How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Arizona

As a dog obedience trainer in Arizona, you must communicate with and reach a wide range of dogs to facilitate a desired outcome. Dog obedience training can be consulted for different objectives, including getting a dog to perform in a certain event, carrying out a certain function, or modifying their behavior to be more favorable to the owner.

Ultimately, the journey to becoming a successful dog obedience trainer in Arizona begins like all other professions—with proper education. In the upcoming sections, we will explain how to acquire this education and discuss possible options candidates may consider.

We also examine some numbers concerning the annual average salary for professionals in this field in the state and how to optimize these figures.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Arizona

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

Choose a Training Destination

One of the first steps in starting a successful dog obedience training career in Arizona is to choose a training destination. Candidates can choose between online, in-person, or hybrid programs.

Online, In-Person & Hybrid Programs

Naturally, each has its advantages. For instance, an online program allows students the flexibility to move at their own pace and attend to other commitments that they may have.

In-person programs offer a high level of interactivity and the possibility to receive one-on-one guidance from experienced instructors.

Lastly, those who take a hybrid approach can receive most of the theoretical training in the comfort of their own homes, but they must show up in person to work with dogs.

Learning in the Real World

Regardless of their chosen training approach, candidates still need hands-on training before they start their careers. This is why even those who attend strictly online programs are advised to find a way to develop a high level of familiarity with their real-world duties before they start looking for job placement.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dog groomer in Arizona

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Arizona

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

Consider exploring nearby states for training:

• Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Colorado

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Residents on the path towards becoming dog obedience trainers in Arizona will be glad to know that they are not expected to receive a license from any state body before they start taking on professional contracts. However, those starting their businesses are expected to follow the same guidelines that all business owners do in the state.

Candidates are also not expected to become certified, which is usually a common step. Certification offers several professional opportunities, including a platform for continuing education and networking.

For this reason, it is common for candidates to become still certified even though it is not compulsory.

For those who would like to receive relevant certification with a high degree of prestige, the following options are typically the most popular:

• The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers;
• The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants;
• The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors and
• The International Association of Canine Professionals.

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary for dog obedience trainers in Arizona is $82,146. This figure is in line with the national average and is the target to expect for candidates who may just be starting their careers.

Even though dog obedience trainers in the state can earn an annual average salary of as much as $237,830, this figure is typically reserved for the state’s top earners.

Those who are not yet in this category — for instance, those who are just starting — can expect to earn the median figure or fall among the bottom 10% earning an annual average salary of $28,373.

By acquiring more experience or improving factors such as location, credentials, and specialty, professionals can raise their annual average salary from the lower to the higher categories.

Regarding location, dog obedience trainers in Phoenix and Scottsdale are the highest-paid in Arizona, with annual average salaries of $94,398 and $79,853. Those who work in Gilbert are also among the top three, thanks to their annual average salary of $74,495.