How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in New Jersey

Anyone looking to become a successful dog obedience trainer in New Jersey must learn many important topics to start their careers. They must understand the basic psychology of canines, the fundamentals of communication, obedience cues, and training safety, among other things.

Below, we explore in detail all the major requirements and considerations readers need to know before launching a dog obedience training career in New Jersey. We start with the basics before reviewing the educational options and certification requirements.

Furthermore, we take an in-depth look at the possible annual earnings for dog obedience trainers in New Jersey while shedding some light on the factors that candidates may leverage to improve their salary.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in New Jersey

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

Step 1: Be Prepared

A prospective dog obedience trainer must spend time around dogs to prepare for their careers. They may volunteer at shelters and try to learn as much as possible about canine psychology and behavior independently.

Step 2: Enroll in a Training Program

Several schools and organizations offer comprehensive training courses for future dog obedience trainers. These courses include instructions on training techniques and may be offered through videos, books, and online resources.

Of course, candidates who want a more immersive learning environment may attend in-person classes and gain some hands-on experience. It is also possible to graduate with a certificate, which individuals can leverage to improve their credibility.

Step 3: Employment, Specialization, & Business Strategy

When they feel knowledgeable enough about their potential duties, future dog trainers may go on to secure employment or start their businesses.

They may leverage social media and other advertising strategies to reach potential customers and build a network. They may also specialize in a particular area of dog training

to improve their career prospects.

Another way to improve career opportunities is certification — which we look deeper into below.

Consider exploring other careers with similar paths:

• Become a vet technician in New Jersey

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in New Jersey

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

Explore neighboring states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Maryland

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Dog obedience trainers in New Jersey are not expected to be licensed to start a professional career. They will have to go through the general steps to start a business if they’re starting one, but that is all.

Concerning certification, it is common to pursue professional credentials for career opportunities. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Canine Professionals, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors are considered the best organizations to receive professional certification.

Certification by these associations leads to credibility, continuing education, and networking possibilities. It is also an excellent way to retain a high level of appeal to potential employers and customers.

Salary & Career Outlook

Their business model is one factor influencing how much a dog obedience trainer earns in New Jersey. Unsurprisingly, how long they’ve been working, their specialty focus, and their location in the state also matter.

West Milford and Waldwick, for instance, are the cities with the highest pay for dog obedience trainers in New Jersey, with yearly income figures of around $95,653 and $94,093, respectively. Those working in the Township of Howell manage around $82,095 annually.

On a general level (without focusing on location), dog obedience trainers in New Jersey can expect an annual average income of $49,597 among the bottom earners, $80,964 among the median earners, and $132,167 among the top earners.

They can also rest assured about their future because the projections for the field are overwhelmingly positive. A Bureau of Labor Statistics survey predicts continual growth over the next 10 years and beyond.