As with any profession, adequate preparation is essential when starting a dog obedience training career in Georgia. Candidates who are more prepared than their peers typically enjoy a straightforward path to starting their careers on a strong foundation and leveraging the solid foundation to secure career opportunities.
To ensure that readers of this page are as well-prepared as anybody else, we have broken down all the major requirements they’ll need to understand below. Those who complete the resources here will have a clear idea of their educational options, certification courses, specific programs, and career outlook.
They will also understand the salary figures to expect and what areas to tweak to achieve the best results.
Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Georgia
Aspiring dog obedience trainers in Georgia must follow the steps below to begin their careers properly.
Researching Perspective Duties
Candidates in Georgia are expected to prepare for training by familiarizing themselves with the field before starting their dog training careers. During this research phase, they may also start developing business strategies.
Attending a Training Program
Many successful dog obedience trainers in Georgia start their careers earning a certificate from a training program. Several options are to consider, including a few top-class programs highlighted in an upcoming list below.
It is always worth mentioning that candidates can skip in-person classes to study to become aspiring dog trainers. They may consume online materials or practice using a hybrid approach.
In hybrid training, candidates attend classes online and work with actual dogs in person.
For those who attend strictly online classes or those whose programs do not include hands-on training, it is highly advisable to work with actual dogs and practice theoretical principles before securing full-time placement.
Employment Strategies
To start their careers, dog obedience trainers must choose between starting their own business or working as part of an existing team. Either way, certification can help them succeed on the job, and we focus on the issue below.
Explore careers with similar paths:
Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Georgia
The entries below are some of the most prominent destinations to study as an aspiring dog obedience trainer in Georgia.
Atlanta Dog Trainer Academy
Alpharetta, GA Campus Only
Atlanta Dog Trainer Academy offers various training levels for interested candidates. The level one course teaches students the fundamentals, including hands-on practical education.
Tuition
$2,500 per ProgramContact
(770) 754-9178
susie@atlantadogtrainer.com
Penn Foster Academy
Online, GA Online Only
Penn Foster Academy is one of the country's most prominent providers of veterinary-related training. The school offers dog obedience classes for candidates in Georgia that can be completed online.
Tuition
$749 - $989 per ProgramContact
(570) 961-4033
The Academy of Pet Careers
Online, GA Campus + Online
The Academy of Pet Careers’ training program for future dog obedience training in Georgia can also be completed online. The school also offers an offline program that boasts nationally recognized credentials, a comprehensive curriculum, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Email: admissions@theacademyofpetcareers.com
Tuition
$4,400 - $5,500 per ProgramContact
(636) 778-4989
Email in Bio
Consider exploring nearby states for training:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors are two prominent associations that offer highly rated certifications for dog obedience trainers in Georgia. While candidates are not mandated by law to pursue these credentials, it is indisputable that those who do are usually better off professionally than those who don’t.
Candidates looking for a different alternative to the two associations already listed above may choose instead to apply for certification from either the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or the International Association of Canine Professionals.
Before they can earn a credential with these associations, they should be prepared to pass an examination and take a quick professional certification course.
Salary & Career Outlook
Prospective dog obedience trainers in Georgia will be glad to know that the Bureau of Labor projections are highly positive. The field is set to increase its employment rate by 22% every year over the next 10 years.
This figure is significantly higher than that of other occupations on average.
As for specific salary figures, dog obedience trainers in Georgia may expect an annual average salary of $43,469 if they are in the lower-earning bracket, $78,398 if they are in the median bracket, and $141,394 if they are in the top-earning bracket.
To increase their annual returns, professionals are advised to optimize their credentials and focus areas. Experience and location are also important factors in this regard.
The places with the highest salaries for dog trainers in Georgia are Canton, with an annual average salary of $174,511; Alpharetta, with an annual average salary of $81,845; and Snellville, with an annual average salary of $80,017.