Everyday we get emails from people who want to become a dog trainer. Many people feel it is an easy task to start training dogs others realise that one never stops learning and you really must have an appetite a want and a need to work with dogs and their owners. You must also enjoy working with people. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must.
A good place to start is to book onto as many training courses with your dog as possible. Attend as many seminars and workshops as you can. For example Ian Dunbar will be here in September 2008, Aggression talks and workshops are ongoing and there are some voluntary work experience opportunities coming up when we open our new Centre later in 2008.
It is important that you attend a college that offers a recognised qualification and/or certification at the end of your hard work. You must also understand Canine Behaviour in order to treat serious issues such as aggression. Reputable and recognised colleges and organisation no longer subscribe to training through ‘pack and dominance theories’ so this should be checked before enrolling on a course.
College Courses
Yes you do need to go to College to become a dog trainer/behaviourist. There are no quick courses. The science behind Canine Behaviour is vast and at a minimum one should be attending a course of no less than 1 year to learn the basics. On top of that you should be updating your knowledge by viewing DVD’s from recognised behaviourists such as Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Barry Eaton, Brenda Aloff. Forget the TV shows and buy the books and DVD’s from the professionals.
Courses from Dog Training Schools may be of some benefit but it takes a wide range of college tutors and lecturers to teach what is needed to run a business and deal with serious issues such as aggression, resource guarding, behaviour modification and even basic training.
UK Colleges
Dog Training Ireland recommends COAPE – www.coape.co.uk
COAPE offers a range of courses suitable for those who wish to embark on a career working with dogs. The courses are taught in modules so from a cost point of view you can work out what is best for you.
COAPE courses are written and tutored by nationally and internationally recognised authorities in the field, at both academic and practical levels, and most are independently accredited by the Open College Network, (YHR), which is part of the UK’s National Open College Network.
Bishop Burton Animal college
Foundation degree in Canine Training and Behaviour.
There are many Irish people studying on this course as it is a Distance Learning course which means you can study from home. The Course Duration is 3 years.
Travel to the college during each year is required however including a Summer Block.
The course is up to date (no pack or dominance based theories) with the learner earning a recognised qualification and graduating at a formal graduation ceremony. This means that if you want to progress further and earn your BSc or Masters you can do so at a choice of other colleges since you will be given the appropriate education credits.
Sparsholt College Hampshire
http://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/pages/course_results.aspx?idCourse_category=21
Offer a wide range of full and part time Animal Management Courses. Again these courses are recognised with excellent tutors and great facilities.
The Animal Care College – www.corsini.co.uk/animalcare/
Many courses available at various levels for those wishing to study canine behaviour.
Recognised Certification
APDT – Gaining certification from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) UK is advisable. The link is www.apdt.co.uk and you can find all of the details on their site
Jobs in Dog Training
Certified, qualified and insured trainers who understand canine behaviour, promote responsible dog ownership and use reward and motivational based training methods are in demand. It is hard work and the responsibility is high. Adequate insurance is a requirement and gaining insurance can be based on your qualifications and kind of training you are providing.
Cost
Expect to pay from €600 up. A Foundation Degree or Diploma will cost from €600 per college year to €4500 for the entire course (usually lasting a number of years). This excludes any travel, equipment etc
If you still have the urge and want to learn more then we say ‘go for it!’. We feel that we have the best job in the world at Dog Training Ireland. Viewing of our courses are welcome and feel free to submit your CV should you wish to get some first hand experience of dog training.
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Comments
as a mildly disabled person with a huge interest in animals and animal training, i have long been interested in getting involved in this type of work, however i would like to know if my disability, i walk with crutches would be an issue.
Hi Mary,
No this would not be an issue. I would suggest that you start by researching
your courses and see which one would suit you best.
If you need anymore help or advice let us know. You are welcome to the
training centre at any time to see how it’s done!
Regards,
Tara Choules
Hi i am wanting to give dogs the shelter and help them find homes that they will be happy in and be loved in. I hate the thought of dogs being abuse, abandoned and left unhappy nd when I finish secondary school i want to get the degrees need to help people understand that dogs are not a waste of space all dogs need care and want to be loved so in order to achive my dream i was wondering can someone email me collages with the right courses to help me please and thank you
Hi my name is Anne Dore, I am 22 years old and I am currently completing a degree which will finsih in may 2009. However all my life ive been interested in dogs, and have been surrounded them since birth, and have dreamt of becomin a dog trainer in ireland for a lond time. I see here that there are no courses in ireland to become a dog behaviourilist or trainer? Where in england is it possible to become a fully trained dog trainer in 1-2 yrs if possible?
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Yours Sincerely,
Anne Dore.
i want to pursue a career in dog training or professional dog handling when i finish school.What degrees do i need and where do i go to do them?much appreciated.
Shaun
i live in ireland and would love to become a dog trainer i work three days a week so it would have to be something partime can you help me
Hi im very interested in becomeing a dog trainner i have two rottwillers and have been trainning with them since christmas and since then i have become to love the trainning with them and would love to follow on and learn more and become a trainner i live in ireland so is it possiable for me to do this look foward to hearing from you
kind regards Stephen Purvis
hi im looking for a dog training course close to limerick ireland, iv tried a few place but they only last a couple weeks, i dont think youd learn much in that space of time. could you help me out finding a place, as i really want to be a dog trainer.
I am realy intreasted in becoming a dog trainer and i would love to study their behaviour as well as grooming and the rest..but i dont no where to start in finding a coure in ireland or would i hav to go further afield..I woiuld be willing to work experience or anything to get started.I have seen some plc course on animal science but i do not no if it wil be what i need.can you help please?
Hi i am very interested in working with dogs on grooming and training as a career.. maybe even set up my own business eventually.. i can see alot of the courses are very very exspensive and at the moment i work full time but can drop to part time if needed. I would love to get some night courses or part time courses.. not sure what i need to do to start this and need some advise… Thank you