How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Mississippi

Proper training is necessary for those wanting to succeed as dog obedience trainers in Mississippi. Along with opening up opportunities for networking and certification, proper education ensures that professionals in this field can thrive in a specialty area, which may include training dogs for law enforcement, behavior modification, or artistic performance.

Regardless of their specialty focus, the following sections explore what candidates need to do to become successful dog obedience trainers in Mississippi. Readers will also discover important resources such as a list of top-quality programs and an outline of potential average income based on specific factors.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Mississippi

The following steps are usually needed to become a dog obedience trainer in Mississippi.

Educational Pathways

The following are some educational options for aspiring dog obedience trainers in Dash.

• Formal Course - Formal dog obedience training courses teach students the fundamentals of the field and prepare them for the professional and business side of the job.
• Self-Education—An aspiring dog obedience trainer can receive foundational training by reading books and free materials online.

Hands-On Training

Individuals may receive necessary hands-on training as prospective dog obedience trainers via the following approaches:

• Professional Network - Most training programs have a professional network of dog obedience trainers willing to provide real-world training. When candidates complete the classroom element of their education, they are paired with a professional in the network to begin learning under them.
• Volunteer Training—Candidates who didn’t attend a training program may learn hands-on skills by volunteering at a shelter or rescue facility. They may also consider working for a while under an established trainer.

Job Placement

Lastly, well-trained candidates may secure job placement at an existing dog obedience training company. Many companies are always on the lookout for new talent.

Those with an affinity for business may also start their dog obedience training outfits.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a veterinary assistant in Mississippi

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Mississippi

The entries below are among Mississippi’s top dog obedience training education destinations.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Alabama

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Most dog obedience trainers in Mississippi are certified by a professional organization. Although this is not a compulsory step in starting a career in the state, it is widely regarded as one of the major steps for career growth.

Mississippi’s most notable organizations offering well-respected professional credentials for dog obedience trainers include the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Candidates may also consider the International Association of Canine Professionals and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.

Thanks to continuing education provisions, certified professionals can secure job placement at top companies, earn better salaries, and continue acquiring advanced skills in the field.

Salary & Career Outlook

The exact location in Mississippi where a dog obedience trainer works will influence how much they take home at the end of the year. For instance, data released by a survey of trainers in the state shows that those who work in Hattiesburg manage the highest annual average salary, around $81,304 per year.

Jackson-based dog obedience trainers take second place, with an annual average salary of $51,863. A dog obedience trainer’s experience level, credentials, and specialty focus may influence their annual average salary.

Without highlighting specific factors, the annual average salary for dog obedience trainers in Mississippi is $62,251 for the median earners, $92,856 for the top 10%, and $41,734 for the bottom 10%.

The projections for the field are also very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a continuous year-on-year increase in the employment rate across the country.