How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Delaware

This page’s guide discusses the considerations needed to start a successful career as a dog obedience trainer in Delaware. The state is notable for the direct path it provides to candidates looking to enter this discipline.

However, for a favorable outcome and opportunities for career growth, residents are advised to understand the journey as comprehensively as possible before they begin. Thankfully, that is where we come in.

In the following sections, we break down all the key areas to focus on, including educational options and preparations, certification organizations, and specific programs.

We also explore the career outlook for dog obedience trainers in Delaware and the projections for the next few years.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Delaware

These are the considerations needed to become a dog obedience trainer in Delaware.

Classroom & Practical Training

For their technical training, aspiring dog obedience trainers in Delaware are expected to receive both classroom instructions and practical training in the real world. For the first part, they may use a self-teaching approach by consuming learning materials independently.

They may also apply for a training course and learn under the guidance of experienced instructors. Technical training also involves practical training with actual dogs.

Many formal programs typically include both theoretical classroom learning sessions and in-person programs. The theoretical aspect of the courses may take place online, and the practical sessions will take place in a real-world environment.

Soft Skills

While technical training is vital, more is needed to succeed as a dog obedience trainer. Professionals in this field are also expected to possess soft skills, such as interpersonal and effective communication, problem-solving, patience, and critical thinking.

Business Skills

Lastly, candidates who will succeed as dog obedience trainers in Delaware should work on their business skills as much as possible. Many professionals in this field will start their own dog training outfits, and things like networking, advertisements, and promotions are important.

Notably, some training programs incorporate business strategies as part of their curriculum.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dog groomer in Delaware

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Delaware

The programs below are reputed for providing high-quality dog obedience training education for candidates in Delaware.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Maryland

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Delaware does not have a licensing body for dog obedience trainers. Professionals in this field are not expected to register or receive a license before they can start working professionally.

Of course, those who will start their businesses must follow the same guidelines that all business owners do in this state. One important thing, despite not being mandatory either, is certification.

This is because, as a certified dog obedience trainer in Delaware, you enjoy more demand for your expertise, thanks to the certification’s credibility. Prospective employers are always willing to work with certified dog obedience trainers over those who need certification.

For a nationally reputable and highly respected credential, candidates in Delaware often go with the following certification bodies:

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

Salary & Career Outlook

A dog obedience trainer in Delaware can manage an annual average salary of $67,909 if they are among the top 10% or an annual average salary of $39,418 among the lowest earners. Candidates just starting their careers in the state have a likely chance of falling among the average earners, taking home an annual average salary of $51,738.

They can climb even higher by maximizing their location, specialty, business strategy, and experience. The places with the highest annual salary for dog obedience trainers in Delaware are Dover, with an annual average salary figure of $58,311, and Wilmington, with an annual average salary of $49,973.

As in several states nationwide, the projections for dog obedience training in Delaware are highly favorable. Employment tracking platforms like the Bureau of Labor Statistics predict a year-on-year increase in employment for dog obedience trainers across the country for the next 10 years, at the very least.