer, and potential results.
What kind of person makes the best animal trainer?

How much experience does an animal trainer need?
Many animal behavioral trainers begin by training their own pets at home. Some love to train dogs so much that they go on to get official training and certification. These individuals often venture into their own businesses, and in this case, training makes the difference between a reliable establishment and one with questionable credentials. For this reason, it is recommended that anyone who endeavors to own an animal training business pursue official training and certification.

Can animal trainers make a large profit?
Americans reportedly spend over $30 billion a year on their pets. The demand for animal products and services is still high because people view their pets as family members, plus not just anyone can train animals—even those who love them most. For this reason, many families call on a dog trainer for help--even when money is tight. For anyone who has recently begun to explore animal training, this is encouraging news.

While the profession offers opportunities in numerous types of organizations, many animal trainers prefer to run their own businesses—both large and small. Data released in 2006 by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that about 57% of animal trainers ran their own establishments. For some, this means running an animal training school. For others, this might mean providing dog training for a few clients each month from home. In any case, self-employment in this industry involves skills in handling animals, but it also requires some business and customer service know how. For that reason, candidates considering pursuing studies related to animal caretaking or training should check that the program provides basics about businesses.

What type of business training do you offer? Because the founders of our dog obedience school realize that many of our graduates will pursue self-employment, one component of our program focuses on business training for students pursuing an animal career. Our course on Business Building lasts 21 days, and it teaches candidates critical aspects of running a successful business, such as creating a business plan and budget, plus how to market and advertise pet training businesses.

How is your business training unique? Our business training curriculum is unique because it was written by an extraordinarily successful business professional and animal trainer, Mr. Steven Appelbaum, President of Animal Behavior College, Inc. (ABC). Mr. Appelbaum owned and built one of the nation's largest independent dog training establishments-- Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc.--for over 10 years. His endeavors at promoting his company included tasks from hanging flyers in local grocery stores to securing an exclusive arrangement with Petco Animal Supplies to supplying dog training services nationwide in over 500 Petco stores. Through this curriculum, students apply coursework on topics like business plans and marketing to real-world experiences and the business building secrets Mr. Appelbaum describes in detail. Students exit this stage of or program with practical knowledge that they can apply to their own endeavors to run a small or large animal training business.

What if I don’t want to start my own business right away? The founders of our program also recognize that those who own businesses often begin their career by working full-time to earn credentials and make contacts before moving on to train dogs and other animals as sole proprietors or business owners. For these individuals and others who prefer to seek employment rather than pursue self-employment, our program teaches valuable skills for job searching in the pet industry. Landing a job in this industry is like any other—candidates need strong resumes that present their training and skills clearly. We also provide valuable information on job searching and interviewing that help our candidates secure desirable jobs upon the completion of our program.
When students graduate from our program, we want to ensure their success. Some students move on to gain employment in the animal caretaking facility they have used for their own pets. Others start a business by agreeing to work as a dog trainer from home. Still others pursue employment in animal training in a variety of different organizations. Our curriculum supports candidates as they explore a variety of career options—and provides the background and tools they need to pursue the job or business they decide on.