How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Wisconsin

The appeal of becoming a dog obedience trainer in Wisconsin doesn’t just come from the fact that professionals in this discipline are in high demand but also thanks to the range of opportunities available for candidates to brand themselves, run their businesses, and stand out for the quality they possess.

Individuals who want to pursue a dog obedience training career in Wisconsin will be glad that the guide below explores everything they need to know to do so on the right path.

Readers will discover training options, certification alternatives, top programs, salary projections, and an overall career outlook for the coming years.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Wisconsin

These steps are needed to become a successful dog obedience trainer in Wisconsin.

Starting with Formal Education

Aspiring dog obedience trainers in Wisconsin are advised to start their careers with formal education even though it is not compulsory by law. This approach is very popular because those who start their careers this way are sometimes more favored in the employment market and in a better position thanks to access to modern learning facilities and expert guidance.

If one starts their career through a formal program, it is also common to be able to network with both established and upcoming professionals in the field.

Participating in Hands-On Training

Another advantage of attending a formal program is that candidates can participate in hands-on training. Many training programs have a facility where students can interact with dogs and perform duties related to their specific concentrations.

For those who attended an online program, it is possible to find providers of hands-on training that connect candidates with experienced professionals willing to help them learn on the job before they are ready to branch out independently.

Job Placement

Lastly, candidates may consider how to start their careers after proper education. Many do so by working with an established company, and some choose to start their own business.

A lot of training programs also offer job placement assistance.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a vet technician in Wisconsin

Top Dog Obedience Training Schools in Wisconsin

The entries below are among the best destinations to study as an aspiring dog obedience trainer in Wisconsin.

Explore neighboring states for education and training:

• Dog obedience training schools in Illinois

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The field of dog obedience training does not require a license in Wisconsin. However, certification is required not because it is compulsory due to state laws but because employers and professional organizations prioritize certified candidates over those who do not.

Some benefits of becoming certified include professional opportunities through networking and continuing education, skills verification, and a potential for higher salaries. Candidates may become certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants for a nationally recognized credential that is respected among peers and clients.

The association offers credentials in multiple categories and across multiple specialty concentrations. Candidates may also consider other organizations and associations, such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey of dog obedience trainers in Wisconsin carried out on Indeed showed that the median earners in this field can expect an average annual income of $79,167. It also showed that candidates in the low-earning and top categories manage an annual average salary of $42,388 and $147,859, respectively.

For those looking to improve their earnings, factors like experience, business strategy, and location are vital issues to consider. For instance, regarding location, Middleton has the highest pay for dog obedience trainers in Wisconsin, with an average annual income of $92,820.

Madison and La Crosse follow, with professionals in this field earning annual average salaries of $85,998 and $59,970, respectively. As for the year-on-year projections, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects massive growth in the field to be sustained over the next 10 years.