How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Alaska

The duties of a dog obedience trainer in Alaska will depend on their specific focus area. Some may also be well-versed in multiple areas of concentration, including basic obedience and performance training.

Either way, before they can call themselves full-fledged professionals in the state, aspiring dog obedience trainers in Alaska must follow a few guidelines. While most of these requirements are not based on government laws, they reflect employer and customer expectations.

Those who meet them will be able to start their careers correctly and even take advantage of opportunities to grow on the job and earn better salaries later on.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Alaska

Successful dog obedience trainers in Alaska start their careers by following the path below.

Training Programs

Several training programs offer classroom and hands-on training for prospective dog obedience trainers in Alaska. One appeal of attending a training program is that candidates learn about key topics through a proven curriculum.

Moreover, the program’s network and reputation may also offer opportunities for job placement. It is also worth mentioning that many programs are arranged in a hybrid format, giving students the flexibility to learn from the comfort of their own homes.

Hands-On Education

After picking up core skills at home through an online training destination, students must ensure that they develop real-world familiarity with the prospective skills through hands-on education. Many hybrid programs will have partners in several cities in the state offering hands-on mentorship.

Those who did not attend such a program may facilitate hands-on education independently. They may do this, for instance, by volunteering in animal shelters and rescue facilities.

Business Strategy

Lastly, prospective business-inclined dog obedience trainers may choose to start their dog training agency once they feel they are experienced enough. They will need a strong business strategy for networking, advertisement, promotion, and customer outreach.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a vet assistant in Alaska

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Alaska

The following are the best training programs for aspiring dog obedience trainers in Alaska.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As with virtually all states nationwide, Alaska does not require candidates to receive a license before they can start working as dog obedience trainers. No organization or state body is responsible for issuing such credentials.

However, even though certification is not compulsory, candidates are strongly advised to receive relevant certification from a notable organization. Such a credential can help with specialization and credibility while also allowing further training through continuing education.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers offers perhaps the country’s most popular credentials for dog obedience trainers. However, candidates are not limited to this organization alone.

Other credible options include the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Salary & Career Outlook

Like most professions, location plays some part in determining the annual average salary of dog obedience trainers in Alaska. Some specific locations with high numbers include Juneau, with an annual average salary of $100,409, and Anchorage, with an annual average salary of $65,358.

In addition to location, a candidate’s business strategy and experience level are also key factors. Generally, candidates in the middle of these criteria may earn around $65,358 in annual average salary, while those on the positive side manage an annual average salary of $78,184.

The less favorable ones may have an annual average salary of $54,636, which will undoubtedly increase with time.

Notably, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects growth in the demand for and employment rate of dog obedience trainers in Alaska and the entire country.