Hiya, /an/!
I'm looking to start a career as a dog trainer, but I'm not entirely sure where to start. I know a lot about dogs; I watch youtube trainers like Zak George, read up on animal behavior, and spend a lot of time working with my own pets. I've even been hired by friends and family to work with their dogs on things like mild leash aggression and basic obedience. I taughtmy brothers cat to walk on a leash and jump through a hoop. I think I'm pretty familiar with the basics and theory behind dog trainj g, but i know that's still a pretty far cry from having the kind of knowledge I'd need to be a professional trainer.
So, fellow /an/imals, are any of you trainers? How did you get your start? Do you have any advice? I'm in the USA on the East Coast, if that makes a difference.
Right now I'm looking into CATCH trainers academy. Their curriculum seems to go in depth into canine behaviors, andnI like that they hook you up with a mentor trainer. Does anyone have experience with them? Are they legit, or just another correspondence-course scam?
https://apdt.com/
Check out this, perhaps?
I have no idea about how good the American one of it is, but the APDT here is okay. Or, well, I know those registered with it are. There might be advice to be found on the site, or you may be able to link up with a local trainer for advice.
I got trained through Petco and I've been teaching classes for 2 years now. Check your local petco or petsmart
>get a whip/belt
>beat the shit out of it when it fucks up
>congratulations! You're now a dog trainer!
>>2082852
Ah, thanks! I'm checking out the website and there's a ton of information there! I will definitely be reading through all their pages. I'm reading their page on certification now, and it's answering alot of my questions.
And, well, raising others. I now know that trainers aren't required to be certified. In people's experience, how important is it? Can I just attend conferences, study on my own, etc. and worry about certification later?
>>2082857
Man, I've applied there like three times and haven't even gotten a call back... I don't know of it's just a really in demand job in my area, or if i just look bad on paper, but they haven't even given me a shot... I suspect I'm just bad at those stupid personality quizes they make you take when you apply.
>>2082865
Dude go in and annoy the fuck out of the managers. Thats how I got the job. Show that you want it bro.
>>2082871
(op here- just switching from tablet to laptop)
Yeah... You're right. I admit, I have a tendency to give up too easy when potential employers give me the cold shoulder. And I really, really hate those stupid personality quizzes, heh. I'll reapply and see where it leads. Are they fair to their employees? To be honest, I was attracted to the vocational schools because they give me the chance to be my own boss.
