How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in West Virginia

Dog obedience training as a profession involves communicating with dogs and nudging them toward a desired behavior. However, this profession and the expertise required can be leveraged to achieve several objectives.

For instance, dog obedience trainers can work with dogs to prepare them for service in law enforcement or simply train them to follow simple commands. The path to a career in any of these disciplines is incredibly straightforward in West Virginia.

The resources below break down the critical considerations in this process. We have divided the major requirements into sections dealing with educational requirements, certification options, and salary concerns, among other things.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in West Virginia

The steps below are needed to become a dog obedience trainer in West Virginia.

Technical Skills

Generally, candidates need three major considerations and skill levels to become successful dog obedience trainers in West Virginia. The first, of course, is the technical consideration.

Before they can move on to other levels, candidates must be able to perform the duties of a dog obedience trainer. In this regard, they may train themselves using resources found online or attend a formal academic program. Candidates are expected to understand canine psychology and become familiar with methodologies used to identify behavioral issues and devise effective solutions.

Transferable Skills

Other considerations needed to become a successful dog obedience trainer include professional, transferable skills. These include problem-solving, effective communication, and interpersonal skills.

Candidates are also expected to be good thinkers and have a high level of patience with animals and human interactions.

Business Education

Lastly, aspiring dog obedience trainers are expected to possess business skills. The majority of professionals in this field go on to start their own dog obedience training outfit. They must understand marketing, networking, and other ways to develop a strong brand.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become a veterinary assistant in West Virginia

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in West Virginia

The programs below are some of the best options for dog obedience training education in West Virginia.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience trainer schools in Kentucky

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The International Association of Canine Professionals and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors offer respectable credentials for dog obedience trainers in West Virginia. Even though certification is something other than what candidates are expected to do according to the law, they often choose to become certified to enjoy career chances.

By becoming certified, candidates receive credibility and skills verification. This makes them more attractive to employers, and they enjoy a platform for networking and continuing education.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is another notable credentialing organization. Before being certified, individuals must be ready to complete a preparatory course and pass a certification examination.

To stay certified, they must renew their credentials and continue to acquire more skills via continuing education.

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a dog obedience trainer in West Virginia depends on several factors, one of which is experience.

Naturally, the more experienced a dog obedience is, the better their business strategy will be and the higher their annual average income. The most experienced in the state tend to fall among the top 10%, earning an annual average salary of $73,522.

Although the least experienced may be among the lowest earners, they will still manage an annual average salary of $41,936.

Generally, the most common dog obedience trainers in West Virginia belong to the median earning category, taking home an annual average salary of $55,527. Location is another factor that can significantly impact these numbers.

Focusing on this, Charleston is the highest-paying city for dog obedience trainers in West Virginia, with an annual average salary of $59,184. It is followed by Huntington, with an annual average salary of $85,582.