How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Hawaii

The resources below provide an in-depth yet easy-to-understand overview of how to become a dog obedience trainer in Hawaii. Candidates pursuing this career in the state must follow the guidelines established by convention over the years.

We seek to introduce readers to all of these requirements so that they can start their careers on the best possible projection. To this end, we explore the educational requirements, certification options, and specific training programs with the best reputation for success.

Finally, we break down the salary projections for dog obedience trainers in Hawaii, highlighting key career growth factors.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Hawaii

The following are the requirements to become a dog obedience trainer in Hawaii.

Self-Education

Since no mandatory educational requirements exist, becoming a dog obedience trainer in Hawaii is possible via a self-training approach. Even candidates who will ultimately attend a formal program can start by familiarizing themselves with free resources that provide an overview of the profession.

Formal Training

Several courses and programs offer a comprehensive curriculum for prospective dog obedience trainers. Some of these programs are organized by actual dog obedience training companies, giving students a wealth of experience.

Furthermore, several programs are designed using a hybrid approach for convenience. Candidates can learn fundamental topics online and receive in-person training for real-world familiarity.

Work Experience

Candidates who graduated from an established program may be paired with dog obedience trainers in their vicinity so that they acquire some level of work experience before branching out on their own. Those who didn’t may find a trainer alone or volunteer at shelters and rescue facilities.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary assistant in Hawaii

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Hawaii

The programs below are among the best for prospective dog obedience trainers in Hawaii.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in California

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors are all notable for their certification for dog obedience trainers. Dog trainers who are certified by these organizations are usually deemed to be more credible than those who are not.

So, even though licensing and certification are optional for dog obedience training in Hawaii, there are still more certified professionals in the state than those who still need to be certified. Another important benefit of becoming certified is that candidates may use this opportunity to keep improving themselves via continuing education—which is needed to maintain a credential anyway.

Moreover, all of these organizations have varying levels and categories of certification based on expertise and specialty, among other factors.

To become certified, candidates must pass a certification course and examination.

Salary & Career Outlook

If they are among the median earners in Hawaii, a dog obedience trainer can expect to make around $206,475 in annual average salary. This figure is also consistent with what is reported as the national average for other states combined.

It is also possible for professionals in the state to earn an annual average salary of $166,528 as dog obedience trainers if they are among the bottom 10% or an annual average salary of $256,003 if they are among the top 10%.

Most people start slow and then optimize their locations within the state, experience level, credentials, and specialty focus to make a higher income. Focusing on location, Honolulu is the highest-paying destination for dog obedience trainers in Hawaii, thanks to its $130,314 annual income.

Candidates will also be glad that the BLS reports an expected 22% yearly growth in the employment rate for dog obedience trainers nationwide.