How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Montana

The article below discusses how Montana residents can start a successful career in dog obedience training. This field is projected to grow yearly thanks to increased spending on pets and dogs.

The straightforward process makes Montana an excellent place to start a career in this field with minimal government interference. In the article below, we break down the major steps that make up this process and shed some light on a few optimizations that candidates can make to begin their careers properly.

We also examine other crucial details concerning dog obedience training in Montana, including possible training programs and the expected annual average income based on a few factors.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Montana

The process for starting a dog obedience training career in Montana is as follows:

Proper Education

As in virtually any other profession, proper education is vital for success as a dog obedience trainer. Even though it is not required by law, completing a formal program gives candidates an edge at the start of their careers.

Some of the benefits of this approach are awards and degrees upon program completion, guidance and mentorship, and networking opportunities. Candidates can also learn conveniently through an online program.

There are no rigid educational requirements, so becoming a dog obedience trainer through self-education is possible.

Work Experience

Work experience is needed to acclimatize to the real-world demands of being a dog obedience trainer. Many achieve this by attending a training program with a network of professionals to provide real-world mentorship.

A few of the programs on our list in an upcoming section meet this requirement.

Securing Job Placement

After training and real-world experience, candidates can secure employment without being licensed. However, there are a few options for their job placement.

While some begin by working for an existing agency, some simply start their own dog obedience training company.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a vet assistant in Montana

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Montana

The programs below are perfect options for dog obedience training education in Montana.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Idaho

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Although certification is not mandatory for dog obedience trainers in Montana, it offers several professional benefits and is a popular course of action. To become certified, applicants must first choose a certifying organization, and several options exist.

Some notable choices are the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Canine Professionals. The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors is also reputable for its thoroughness and high standards.

Afterward, applicants must choose a specific credential, as many organizations offer multiple options based on concentration and expertise. They may then have to take a short-term course and pass a certification examination before being considered fully certified.

Furthermore, candidates are expected to keep improving themselves through continuing education. For this reason, many credentials will require periodic renewal by meeting specific training credits every year.

Salary & Career Outlook

As one would expect, the specific figure that a dog obedience trainer in Montana takes home at the end of the year will depend on several factors. Their experience level and business strategy will influence their yearly income, as will their specific location in the state.

Before we take a look at the general numbers, the following are some notable locations to work as a dog obedience trainer in Montana for a respectable annual income:

• Bozeman, with an annual average salary of $79,720;
• Billings, with an annual average salary of $59,184.

Generally, the annual average salary for a dog obedience trainer in Montana is $41,117 in the lower-earning categories and $79,657 in the higher-earning categories. It is $57,230 in the median category, notably close to the national average.

Those who would like to enter the profession will also be glad that the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field to grow by a stunning 20% yearly for the next decade.