How to Become a Dog Trainer in California

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How to Become a Dog Trainer in California

If you’ve always loved dogs or are considering a career change, pursuing a role as a dog trainer in California could be an ideal opportunity for you.

This rewarding profession is relatively easy to enter, and this guide will provide you with the essential steps to kickstart your journey.

In California, dog trainers must obtain certification, and I’ll guide you through the process.

Additionally, I’ll highlight some excellent training programs to help you gain the skills needed for success.

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Explore the Role of a Dog Trainer in California

Dog trainers in California undertake various essential responsibilities, including:

  • Instructing dogs in obedience commands
  • Enhancing dogs’ social interactions
  • Evaluating each dog’s temperament
  • Tailoring training methods to meet the unique needs of individual dogs
  • Advising pet owners on reinforcing training techniques at home

Additional duties may arise based on the specific requirements of pets and their owners.

Moreover, dog trainers have the flexibility to specialize in areas such as:

  • Agility training
  • Service dog training
  • Behavioral modification for dogs facing anxiety or aggression

Even trainers who do not focus on a specific specialty can identify behavioral concerns and refer clients to specialists as necessary.

Pathway to Certification as a Dog Trainer in California

The initial step to becoming a certified dog trainer involves acquiring practical experience and knowledge in dog training.

You can achieve this through various avenues, such as:

  • Attending workshops and seminars
  • Participating in dog training courses
  • Watching educational videos on training techniques
  • Volunteering at animal shelters
  • Networking with seasoned trainers and observing their sessions

Once you feel confident in your skills, you can pursue certification.

Joining professional associations, like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers or the American Kennel Club, can also keep you informed about industry developments and certification renewal timelines.

A highly regarded credential to consider is from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

To qualify, you must accumulate 300 hours of hands-on training experience within the past three years and pass a comprehensive exam with 180 multiple-choice questions.

Dog Training Certification Programs Available in California

Here are some schools where you can enroll to begin your journey toward becoming a dog trainer:

Have you ever considered what it takes to become a certified dog trainer in California?

CATCH Canine Trainers Academy 

CATCH Canine Trainers offers a state-licensed dog training school, featuring multiple certification levels and the flexibility to complete each course at your own pace.

Our program is available in California and nationwide, with professional mentor trainers ready to assist you in every state.

Based in northern New Jersey, just outside of New York City, our acclaimed program connects you with local mentors in any city across the United States.

We strive to educate the individuals who will make a difference in the dog training field, allowing you to earn a fulfilling income doing what you love.

Dog Trainer College

A career in dog training can be incredibly fulfilling, and it all begins at Dog Trainer College.

Before you dive into this rewarding profession, it’s essential to complete courses that teach you the most effective dog training techniques.

At Dog Trainer College, we offer professional training classes designed to enhance your dog’s behavior and skills across various specialties.

Dog Trainer Certification Courses: Launch Your Career in California

When you choose to enroll at Dog Trainer College, you’ll discover a diverse range of courses tailored to meet your specific career aspirations within the dog training industry.

Upon completing the program, you’ll be equipped to teach a variety of skills, including obedience training, scent detection, and more.

The training services offered are:

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Personal Protection Dog Training
  • Police Dog Training
  • Detection Dog Training
  • Security Dog Training
  • Drug Detection Dog Training
  • German Shepherd Training
  • Bomb Detection Training
  • Cadaver Detection Training
  • Handler Protection Training
  • Suspect Apprehension Training
School Name Address
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy  online classes
Dog Trainer College online classes
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Salary Expectations for Dog Trainers in California

As with any profession, earnings can vary based on several factors, including:

  • Experience level
  • Geographic location
  • Specialty area
  • Demand for services

In California, dog trainers typically earn between $30,145 and $39,199 annually, with the average salary hovering around $34,115.

To provide further insight, I’ve prepared a table showcasing the average salaries for dog trainers across various cities in this state.

Annual Salary Range:
$30K
$34K
$39K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
San Jose $38,816
Santa Clara $38,816
Fremont $38,754
San Francisco $38,661
Daly City $38,661
Berkeley $37,733
Oakland $37,733
Hayward $37,671
Richmond $37,053
Los Angeles $34,455

Regional Salary in California

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Fresno, CA50$41,140$19.78$53,780$32,240
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA880$46,700$22.45$61,730$34,330
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA50$44,110$21.21$57,820$32,240
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA160$38,550$18.54$45,180$33,040
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA110$42,180$20.28$58,020$34,060
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA350$45,980$22.11$57,040$35,170
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA330$52,220$25.11$71,330$37,260
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA110$49,270$23.69$59,640$38,000
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA50$43,740$21.03$60,970$32,950
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA60$51,110$24.57$59,990$32,300
Santa Rosa, CA60$48,400$23.27$66,490$37,360
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Trainers, OCC Code 39-2011, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it esy to find work as a dog trainer in California?

California is a large state and this means there are also many pet owners.

Going to dog parks and identifying owners who can’t properly control their pets is probably one of the easiest ways of starting to earn an income.

Can I bring my own dog to the course in California?

Yes!

You can bring up to 2 dogs to the schools offering in-person classes.

Are there requirements for enrolling in a dog training course in California?

All jobs and classes have requirements for those performing or attending.

Here are some for the dog trainers:

  • Patience
  • Willingness to work in various weather conditions
  • Able to lift weights up to 40 lbs
  • Able to carry up to 20 lbs
  • Able to restrain large dogs
  • Good hearing
  • Good communication skills

USA Dog Trainer by State


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Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!

See more details >>Sponsored