Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, Reciently I have been conidering becoming a dog trainer. I was hoping I would be able to find a 'professional' dog trainer here at a Dog training/obedience forum. If you are, or are not, dont hesitate to reply.

I was wondering what exactly you do to become a dog trainer, I have been to the The Association of Pet Dog Trainers and there site is very informative.

I was also wondering what a dog trainer does (well other then train dogs :-P)

Do most dog trainers only train dogs? OR do they do that as a subsidary to their main career/job?
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- Thanks, Novice Trainer

I think the website you sited is probably your best resource at the moment.

There are many kinds of dog trainers in my area. Many of them started by training their own dogs at obedience clubs and got "recruited" by the other trainers in the schools. Others, just decided to take the plunge and do it. See what is in your area. talk to trainers in your area. They will probably be your best resouces.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

from many posts on these forums, it is obvious that there are many methods which differ widely.

the 'current' methods that are quite popular involve 'positive reinforcement' which is a behavioral technique used with people, too.

you might go to a library & check out this method (for people) the basic concepts are the same & very 'logical' & simple. you may already know this, smile.

then, as much experience/contact you can get with as many type dogs will help alot. maybe volunteer with a humane society. or get a job at a vets

then, as mentioned, you would probably at least have to train 1 dog, better 2 or 3 through some of the standard classes. I'd think credentials would be important.

and PetsMart offers classes, & I believe training for instrutors. This way you would probably start with the puppy classes.

I'd rather do that anyway - the pups, even though I have all done all of the above (except teaching *at* Petsmart)

good luck, share your adventures with us

>>Hello, Reciently I have been conidering becoming a dog trainer. I was hoping I would be able to find a 'professional' dog trainer here at a Dog training/obedience forum. If you are, or are not, dont hesitate to reply.
>>
>>I was wondering what exactly you do to become a dog trainer, I have been to the The Association of Pet Dog Trainers and there site is very informative.
>>
>>I was also wondering what a dog trainer does (well other then train dogs :-P)
>>
>>Do most dog trainers only train dogs? OR do they do that as a subsidary to their main career/job?
>>-----
>>- Thanks, Novice Trainer

>>>>>>>>>>>

Most professional dog trainers do a variety of things to make a living wage, because they are not able to earn enough just from training. They suffer a very high rate of burnout, from working with people who won't take proper care of their dogs. Personally I would rather keep my hands-on work with dogs on a not-for-money basis, rather than let it become an unhappy, stressful thing. Remember that it's people-training, not much dog training.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47