How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Virginia

While it is possible to be a self-taught dog obedience trainer in Virginia, individuals in the state who are looking to pursue this profession will have a better chance of success if they follow certain steps that have produced successful dog trainers in the past.

As it happens, a vital part of these steps is to attend a training program and graduate with a certificate or any other proof of education.

Subsequently, we will examine all of these established steps and requirements below. We will begin by breaking down what candidates may do at the preparatory stages before looking at a few training options and educational pathways.

Before they are done reading, individuals will also discover some of the best places to study as a prospective dog obedience trainer in Virginia and the possible salary ranges they can expect to take home annually.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Virginia

The steps below outline how to start a dog obedience training career in Virginia.

The Preparatory Stage

The preparatory stage of becoming a successful dog obedience trainer in Virginia mainly involves research. Here, candidates are to become familiar with the business requirements if they start their own business and the possible specialty areas they may consider based on their preference and how lucrative they are.

Attending a Training Program

As mentioned earlier, becoming a self-taught dog obedience trainer is possible. Many attend training programs to learn state-of-the-art techniques under the supervision of established professionals.

Of course, many of these programs also help candidates receive valuable credentials that they may contribute toward certification or job placement.

Additionally, apart from introductory education, it is important to continue to improve oneself as a dog obedience trainer. This is why even self-taught trainers may eventually have to enroll in continuing education.

Real-World Practice

After becoming knowledgeable about fundamental dog training techniques and principles, the next step is to practice these on actual dogs. For this, candidates may take advantage of programs incorporating hands-on training or secure on-the-job training opportunities, using their prior education as leverage.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a dog groomer in Virginia

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Virginia

The following are some prominent training programs for future dog obedience trainers in Virginia.

Explore neighboring states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in North Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Virginia, as in most places across the country, dog obedience trainers are not expected to register with the state or receive a license before they can start their professional careers. One thing they have to worry about is certification, not because it is expected by law but by convention.

Most dog obedience trainers choose to become certified because it can help them appeal to their customers and show that they possess the skills they claim to. Additionally, certified professionals can network with fellow certified professionals and help each other grow on the job.

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and the National Association of Dog Obedience offer excellent certification options.

Salary & Career Outlook

Leesburg and Arlington are the top places to work in Virginia for the highest annual average salary on a relative basis. They offer dog obedience trainers annual salaries of $81,571 and $76,300, respectively.

Richmond is also a wonderful destination, with an annual average salary of $72,693.

Location is not the only factor influencing a dog obedience trainer’s salary in the state; other factors, such as experience, business model, marketing strategies, and specialty focus, also matter.

A survey carried out by Indeed showed that, on a general note, dog obedience trainers in the state earn an annual average salary of $52,460 if they are among the bottom earners and an annual average salary of $123,335 if they are among the top earners. They take home around $80,437 annually if they are in the median category.

According to employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the positive rise in the profession’s employment rate will continue.