How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Maine

Maine has many successful dog obedience trainers; all had to follow an established process to launch their careers correctly. The article below seeks to inspire future dog obedience trainers in the state by providing an in-depth yet easily digestible overview of the requirements for becoming a successful dog obedience trainer in Maine.

The guide starts with a few educational options and possible employment options before focusing on the certification requirements for candidates who want to explore career opportunities. It then rounds up with a few figures concerning the annual average salary for dog obedience trainers in Maine and the crucial factors behind the numbers.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Maine

Dog obedience trainers in Maine typically start their careers following the approach below:

Adequate Preparation

At the preparatory stage, aspiring dog obedience trainers are expected to get at least some sense of their prospective duties. At this point, they may even decide that they like a specific area of concentration better than another.

Theoretical Training

While it is not legally compulsory to graduate from a training program, candidates in Maine are expected to do so because of its benefits. Training programs allow students to tap into mentorship potential and a well-designed curriculum.

Many of them may also offer job placement assistance and networking opportunities. Thanks to flexible, self-paced online programs, individuals with busy schedules can rest assured.

Practical Training

After attending an online program and picking up theoretical skills, the next step to becoming a successful dog obedience trainer in Maine is to practice these skills in the real world. The best training programs usually have a network of professionals in a student’s vicinity who will be responsible for providing work experience.

The training programs in the list below offer both theoretical and practical training.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a veterinary assistant in Maine

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Maine

The following are the most prominent training programs for aspiring dog obedience trainers in Maine.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in New Hampshire

Licensure & Certification Requirements

No state bodies or local organizations are responsible for issuing dog obedience trainer licenses in Maine. However, organizations are responsible for certification, even though this is not mandatory.

Professional certification gives dog obedience trainers an edge for career growth and opportunities. Becoming certified by an organization like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers often allows candidates to attract customers simply based on the prestige of these credentials.

To become certified, candidates must first choose their desired certification organization and then meet the specific requirements for their chosen credential. These organizations will have their unique courses that candidates must pass.

Many will also expect certified professionals to consistently maintain their credentials to stay current with advancements in the discipline.

Salary & Career Outlook

Notable employment tracking platforms like Indeed and the Bureau of Labor Statistics all predict significant growth for dog obedience training as a profession over the coming decades. Higher pet spending will lead to more demand for professionals in this field every year for the next ten years.

Currently, the annual average salary that dog obedience trainers in Maine can expect is divided into three broad categories. The first is the lowest-paid, with an annual average salary of $62,372; the second is the median earners, with an annual average salary of $73,527.

The third category includes the highest-paid 10%, who can earn an average annual income of $86,678 or higher.

For the most favorable locations in the state, dog obedience trainers in Portland earn the highest at around $96,017 per year. Second are those in Cumberland Center, with an annual average salary of $70,159.