How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Michigan

The duties of a dog obedience trainer range from communicating and rewarding desirable behaviors in dogs to helping them develop familiarity with specific tasks such as fetching, acting, performing, or even law enforcement.

The state of Michigan boasts several successful dog obedience trainers and has more than enough space for more individuals looking to enter the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state also enjoys positive year-on-year projections.

Along with exploring the career outlook and job prospects, this page’s guide introduces readers to the steps required to become a successful dog obedience trainer in Michigan. We highlight the educational options, certification pathways, best programs, and more.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Michigan

Below are the requirements for starting a dog obedience training career in Michigan.

Foundational Training Options

Because no law requires formal education, candidates who want to become dog obedience trainers in Michigan can choose their own training paths. The following are the most prominent options.

• Formal Program—The most common option for becoming a dog obedience trainer in Michigan is to attend a formal program. Although it is not mandatory by law, this kind of program offers students the opportunity to acquire diplomas and certificates and learn in a structured environment.
• Online Programs - Students may learn the theoretical part of their duties online. Most online programs allow students to combine online learning with in-person training through workshops.
• Self-Education - Lastly, it is possible to become a dog obedience trainer in Michigan using a Self-education approach. Of course, candidates will still have to rely on some resources available online for the best education.

Building on Existing Skills

After receiving foundational training, candidates must continue to build on their skills as dog trainers in Michigan by acquiring real-world training. At this point, they will be working with actual dogs in a real-world environment.

Consider exploring other careers with similar paths:

• Become a dog groomer in Michigan

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Michigan

The following are some prominent training programs for future dog obedience trainers in Michigan.

Explore neighboring states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Ohio

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors and the International Association of Canine Professionals are two of the most reputable associations to receive certification as a dog obedience trainer in Michigan. Although it is not compulsory by law, it is a great way to set oneself apart as a serious professional.

Furthermore, certified dog groomers are also generally more credible than those who are not.

To become certified, candidates may be expected to complete a fast-tracked course and pass a certification examination. They may also be expected to renew their credentials periodically through continuing education.

For those who would like to try out different organizations apart from the ones already listed, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants are also quite prominent.

Salary & Career Outlook

According to a survey of dog obedience trainers in Michigan carried out by the employment platform, the majority of professionals in this field in the state take home an annual average salary of $67,853. This puts them among the median earners and aligns with the occupation’s national average.

Naturally, professionals can go above or below these numbers. The same data revealed that those among the top 10% in the state will earn an annual average salary of $105,716, while those among the bottom 10% will manage an annual average salary of $43,551.

The factors that influence where a specific dog obedience trainer will fall on the spectrum are, among others, experience level, where they practice in the state and their specialty focus. Currently, those who work in Ann Arbor are the highest-paid in the state, with an annual average salary of $83,740.

Dog obedience trainers in Ferndale earn an average annual salary of $75,875, while those in Novi, MI, earn an average annual salary of $69,187.