How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Idaho

Dog obedience trainers are professionals who understand dog body language and can communicate specific instructions to them. They can help facilitate unique behaviors in dogs for use in several environments, including domestic and law enforcement purposes.

In Idaho, dog obedience training as a profession continues to grow in popularity, attracting more individuals to pursue this course. Readers of the page who happen to be aspiring dog trainers in Idaho will be glad to know that everything they must understand for a successful outcome has been outlined below.

These include, among other things, educational options, training preparations, certification organizations, and possible annual average salaries.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Idaho

These are the requirements for becoming a dog obedience trainer in Idaho.

Educational Options

The first consideration aspiring dog obedience trainers in Idaho must consider is their education. They have the following options:

• Formal Education—Committing to a formal training program is not mandatory to become a successful dog obedience trainer in Idaho, but it does offer benefits. Candidates can, among other things, receive a certificate of completion, learn under experienced instructors, qualify for certification exams, and more.
• Self-Training—Instead of attending a formal program, it is possible to become a dog obedience trainer by learning through available resources. Of course, this may not come with as many benefits as formal education.

Hands-On Experience

After completing fundamental training through any of the above avenues, candidates may receive hands-on experience. They can volunteer at animal shelters and rescue facilities to experience working with an actual dog.

Those who attended a training program with a network of professionals may be paired with a dog obedience trainer in their city for hands-on training.

Career Launch

Lastly, properly trained candidates can launch their dog obedience training career in Idaho by applying for employment at an existing agency or starting their own business. They may also consider the certification options below for career opportunities.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary assistant in Idaho

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Idaho

The programs below are among Idaho’s best options for aspiring dog obedience trainers.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Unsurprisingly, dog obedience trainers in Idaho can start their careers without a license from the state and, technically, without certification.

Of course, most dog obedience trainers in the state are certified. Employers simply prefer to work with certified dog obedience trainers.

Even customers taking their dogs to a trainer will prefer to work with someone certified, as this lends credibility to the service they’re about to receive.

Becoming certified as a dog obedience trainer in Idaho is easy. Candidates must choose a certification organization like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

From there, they will study for a certification examination through provided materials, pass their examination, and become certified.

Salary & Career Outlook

Even when they are not among the highest-paid in the state, dog obedience trainers in Idaho can earn an annual average salary of at least $49,013. With time and other factors working in their favor, they can move up to be among the median earners and, ultimately, the top earners in the state.

The median annual salary for dog obedience trainers in Idaho is $76,040, while the top 10% enjoy an annual average salary of around $117,971 or higher.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to predict a year-on-year increase in the employment rate for dog obedience trainers in the country. This figure is expected to reach as high as 22%, much higher than the average for other occupations.

Location is another factor that can influence the annual average salary of a dog obedience trainer in Idaho. Nampa leads the way with an average salary of $84,783, and Boise is also among the top locations, with an average salary of $61,079.