How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in North Dakota

The projections for the next decade show that more and more people in North Dakota will increase the amount they spend on their pets. This is one of the reasons why the Bureau of Labor Statistics is so positive concerning the career outlook for dog obedience trainers in the state.

Candidates who want to start a career in this field must be well-prepared to increase their chances of success. Thankfully, the following page breaks down everything a candidate needs to know to improve their preparation.

We explore the educational options, certification requirements, top training programs, and salary projections, among other key topics.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in North Dakota

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

Training Methods

There are several training methods that candidates in North Dakota may leverage to start their dog obedience training careers. These include the following:

• Completing a Formal Program—Completing a formal program is not required by law but offers notable benefits. For one, graduates leave with valuable certificates and diplomas that may contribute to career opportunities.

Additionally, many formal programs offer online training, allowing students to learn independently.

• Self-Training—Because there are no mandatory educational requirements, candidates may teach themselves key principles in dog obedience training by reading books and online materials.

Gaining Work Experience

After foundational training, candidates should familiarize themselves with the real-world demands of being a dog obedience trainer, even before securing employment. A common way to achieve this is to attend a hybrid program where students learn online before being paired with professionals in the real world for hands-on training.

Another option is volunteering at a dog shelter to interact with canines of all breeds and sizes.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become vet assistant in North Dakota

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in North Dakota

The entries below are among the top destinations to receive dog obedience training education in North Dakota.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience trainer schools in South Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Several factors can help during a dog obedience training career in North Dakota; certification is at the top. Certified dog obedience trainers can include their certification on their resumes, leveraging its appeal to customers and training companies.

There are a few organizations with reputable credentials for dog obedience trainers in North Dakota, and going with either one of them should be enough to secure these career benefits. For the most reputable options, candidates may consider any certifications offered by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is arguably the most popular credentialing organization for dog obedience trainers. It offers varying levels of credential categories based on specialization and expertise.

Salary & Career Outlook

Even though they may expect to earn an annual average salary of $103,219 at some point in their careers, most dog obedience trainers in North Dakota have to start at a slightly lower salary. This figure is relevant for the highest earners; most have to start in the lower-earning category or the median bracket.

Those in the lower earning bracket can manage an annual average salary of $61,450, while those in the median bracket earn up to $79,642 on average at the end of each year.

Notably, experience, business strategy, and location help candidates climb the salary ladder. The most notable locations for a high figure include Fargo, with an annual average salary of $52,339, and Bismarck, with an annual average salary of $72,022.

Finally, looking at the future projections, all major platforms predict a sustained rise in the employment rate for dog obedience trainers, leading to tens of thousands of job openings across the country.