How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Rhode Island

Aspiring dog obedience trainers in Rhode Island are expected to learn about dog behavior and develop the professional skills needed to succeed. Pursuing a career in this field is a good option for those who love animals and are patient.

We make the process easier for readers of this page by outlining all the major considerations involved in becoming a dog obedience trainer in Rhode Island below. By the time they are done reading, interested candidates will understand what is required of them concerning their education and certification.

They can also choose the right training arrangement while understanding their potential annual average income throughout their careers.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Rhode Island

Below is an overview of how to start a dog obedience training career in Rhode Island.

Preparatory Research

Prospective dog obedience trainers in Rhode Island are advised to research the scope, concentrations, and business strategies involved in being successful dog obedience trainers to increase their chances of success on the job.

Educational Requirements

No laws make attending a training program as a prospective dog obedience trainer in Rhode Island compulsory. For this reason, many choose to learn via self-education.

However, completing a formal training program is highly advisable for a more assured pathway. Many programs allow candidates to learn conveniently through online or hybrid training.

Hands-On Education

Candidates must have worked with actual dogs before taking on a full-time training position to build confidence on the job. Hybrid training programs allow candidates to learn theoretical topics online and then partner with existing dog obedience trainers to pick up more advanced skills in the real world.

Business Strategy

Individuals starting their dog obedience training outfits must possess strong business skills. Many training programs make business studies a part of their curriculum to give candidates a higher chance of success.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become a dog groomer in Rhode Island

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Rhode Island

The programs below offer high-quality education for prospective dog obedience trainers in Rhode Island.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience trainer schools in Connecticut

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Dog obedience training is not a profession in which practitioners are expected to receive a state license before they can start working legally. However, even though they are not expected to be certified, it has become a convention for candidates to pursue professional credentials to take advantage of career opportunities.

Certified dog obedience instructors will enjoy easier job placements and improve their skills through continuing education. Candidates in Rhode Island looking for prominent credentials to launch their careers have many options. One of these is the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Other examples are the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.

After earning a particular credential from these organizations, candidates must continue to improve themselves to maintain their credentials.

Salary & Career Outlook

Hope Valley, with an annual average salary figure of $77,564, and Providence, with an annual average salary of $65,804, are the highest-paying cities for dog obedience trainers in Rhode Island. Working in any of these places can boost a professional’s chances of significant pay, but location isn’t the only factor.

Things like experience level, business strategy, and credentials all matter. Generally, most dog obedience trainers in Rhode Island are among the median earners, with an annual average salary of $65,804. The top 10% in the state take home an average of around $90,411 per year, while the bottom 10% make an annual average salary of at least $47,894.

Regarding projections for the years to come, major employment platforms across the country all predict an increase in the employment rate for dog obedience trainers. This trend will apply to the state of Rhode Island and the entire country.