How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in South Dakota

Dog obedience training is an excellent career choice because it allows candidates to work for an existing agency or start their own business. Animal lovers will also like this profession because it allows them to interact with dogs and helps them better assimilate into society.

The article below dives into the major considerations and requirements that anyone must follow to become a successful dog obedience trainer in South Dakota. We don’t just explore the steps needed to qualify for certification, but we also analyze how candidates can leverage several opportunities to facilitate career growth.

Lastly, readers will also find the specific numbers they can target concerning their annual average salary and the factors they can improve to earn more.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in South Dakota

These are the steps needed to start a dog obedience training career in South Dakota:

Self-Education

Self-education is a common approach to starting a dog obedience training career in South Dakota. Candidates pick up skills through books and available resources online and hope to practice what they have learned by interacting with dogs around them.

Formal Training

Even though becoming a dog obedience trainer through self-education is possible, many advise attending a formal course. These courses typically utilize a curriculum designed by experts, and attending a formal course may also lead to direct job placement and good opportunities to make significant connections with industry experts.

Hands-On Experience

Having hands-on experience is important regardless of where a candidate receives training. Self-educated and program graduates are encouraged to work with dogs, perhaps by volunteering in a shelter.

Most formal programs will also have a network of dog obedience training professionals willing to provide real-world education for graduates.

Career Launch

Lastly, prospective dog obedience trainers in South Dakota may join an existing team of professionals or launch their dog training agency after their education.

Below are a few considerations that can help them regardless of their preferred option.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become a vet assistant in South Dakota

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in South Dakota

The following are the top programs for aspiring dog obedience trainers in South Dakota to consider.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience trainer schools in Nebraska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Although certification as a dog obedience trainer in South Dakota may not be compulsory, it is still very important. It is an effective way to achieve credibility in the field and establish a reputation for competence.

Candidates who would like to become certified as dog obedience trainers in South Dakota will be glad to know that there is plenty of options in terms of organization and specific credentials. It is usually important for candidates to go with highly-rated organizations. Some notable options include the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

The International Association of Canine Professionals and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors also have well-respected credential categories nationwide. Before applicants can become officially certified, they should be prepared to pass an examination and take a preparatory course.

Salary & Career Outlook

A dog obedience trainer in South Dakota earning around $38,404 annually is considered among the state’s median earners. Those who manage an annual average income of around $70,354 are among the highest-paid in the state, while those who still earn an annual average salary of $20,963 are among the lowest-paid.

Dog obedience trainers can significantly improve their yearly earnings as they gain more experience and develop better business strategies. The specific location where a dog obedience trainer works in South Dakota will also affect their yearly average income.

Rapid City, with an annual average salary of $89,753, and Sioux Falls, with an annual average salary of $82,299, are all places with competitive annual average salaries for dog obedience trainers in South Dakota.