What are careers in dog training?

Dog trainers, pet behavioral specialists, and service animal trainers are careers in dog training. Here are some details on each of these careers and others in dog training:

• Dog trainer

A dog trainer is an animal professional who works with pet owners and their dogs. They often provide a variety of dog training services, but many clients see them for basic dog obedience training. This includes simple commands, such as sit, stay, speak, or roll over.

Dog trainers can also provide training for more advanced commands, and some participate in preparing dogs for professional competitions involving agility. Certain dog trainers specialize in improving a pet's behavior, especially with specific breeds that tend to be overly energetic and have a hard time focusing.

Dog trainers can work for kennels and dog training businesses or independently provide their services.

There are optional training programs and certifications that can be utilized to become a dog trainer. They might also gain canine experience from working in places like veterinary offices, kennels, grooming services, dog camps, or pet care centers.

• Pet behavior specialist

A pet behavior specialist focuses on understanding and treating different forms of animal behavior, including dogs. They might work in research facilities or directly with dogs and their owners.

Some common tasks include visiting the home of the dog, having conversations with owners about their dog's behavior, and creating behavior treatment plans for owners.

Most pet behavior specialists have a degree in animal behavior or animal science. Certain positions also require an advanced degree and certifications.

• Service animal trainer

These animal professionals train service dogs for their future roles. Service dogs assist individuals with disabilities, such as blind or visually impaired people. Seeing-eye dogs are one of the most common animals that they train.

A service animal trainer also grooms a dog to provide medical and life-saving responsibilities, such as alerting others in the event of an owner's emergency or guiding the owner.

There are not any formal education requirements to become a service animal trainer; however, almost all have prior experience in dog training.

• Pet care attendant

They utilize dog training skills to keep order in a large group of dogs and also to ensure their safety. Some of the places they work also provide dog training for the period the owner leaves their pet with the facility.

Doggy daycare programs often have basic level dog obedience training included in their stay packages.

Qualifications for pet care attendants vary depending on the facility they work at; however, most need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience working with dogs.

• Veterinarian

A veterinarian is a doctor who diagnoses, treats, and cares for animals. They seek to prevent or administer treatment for animal diseases and other medical conditions. Most vets are qualified to perform a wide range of medical services for animals.

They also may assist pet owners with dog training at times. Most at least have some experience or knowledge in dog training, as it must be utilized when they give medical care to dogs.

Veterinarians work in private practices, animal hospitals, academic settings, research facilities, and other animal settings.

Common duties include administering vaccinations and necessary medications, treating animals suffering from illness, disease, or injury, assisting in the birth of the animal litter, giving health and diet advice to pet and livestock owners, and spaying, neutering, and euthanizing animals when necessary.

Veterinarians must get a doctorate in veterinary medicine in order to legally practice as a vet. Typically, veterinary schools require students to have completed coursework in the following areas:

• Anatomy

• Animal Science

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physiology

• Zoology

Veterinarians must also obtain state licensure, and requirements may vary from state to state, but all require graduation from an accredited veterinary school. To acquire a license, they must then pass the Veterinary Licensing Exam.