Dog training is something that many people may want to make their career, but it can be difficult to know where to begin as a dog trainer. If you are curious about taking on the ever-changing and rewarding field of dog training, you are likely looking for the best dog training certification program in your area.
Our article gives you an overview of what makes a good dog training certification program and what you need to know to find the best dog training certification programs around.
What is a Dog Training Certification Program?
A dog training certification program is any program that provides learners with the skills and knowledge they need to accurately train dogs. Some dog training certification programs may have certain concentrations, such as being focused on service dog training, while other programs will teach you the basics of training dogs with obedience skills.
Unlike other dog training programs, a dog training certification program will give you a certificate or other acknowledgment at the end of the program that shows you have successfully completed a training course.
What to Look For in a Dog Training Certification Program
As you start to search for the best dog training certification program in your area, there are a few different things you should consider to make sure that the program meets your specific needs.
Hours
How many hours a program requires you to complete can play a huge part in your decision for the best program. For example, you may be looking for a program that only instruction you can complete each evening, or you may want a more intensive program that allows you to study for days at a time.
Reviewing the hours of each program can also tell you how long it might take for you to complete the training completely.
Cost
As you shop around for a dog training certification program, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. You will want to find the best option for your budget, as overspending on your dog training certification program might impact other areas of your life. Fortunately, there are plenty of different options for programs that could fit your specific needs.
Materials
Some dog training certification programs will provide you with materials such as clickers and workbooks to help solidify the things you are learning in your course. Other programs may require you to purchase these items yourself and bring them to class. Make sure you understand what your program might require so you can decide if the program fits your needs.
Online versus In-Person
Deciding between online versus in-person dog training classes can be challenging, as there are pros and cons to both types of learning. Online learning tends to be more flexible and overall more budget-friendly, while in-person learning offers opportunities to work directly with instructions and dogs to make sure you truly understand the material. You will need to pick the best option that meets your learning goals and your personal schedule.
What Is the Best Dog Training Certification Program?
It can be hard to say exactly what the best dog training certification program is, as these programs vary by state and location. There may be certain in-person programs that are the best for your needs, or you may be able to choose an online program like the ones provided at Dog Academy to broaden your knowledge about dogs and the skills that you are able to train in your dogs.
We recommend considering everything you need in a dog training certification program and then looking at the programs in your area or online that meet your specific needs to select the best dog training certification program for you.
Do I Need to Complete a Dog Training Certification Program to be a Trainer?
You technically do not need to complete any dog training certification program to be a trainer, as there is no set standard in the United States for dog trainers; there is no national exam, nor is there a national registry of dog trainers. That being said, many individuals choose to enhance their knowledge of dogs and their training skills before applying for jobs as a dog trainer or before starting their own dog training business.
Obtaining a dog training certification through an in-person or online program can show that you are dedicated to teaching dogs and training them with the skills they need to thrive in their everyday lives. It can also make you more likely to get featured in guides to the best dog trainers online, like this one here, which can be a major help to your business.
Learning the Training Skills You Need
Choosing a dog training certification program can be difficult, as there are so many different training programs available today. However, this also means that you have plenty of options and can choose a program that perfectly meets your needs. The best dog training certification program is one that meets your budget and learning needs while offering you the ability to grow your knowledge and skills as a dog trainer.
