How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Missouri

The resources on this page explore the requirements and considerations for starting a thriving dog obedience training career in Missouri. The sections have been laid out to explore particular elements in the process and do so in a manner that is straight to the point and easy to follow.

We start by explaining the basic requirements and educational options before focusing on what candidates can do to improve their career prospects, such as business strategies and certification. Furthermore, we explore specific programs that offer high-quality dog training education for interested individuals in Missouri.

Lastly, the final section focuses on the annual average income for professionals in this field and the possible criteria contributing to a higher year-on-year income.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Missouri

These steps are needed to become a successful dog obedience trainer in Missouri.

Choosing a Comprehensive Course

Candidates are advised to choose a comprehensive training course to start a dog obedience training career in Missouri. Training courses are great for introducing students to important topics through a straightforward and convenient approach.

In fact, several courses are arranged as online or hybrid programs, allowing for a great deal of flexibility not only in terms of training duration but also in terms of how and when students would like to take their courses.

Practicing in the Real World

At the beginning of most training courses, candidates will be able to learn important topics such as dog training methodologies, a general overview of dog psychology, response to stimuli, and safety, among others. However, these topics must be practiced in the real world before candidates can call themselves full-fledged dog obedience in Missouri.

For this, most programs are usually set aside sometimes strictly for hands-on, practical experience. It is also quite common for online programs to leverage their network to provide work experience placements for graduates.

Securing a Position

Candidates who have completed a training program may secure professional positions as dog obedience trainers in Missouri. That said, there are various approaches to this as well.

One is to work as part of an existing organization, while the other is to start a dog obedience training agency. Naturally, the last option may require more experience, so candidates may start by gathering some business expertise first.

Consider exploring other careers with similar paths:

• Become a vet assistant in Missouri

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Missouri

The following are the best places to receive training as an aspiring dog obedience trainer in Missouri.

Explore neighboring states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Illinois

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certification helps dog obedience trainers in Missouri stand out and verify their skills. However, acquiring one is not a mandatory requirement by law.

Still, it has become a convention for employers to prioritize certified candidates over those who are not. Certified dog obedience trainers can also leverage connections with established professionals in the same organization to build a strong network.

Some notable organizations offering well-rated credentials for dog obedience trainers in Missouri include The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Those who are certified will be able to enjoy the benefits of certification but must be prepared to renew their credentials periodically through continuing education and other requirements.

Salary & Career Outlook

The projections and career outlook for dog obedience training in Missouri are absolutely positive. Several employment platforms have predicted tens of thousands of openings across the country over the next 10 years.

For residents of Missouri, this projection is just as positive and comes with significant yearly earnings. For instance, even those in the bottom 10% manage an average salary of $33,742 per year, while those among the median dog obedience trainers still make an annual average salary of $49,538.

At the upper end among the top 10%, we have those who manage an annual average salary of $72,729 or higher. Experience, business strategy, and location are key factors influencing these figures.

Some notable locations to work as a dog obedience trader in Missouri include Chesterfield and Saint Charles, with annual average salaries of $68,559 and $64,899, and St. Louis, with an annual average salary of $59,184.