How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Florida

Florida has a very straightforward process for individuals wanting to start a career as dog obedience trainers. The state also has a thriving market for these professionals.

The path is clear and direct, but it can go wrong if you focus on the wrong things or miss a key step. To avoid such challenges, we have provided a detailed guide below containing all the key considerations for starting a successful dog obedience training career in Florida.

Interested candidates will learn about their education options, how to facilitate career growth and stand out, and how to improve their possible annual average earnings, among other key issues.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Florida

The following are the steps to becoming a dog obedience trainer in Florida.

Basic Preparations

Once they decide to pursue a career as a dog obedience trainer, interested candidates in Florida are expected to start becoming familiar with the possible duties and specialization areas in the field. They may also start building a business structure and devising customer outreach and networking solutions.

Training Pathways

Once prepared enough, candidates may immediately enroll in a training program to begin their education. Many methods are available, including self-teaching and formal training.

Both offer pros and cons, but formal training from an official program is advisable because it can lead to earning a certificate or diploma and developing a strong network of like-minded individuals.

Some programs are also very convenient, allowing you to combine online classes with in-person training. Some even offer strictly online programs.

Real-World Experience

Candidates who receive their dog obedience training education online will still have to develop further hands-on experience on the job. Others who attended an in-person program will typically have worked with actual dogs during their training.

Consider other careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a vet assistant in Florida

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Florida

Florida offers the following top-class programs for prospective dog obedience trainers.

Consider exploring nearby states for training:

• Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Alabama

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants are some of the most prominent professional associations offering high-level certifications for dog trainers in Florida.

However, dog obedience trainers in the state are not mandated by law to pursue certification. Employers and customers value it, which is why it is so common.

Additionally, certified people are perceived to be more credible. They will have access to learning materials to upgrade their skills and earn an average annual salary.

To be certified, candidates must participate in short-term courses and pass an examination proving they possess the required skill level.

Salary & Career Outlook

At the beginning of their career, a dog obedience trainer in Florida typically makes an annual average salary of $47,886 — if they fall among the bottom 10%. They take home an annual average salary of $92,924 if they fall among the median earners.

Those among the highest-paid in the state are most likely to be among the top 10%, earning an annual average salary of $180,323. For those wondering what separates the higher earners from the lower earners, an array of factors, including experience level and location, are responsible.

Things like certification and specialty also play their parts. The best locations to practice for a high annual salary as a dog trainer in Florida include Miami, Sarasota, and Tampa, with annual average salaries of $154,366, $111,891, and $96,041, respectively.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is very optimistic about the coming decade, predicting a 22% increase in employment for dog obedience trainers nationwide.