13 Steps to Help you Start Your Professional Dog Trainer Career

Want to be a professional dog trainer? We’ve jotted down a list of thirteen steps that may help you become a professional dog trainer. They do not have to be completed in order. Have fun creating a professional dog training business.

  1. Truly love dogs, what they do, how they think and more.
  2. Gain some initial experience: Start by working with your own dog or volunteering to gain hands-on experience with different breeds and temperaments. Don’t run before you can walk and lose your confidence with more challenging dogs
  3. Start some online training and where possible in-person training. Make sure that it is a reputable training organisation that will support you. Ensure they use ethical, modern and positive reward-based training. (there are no quick fix dog training techniques). Start by looking at Marka Training.
  4. Try and find work with an experienced trainer to gain practical skills and industry knowledge. Some training courses like Marka Masterclass I offer shadowing experience and more as part of its courses.
  5. Specialisation: Consider focusing on a specific area like obedience training, behaviour modification, or assistance dog training. But make sure that you know the basics first such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning and training techniques such as shaping. 
  6. Business skills: Learn about running a business, including marketing, accounting, and customer service. Don’t look for get rich quick fixes – it’s a marathon not a sprint. Some dog training courses including business, branding and marketing modules
Become a Better Dog Trainer - A Marka Dog Training Website - professional dog trainer Woman outside with dog in middle position
  1. Insurance: Obtain appropriate insurance coverage for working with animals.
  2. Networking: Attend industry events to build connections – join appropriate free, and safe Facebook Groups – Marka Training and Train with Marka.
  3. Continuous learning: Stay updated on the latest training techniques and animal behaviour research. Create a CPD log. 
  4. When you are ready to start looking for clients, create a Facebook page and a simple website where people can see what you do, the location that you work in and training you offer. (WordPress can offer a great solution and you can add a contact form, maps, a gallery and more. 
  5. Create some simple graphics such as logo. 
  6. Build a portfolio: Document your work and gather client testimonials to showcase your skills and add it to your Facebook page and website. 
  7. Legal requirements: Ensure you comply with any local regulations for operating a dog training business. 

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