How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Texas

Dog obedience trainers are in high demand in Texas and are projected to continue growing in employment rate and annual average salary. Anyone in the state who has an innate love for dogs can start a career in this profession in no time and set themselves up for a fulfilling and rewarding career.

To help candidates understand the expected requirements, we have provided the in-depth guide below showcasing how to launch a successful dog obedience training career in Texas.

However, we don’t stop there. We also outline additional helpful resources, including the top programs for individuals to consider and career projections across the next decades. Candidates will also discover the annual average salary they can expect to earn and the factors responsible for these figures.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Texas

Dog obedience trainers in Texas typically start their careers by following the steps below.

The Early Stages

It is common for candidates to start their dog obedience training careers in Texas by becoming familiar with the prospective duties and specialty areas in the field. Candidates may also use this time to develop a business strategy for customer acquisition and networking.

Educational Options

Several educational options are available to prospective dog obedience trainers in Texas. Most people will attend an official program offered by an academic institution or a canine academy.

Here, they will learn theoretical skills on the job and may even be able to practice on actual canines. Furthermore, some programs offer students the opportunity to leave with a certificate and further set themselves apart from the competition.

Studying as a prospective dog obedience trainer in an online environment instead of an in-person program is also possible. Some programs are hybrid, giving students the best of both worlds.

Hands-On Training

As touched upon above, some programs offer hands-on training for students to work with actual dogs and train them. Some don’t, but candidates are always advised to become familiar with their possible real-world duties before taking on professional projects.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a dog groomer in Texas

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Texas

The programs below are among Texas’s top options for prospective dog obedience trainers.

Explore neighboring states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Louisiana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Texas, dog obedience trainers are not expected to be licensed. Many pursue voluntary certification because of professional advantages.

For instance, certification will help a dog obedience trainer gain some credibility, thanks to what is usually regarded as approval from a top-class organization that offers skills validation. Additionally, certification shows professionalism and allows candidates to network with fellow professionals while improving their skills.

Candidates seeking prominent credentials may consider the certification levels offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The International Association of Canine Professionals and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants also offer various certifications for entry-level dog trainers.

Salary & Career Outlook

Houston is the best city in Texas to work as a dog obedience trainer based on professionals’ annual average salary figures nationwide. Those who work here take home an annual average salary of $102,463.

Dog obedience trainers in Round Rock and Plano are also well-rewarded, with annual average salaries of $85,597 and $83,185, respectively.

Without focusing on specific cities, dog obedience trainers in Texas generally earn an annual average salary of $170,434 if they are among the highest-paid. If they are among the lowest-paid, they manage an annual average salary of $31,197.

The median earners make an annual average salary of $72,918. Experience and location are factors that separate the higher earners from the lower earners.

Individuals pursuing this profession in Texas will also be glad the projections for the coming years are positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment rate to keep rising, as will opportunities for career growth.