How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Kansas

Aspiring dog obedience trainers in Kansas are expected to be properly trained before starting a career in this discipline. Several training options must be considered, and even more important decisions must be made.

Candidates who already have a clear picture of what the process entails from the start will be able to come out on top, having made the right decisions, thanks to their level of preparedness. The following article seeks to help candidates achieve this goal by carefully outlining the major considerations involved in the process.

We also list specific programs where candidates can receive training in dog obedience’s theoretical and practical aspects.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Kansas

The outline below shows the elements needed to become a dog obedience trainer in Kansas.

Self-Education

Candidates can start their dog obedience training through self-education. They may consolidate their skills further by practicing through volunteer work and completing a professional certification course.

Formal Training

Candidates who would like to attend a formal training course may consider the following options:

• In-Person - At the initial stage, candidates must learn vital topics such as training techniques, methodologies and stimuli, animal health, and more. They may do so by learning in a campus environment.
• Online - Many theoretical principles in dog obedience training can be learned online, and many training destinations allow this form of training to start.
• Hybrid - In reality, most training programs for aspiring dog obedience trainers will have online and in-person elements.

Career Approach

Prospective dog obedience trainers in Kansas take different approaches to starting a career. Some secure open positions at existing establishments, while others start their businesses.

Thankfully, many dog trainers are willing to help candidates develop real-world proficiency. Some online programs also connect graduates with possible destinations for hands-on training.

Candidates may also pursue certification as outlined below.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a dog groomer in Kansas

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Kansas

The programs below are some of Kansas’s most popular options for aspiring dog obedience trainers.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Missouri

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Like many states nationwide, Kansas does not require a mandatory licensing requirement for dog obedience trainers. However, being properly educated is enough to start a professional career in this field.

Certification is optional but very important. Aside from verifying skills and credibility, certification is a perfect way for candidates to take advantage of networking opportunities and continuing education.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is a reputable organization offering various tiers of certification for dog obedience trainers in Kansas. The council also offers a professional course to refresh candidates’ knowledge.

Afterward, they must pass a professional examination and maintain their credentials.

Salary & Career Outlook

A dog obedience trainer in Kansas who has been on the job for a while and has managed to optimize relevant factors can earn up to $85,841 per year. This is the annual average salary figure most relevant for the top 10%.

Those who are just at the beginning of their careers and are still to optimize factors that influence these figures may end up with an annual income of around $45,905. This is the figure for the bottom 10%.

The median annual salary for dog obedience cleaners in Kansas is $62,774. This is the most common figure and also aligns with the national average.

Those looking to enter this profession will be glad that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a more than 20% year-on-year increase in employment for the next 10 years.

Professionals looking for the most favorable locations in Kansas to work as dog obedience trainers may consider Overland Park, with an annual average salary of $88,946, and Shawnee, with an annual average salary of $60,448.