How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Arkansas

The resources on this page explore the steps necessary to become a successful dog obedience trainer in Arkansas. We do so straightforwardly, making it easy to understand.

Individuals in the state who are interested in pursuing this career path will discover the basic prerequisites, preparatory steps, and educational options. They will also discover what licensing and certification opportunities they have to take advantage of advancement opportunities.

Lastly, the article explores the projected annual average salary for dog obedience trainers in Arkansas and the career outlook for the next decades.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Arkansas

The following is a typical pathway for starting a dog obedience training career in Arkansas.

Specialty Considerations

Candidates may start deciding on their specific focus in dog obedience training before starting their training. They may familiarize themselves with possible sub-disciplines, including law enforcement obedience training and behavioral modifications.

Training Approach

The following are some methods through which prospective dog obedience trainers in Arkansas can receive fundamental instructions to start their careers:

• Online Education—Candidates can attend an online program teaching basic principles of dog obedience training. This way, they can fulfill other commitments while picking up skills that will help them get started.
• Campus Programs—Some programs require students to visit offline locations and study under the supervision of experienced instructors. Many of these training destinations help candidates earn certificates or diplomas, which they may leverage to secure lucrative job placements.

Naturally, some programs offer a combination approach where students can receive part of the training online and complete the other part on campus.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dog groomer in Arkansas

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Arkansas

Below are some prominent programs for dog obedience trainers in Arkansas to consider.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Louisiana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Even though certification offers many career benefits to a dog obedience trainer in Arkansas, it is worth pointing out that candidates working in this discipline are not expected to become licensed or certified by law. Those who do so for the career benefits it offers simply do so out of their own decisions.

Since most employers prefer to work with certified dog obedience trainers over those who do not, it can still be mandatory. Anyway, professionals in this field who would like to have a certification that is nationally recognized and highly rated should consider the following certification organizations:

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

They should be prepared to complete a course dedicated to their specialty focus and pass an examination before officially receiving their certified designation.

Salary & Career Outlook

Arkansas offers a general annual salary of around $44,855 for dog obedience trainers. The median earners take home this amount: they are the majority by number.

However, candidates can also end up on the extreme ends of the spectrum. For example, dog obedience trainers in Arkansas who are among the top earners (top 10%) can make around $62,983 or more in annual average salary.

The lowest-level earners (the bottom 10%) can make an annual average salary of around $31,945. They often find themselves here due to their experience level, lack of credentials, and location, among other factors.

However, they can work on these factors with time and significantly improve their yearly returns. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a rise in employment and salary levels in the next 10 years.

North Little Rock and Little Rock are the most favorable locations for dog obedience trainers in Arkansas, with annual average salaries of $50,135 and $50,025, respectively.