I get this question at least once a week, so I thought I'd answer it via my blog, in case anyone else was curious!
My first step was choosing an animal-related subject at college, and to do that, a good grade in science GSCE (particularly biology) was needed.
Through college I did work experience at RSPCA, which let to volunteering for them. The earlier you can start volunteer work in an animal setting, the better, as this shows commitment and enthusiasm. In fact, volunteering can actually help you get a job, which is what happened with me. My enthusiasm and reliability impressed RSPCA enough that they offered me the job opportunity before advertising it, which I was incredibly grateful for.
After college, it was important that I continued on to my degree. Although I could have been a trainer at this point, to be a behaviourist I needed a degree, so I went on to do a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training. This was three years.
It was all well and good getting the theory, but I also needed the practical experience. I did this through lots of training practise with my own dogs, training other animals, including those at RSPCA, my friend’s horses, plus attending as many animal-related events as I could, such as dog shows.
As well as the theory and practical experience, there’s a few other things you’ll need…
To be willing to work (without complaint) in the cold, rain, snow, wind, boiling hot sun, and all other extreme weather conditions!
To be unfazed by mud and dirt, as you will get filthy at times!
Physically fit, at least enough to do some long walks, hold strong, large dogs, and walk around 20K steps every day.
To like people! As a dog trainer, you work with the owners more than the dogs, so it’s important to communicate well and enjoy talking to people.
Once you’ve decided that becoming a dog trainer / behaviourist is definitely for you, you need to decide how to go about it. Do you want to be self employed? Do you want to join a business?
I can’t talk about being employed by someone else as a trainer, as I haven’t experienced that. But I have been self employed since 2018 and can tell you there’s definitely pros and cons!
Pros:
To a certain extent, I can be more flexible about when I want to work. Although I don’t have complete control, as I have to work when people are free, I can choose my hours a bit easier.
I enjoy that I can adapt my business to suit me. I can choose what services to provide and what I don’t like.
I can train using the methods that I like, which for me is force free and positive reinforcement.
Cons
No employment benefits. I don’t get help with my pension, I don’t get paid for my holidays, I don’t get any benefits.
Financial uncertainty
The admin side of business, such as accounting, is tough! (And not fun!)
From there, its a busy life! I have another blog post called: A Day in the Life of a Dog Trainer, if you're curious about it!
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