How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Illinois

Most people see dog obedience training as a field where professionals help dogs behave in a certain way. While this is generally true, it is still worth pointing out that there are several specializations within the field, each with its own focus.

For instance, dog obedience trainers specialize in law enforcement, therapy, acting, or even more advanced behavioral modifications.

All these focus areas in Illinois are options for dog lovers looking to start a successful professional career. The steps to success are quite straightforward, and projections for the future are very positive.

Below, we review everything that individuals need to know to start their dog obedience training career on the right foundation in Illinois.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Illinois

The steps below make up the journey to becoming a successful dog obedience trainer in Illinois.

Educational Provisions

In Illinois, candidates are not mandated by law to attend a training program when starting a dog obedience training career. Many people begin their careers in a self-taught manner and enjoy considerable success on the job.

However, candidates must graduate from an official program and get a certificate or diploma to increase their chances as much as possible.

By completing a program, students may also receive job placement assistance and networking opportunities. Most programs offer online arrangements for more convenience.

Work Experience

The field of dog training is very hands-on, meaning that candidates need to have some form of experience with their real-world duties. Many programs try to combine classroom training with hands-on applications as much as possible.

Those who attended a program where this is not the case may receive hands-on training by working with an established dog trainer as an assistant.

Starting a Business or Joining a Team

Lastly, once they feel that they are well-trained enough, candidates may go on to secure placement in an established company or start their own business. They may also take advantage of certification opportunities to give themselves a better chance of success.

We look deeper into this issue below.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a vet assistant in Illinois

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Illinois

The schools below offer some of Illinois’s best programs for future dog obedience trainers.

Consider exploring nearby states for training:

• Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Indiana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Illinois is one of the states where dog obedience trainers are not expected to receive a license before they can start taking on professional roles. Those who work in this field are not expected to be certified, but they can do so voluntarily.

Although optional, certification is highly advisable. It leads to professional growth and additional credibility. Moreover, certified dog obedience trainers enjoy a solid avenue to improve their professional network and exchange ideas with top minds.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Canine Professionals are currently two of Illinois’s most prominent associations offering top-class credentials for dog trainers.

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants is another option worthy of serious consideration.

Salary & Career Outlook

In Illinois, dog obedience trainers who have reached a certain experience level and have optimized certain other factors such as location, credentials, and specialization may find themselves among the top earners. Those who still need to do so typically find themselves among the bottom or median earners.

Dog obedience trainers earn an annual average salary of $44,189 in the lower earning bracket. In the median earning bracket, they manage an annual average salary of $78,601, while in the higher brackets, they can make up to $139,812 or even more in annual average returns.

Arlington Heights ($90,721), Chicago ($81,109), and Naperville ($68,252) are the top three highest-paying cities for dog obedience trainers in Illinois.

As for career outlook for the coming years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other prominent employment platforms predict a continual rise in the employment rate for dog obedience trainers in Illinois and across the country.