Close to a third of the homes in New Jersey own a dog. Those owners are devoted, too, which bodes well for anyone thinking about becoming a dog trainer.
A Forbes Advisor survey found dog owners in the Garden State were likely to bring their pets on vacation, prepare homemade dog food and treats, and push their fur babies around in a stroller. The survey ranked New Jersey’s pups the sixth most spoiled in the country.
It’s easier to take dogs out in public like that if they have been well-trained. No one wants to try to handle a barking, pulling, mess of a dog that reacts to everything and jumps on strangers. Dog obedience trainers shape model canine citizens that owners can be proud of.
Become a Dog Trainer in New Jersey
There’s a lot to learn if you want to be an obedience trainer. You need to understand how dogs learn, study behavior-modification techniques, know how to effectively use the tools of the trade (clickers, training treats, harnesses, crates, etc.), recognize canine characteristics and personalities, master training principles, and learn how to plan problem solving strategies for individual dogs.
Getting certified is a great start to your training career, but it’s unlikely that you live near a brick and mortar dog obedience school. Don’t give up, though! Animal Behavior College has been teaching people to become dog obedience trainers online for over two decades.
With ABC, you can enroll wherever you live, whenever you like. As long as you have reliable internet service, you can enroll immediately.
If you work at the intended pace, the program takes roughly a year to complete. Once you’re certified, you have the option of working for an established company or hanging out your own shingle–dog training is great if you want to start your own business or have an awesome side hustle.
Getting Dog Training Experience
You may be thinking, “I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. Nobody can learn dog training without practicing on actual dogs.”
And you’re 100% right. You need to practice with real live dogs to become a successful dog trainer.
ABC solved that problem a long time ago. We’ve developed a huge network of mentor partners-professional trainers who live throughout the United States. Once a student has finished the online coursework, we pair him or her with a local mentor for invaluable real world experience. The “externship” requires at least 15 hours with your mentor.
Our students gain confidence in their abilities as they practice their skills alongside a professional trainer.
New Jersey Could Always Use More Dog Trainers
By becoming a dog trainer you could help dogs become solid canine citizens and foster the lifelong bond between dog and owner.
Check out the ABC Dog Obedience Program today. Call 1-800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor. Just imagine: within a year, you could be working as a certified dog trainer!