How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Colorado

The duties of a dog obedience trainer can be challenging, but those who have patience and an affinity for communicating with animals should thrive in this position. Candidates who love business will also appreciate the profession’s potential for career growth.

Residents of Colorado with all of these characteristics will be glad to know that the information they need to launch a successful dog obedience training career in the state is right here. The following resources explore every vital consideration, including prerequisites, educational pathways, certification organizations, and specific programs.

It also analyzes the potential income to expect, factors influencing the figures, and year-on-year career outlook.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Colorado

Aspiring dog obedience trainers in Colorado must follow the steps below to begin their careers properly.

Step 1: Getting Ready

Candidates must familiarize themselves with the field at the beginning of their dog obedience training careers. This involves understanding the specialty areas and developing strategies for customer acquisition, advertisement, and networking.

Step 2: Attending a Training Program

Candidates typically attend a training program to develop the skills needed to succeed. One of the best parts of starting a career in this field is that students can receive their training online or in person.

It is also possible to combine both training avenues by learning theoretical principles online and then working with dogs in person to develop hands-on skills.

Additionally, some training programs will offer a certificate or diploma at the end so that graduates can have an extra credential to separate themselves from the pack.

Step 3: Employment & Business Strategy

Concerning their business strategy, candidates can start by working as part of a team of established dog obedience trainers to build some experience. Of course, some simply choose to start their own business from the start.

Regardless, certification helps a lot, and we explore this further below.

Consider exploring careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dog groomer in Colorado

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Colorado

The entries below are some of the most prominent destinations to study as an aspiring dog obedience trainer in Colorado.

Consider exploring nearby states for training:

• Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Arizona

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Dog obedience trainers in Colorado must only be licensed after they can start working professionally. They are expected to become certified because employers are usually particular about working with certified dog trainers.

Candidates in the state who would like to pursue certification early will be glad to know that there are several options to consider. These include the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Canine Professionals, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.

Before they can be officially certified, candidates must be ready to pass a certification examination. They will also be expected to periodically maintain their credentials by participating in continuing education courses for career advancement.

Salary & Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the year-on-year career outlook for dog obedience training in Colorado and across the country is promising. Thousands of openings are set to rise, powered by a 22% increase in the employment rate across the United States.

As for specific salaries in Colorado, dog obedience trainers manage an annual average salary of $85,890 in the median and $46,595 in the lower brackets. In the higher brackets, the annual income to expect is around $158,327 on average.

Focusing on cities within the state, the most notable is Westminster, with an annual average salary of $90,641. The top three highest-paying locations are Denver and Englewood, with annual average salaries of $90,055 and $89,786, respectively.

Location, experience, business model, and credentials are other factors that can significantly alter the amount a dog obedience trainer in Colorado makes at the end of every year.