How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Connecticut

Adequate preparation is needed to succeed as a dog obedience trainer in Connecticut. Well-prepared people typically clearly understand the process of launching a career and can hardly be taken by surprise on the journey.

This makes the process much more fun and straightforward. To help readers attain this level of preparedness, we have highlighted all the major considerations in starting a dog obedience training career in Connecticut below.

We explore, among other things, the educational possibilities, employment outlook, top programs, and annual average salary projections.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Connecticut

The following is an overview of the necessary considerations to become a dog obedience trainer in Connecticut.

Preparatory Stage

At the preparatory stage, candidates must become comfortable around dogs. To prepare for their impending training, they may volunteer at an animal shelter, walk dogs, or assist a trainer.

Training Arrangements

For their training, candidates can consider several options, including the following:

• Self-Education—Self-education is common among prospective dog obedience trainers in Connecticut. This is partly because formal education is not compulsory, and learning materials are available online.

However, formal training offers benefits that aren’t available to self-taught candidates.

• Formal Training—Candidates may attend formal training to start their dog obedience training careers in Connecticut. However, this form of training is further divided into three categories.

The first category includes online programs, the second includes in-person programs, and the third includes hybrid programs that combine online and in-person training.

Career Path

For their careers, candidates can choose to work with an existing team of dog obedience trainers before starting their own business. Of course, if they are confident enough, they may launch their own dog obedience training outfit.

However, every candidate must consider certification before starting a dog obedience training career in Connecticut.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dog groomer in Connecticut

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Connecticut

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Massachusetts

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants offers highly rated and nationally recognized credentials for prospective dog obedience trainers in Connecticut. Although having this credential is not a legal requirement to become a dog obedience trainer, it is usually highly sought-after due to the opportunities it offers.

Certification makes employment easier, as potential employers feel more confident hiring those certified by a top organization. Additionally, it comes with continuing education requirements that will help candidates keep up with advancements in the field and continue to improve their skills.

Another organization with an equally appealing credential is the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. To be certified by any of these organizations, candidates must be prepared to pass a certification examination after taking a professional course.

Salary & Career Outlook

Connecticut’s seasoned dog obedience trainer can earn as much as $150,729 per year. They achieve this number because they have optimized factors that impact their salary.

Among these are experience, credentials, specialty, and location. For beginners still navigating the factors above, the annual income might be around $41,483, characteristic of the bottom 10%.

The median salary for dog obedience trainers in Connecticut is $150,729 annually, consistent with the national average.

The job outlook here and across the country is also extremely encouraging. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and other relevant platforms project a 22% growth rate in employment each year for the next decade.

Also notably, the highest-paying cities in Kansas for dog obedience trainers include Fairfield, where the average annual salary is $70,077, and Stamford and Torrington, where the averages are $70,077 and $68,970, respectively.