How to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Wyoming

With pet-related spending expected to improve in Wyoming and across the country, it is no exaggeration to say that now is as good a time as any to start a dog obedience training career. Moreover, the profession offers a straightforward path for individuals to begin their journeys with minimal government interference.

The resources on this page aim to introduce candidates to all the major requirements in an easy-to-follow manner. We highlight the basic requirements and educational options before showing possible licensure and certification requirements.

We then conclude the guide with a quick overview of the salary categories and specific figures that professionals in this field earn at the end of each year.

Steps to Become a Dog Obedience Trainer in Wyoming

Below is most individuals’ approach to starting a dog obedience training career in Wyoming.

Educational Options

There are various educational options available for dog obedience trainers, including the following:

• Formal Education—Candidates are not mandated to attend a formal course to start their dog obedience training career. Still, most do so because it allows them to start on the best possible path.

The appeal of formal education includes opportunities for one-on-one learning and mentorship, credentials and awards, job placement assistance, and more. Formal programs are further divided into online, in-person, and hybrid programs.

• Self-Training - Self-training is a viable approach to starting a dog obedience training career precisely because no mandatory educational requirements exist. However, those who attended a formal course may have an edge over self-taught candidates.

Hands-On Experience

For hands-on experience, candidates may consider the options below:

• Trainers Network—A training program with a trainer’s network can partner graduates with professionals in their area. Working with an experienced instructor, candidates can gain confidence in their hands-on skills.
  
• Volunteer—Volunteering in animal shelters and dog rescue facilities in Wyoming can also provide hands-on experience as a dog obedience trainer.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become a veterinary assistant in Wyoming

Top Dog Obedience Trainer Schools in Wyoming

The following programs are among Wyoming’s top options for prospective dog obedience trainers.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog obedience trainer schools in Colorado

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Passing a certification examination is required for virtually any respectable credentialing organization. Typically, applicants who want to become certified do so only because of their career benefits, not because it is mandatory.

Still, to enjoy the full extent of these benefits, candidates must choose a reputable certifying organization in the state and across the country. Most people turn to the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers thanks to its highly rated credentials and flexibility in choosing pertinent options.

However, there are other credentials and certifying organizations with a relatively close level of appeal to professionals and customers. Some of the most notable options are the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.

Salary & Career Outlook

In Wyoming, dog obedience trainers earn an annual average salary of $47,826, which is good enough for the median category and in line with the national average. These professionals make an annual average salary of $61,644 if they are in the top 10 percent or an annual average salary of $37,106 if they are in the bottom 10 percent.

The factors determining where a candidate will fall on this spectrum include location, experience, credentials, and business strategy. As for location, dog obedience trainers in Cody and Casper earn the highest relative annual average salary in the state.

Those working here earn an annual average salary of $89,485 and $47,826, respectively. Professionals here will also be glad to know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a more than 20% increase in the employment rate for dog obedience trainers nationwide.