If you are an animal enthusiast, have a strong connection with them, and love helping pets and people, becoming a Dog Trainer might be a great next step for you. Dog training is a fantastic opportunity to significantly impact the quality of life of dogs and their owners. Not only that, you get paid for spending your days with animals!
4 Steps to become a Dog Trainer in Australia
Before you embark on a career as a Dog Trainer, we recommend following the following four steps to ensure you make the best decision for you and the steps you can take to have a rewarding introduction to working as a Dog Trainer.
Step 1 – Learn what it takes to become a Dog Trainer
To succeed as a professional dog trainer, you will ideally possess the following qualities and skills:
Step 2. Get experience handling and working with dogs
Before jumping into a dog training career, you need to gain practical experience. First-hand experience working with animals provides you with valuable practical skills, as well as references to pop on your CV. Here are three ways you can gain experience with animals and start to learn about the unique behaviours dogs display:
Work in the animal care industry: if you intend to become a successful Dog Trainer, working with animals will allow you to regularly interact and handle them giving you more confidence to pursue a career in training.
Foster animals: animal fostering is not only rewarding, it will also expose you to a range of animals with unique personalities and in some cases those that need extra attention and training.
Volunteer with an organisation: animal shelters and rescue groups are constantly looking for volunteers to help with various tasks. As you carry out your daily activities in the shelter, you will have an opportunity to interact with furry friends of all traits.
Step 3. Find a mentor who can help you gain experience
Working with a mentor can help you grow your skills and confidence quickly. They can also provide you with insights and knowledge about their experiences before you seek formal training.
Step 4. Complete a Qualification
If you wish to help pet owners confidently build a relationship with their dogs, then consider enrolling in ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. The course is a mix of online and practical training in a supportive learning environment, giving you a quality experience at your convenience.
Enrolling on this course allows you to gain the necessary skills from professional trainers. In addition, you will interact with like-minded students and make lifelong friends, who can become an essential part of building your career.
Once qualified, you will hold a national recognised certificate and will also receive membership to the internationally recognised Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT).
Graduates can also go on to complete our Canine Behaviour Consultant Course. This course is designed for dog trainers seeking to work with more complex behavioral issues. Through online learning including live video sessions with expert guidance, you’ll gain advanced skills, master effective communication strategies, and apply the latest research to provide tailored solutions for challenging canine behaviors.
Want to know more about dog trainers?
Read our comprehensive career guide on Dog Trainers including Salary, demand for dog trainers, skills requirements, where you can work including the current job outlook and salary expectations
About AVT
We have been training animal care, animal behaviour and training, equine care and veterinary nursing students for over 25 years in Australia. Students who undertake AVT courses range from high school-aged students just starting their pre-vocational journey right through to mature-aged students seeking an alternative career path. Graduates are highly respected and sought after by industry professionals, businesses and organisations. If you want the background knowledge and skills to help you secure your career in the animal care industry, check out our qualifications here or gain new skills by studying one of our short courses.
Commence Your Studies in Dog Training
Get Qualified
ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
About Behaviour and Training
Animal Behaviour and Training
Further Your Pathway
Canine Behaviour Consultant Course
About this Short Course
