How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Alabama

Alabama’s pet ownership rate is set to continue increasing, as it is all over the country. This will create more openings for professionals who work with pets.

Dog obedience training is one of the professions that has significantly increased. Alabama residents who want to start a dog obedience training career will be glad to know they have come to the right page.

The resources below touch upon everything that interested individuals must know for a successful career in this profession. Based on prominent factors, we analyze the educational requirements, certification pathways, specific schools, and potential annual average income.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Alabama

The outline below explores how to start a successful dog obedience training career in Alabama.

Specialty Considerations

Initially, candidates looking to become successful dog obedience trainers must familiarize themselves with the specialty areas and concentrations in the field. While they decide on their focus, they may simultaneously work on getting entry into a training course.

Training Approach

There are no laws mandating a specific approach for prospective dog obedience trainers in Alabama, so everyone’s training methodology can be slightly different.

Generally, though, candidates typically enroll in a training course, receive comprehensive training, and then move on to the next step, which is hands-on experience. The difference arises in the particular programs, as those with busy schedules may choose online-only programs, while those with flexible schedules may attend an in-person program.

It is common for candidates to combine both types of training, choosing to spend some time learning online before rounding up their education with in-person training.

Career Approach

For their careers, candidates may decide to work for an existing dog obedience training agency or start their outfit from scratch. Both approaches are valid, but candidates should acquire business skills and real-world experience before starting their endeavors.

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Alabama

Below are some programs regarded as being among the best for candidates in Alabama.

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Alabama does not have laws requiring dog obedience trainers to be licensed before they can start working professionally. Certification, however, is not a question of state laws but of convention.

Generally, most dog obedience trainers in the state choose to become certified to enjoy professional opportunities. These include higher salary potential, networking opportunities, educational advancements, and skills verification.

Several associations offer well-recognized credentials that candidates can turn to. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Canine Professionals are two of the most popular options.

One common requirement for all organizations is that candidates must be prepared to complete a short-term course and pass relevant examinations before being officially certified.

Salary & Career Outlook

The yearly returns for a dog obedience trainer in Alabama tend to hover around an average of $53,101. This is because most professionals in this field fall among the median earners, who will earn a salary in line with the national average.

Some may not be as lucky, however, and may have to start their careers with an annual average salary of $38,407—which pertains to the bottom 10%. However, the majority will ultimately be among the median earners or the top 10%, earning an annual average salary of $73,417. This will happen as they optimize various factors that influence these numbers.

These include experience, location, credentials, business strategies, networking, etc.

Regarding location, Pelham is the best place to work as a dog obedience trainer in Alabama, with an annual average salary of $58,632. Birmingham comes next, with an annual average salary of $57,551.