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Explore the top 15 dog trainer academies in the US, where you can find exceptional programs designed to help you become a certified professional dog trainer. These academies offer comprehensive courses, expert instruction, and hands-on experience to equip you with the skills needed for a successful career in dog training. Whether you're looking to start a new career or enhance your existing skills, these top-rated academies provide the education and resources you need.
Dog training is a rewarding career path that benefits pets and their owners in innumerable ways, from helping dogs overcome their fears and learn household manners to assisting rescues in adjusting to their new homes. If you want to become a dog trainer, where do you start? Or, if you're already a dog trainer, how can you level up your skills?
Many aspiring dog trainers begin their journey by volunteering at dog shelters, adoption centers, and veterinary clinics to gain experience with dogs of various ages and sizes. Once they have some hands-on experience, they can pursue formal education and certification.
Several top dog trainer academies in the US offer innovative programs designed to strengthen the human-animal bond and teach effective training methods. Here's a look at 15 of the best dog trainer schools and the programs they offer:
Starmark Academy partners with animal rescue facilities across Texas to train dogs in need, preparing them for their forever homes. Prospective trainers can bring their untrained dog or work with a local shelter dog assigned by the academy. The school offers courses on advanced behavior, kennel management, competitive obedience, and more. The campus features student housing, a sports field, and a state-of-the-art training facility with agility equipment, search-and-rescue supplies, and everything else needed to become a dog trainer. An additional $300 training equipment package is required for all courses.
Highland Canine Training LLC offers courses on a 50-acre campus where students can specialize in areas like K9 police dog training and search-and-rescue. Beginners can study for up to 24 weeks, while those already in the field can take shorter, 6-week courses. The main campus is in Harmony, North Carolina, with a secondary campus in Hanceville, Alabama. The master training program is approved for GI bill and VA benefits, but this does not apply to the Alabama campus.
The Academy for Dog Trainers offers an intensive online course led by experts worldwide, focusing on aggression, reactivity, and client counseling. Students should expect to spend 12 to 15 hours per week on webinars and video coaching. Although self-paced, the program must be completed within 2 years, with each module completed within 6 months. Students must submit videos of themselves working with dogs to demonstrate their skills.
Catch Canine Trainers Academy combines at-home instruction with on-campus courses for a flexible learning experience. The curriculum covers dog body language, business management, and more. Mentor trainers are available to guide students, and their services are included in the tuition cost.
The Tom Rose School provides extensive in-person training in multiple disciplines. Students must pass tests in AKC agility, specific odor detection, therapy dog training, and other subjects in addition to basic obedience. The duration of the courses varies, with the Professionals course lasting 15 weeks and the Masters and Service Dog courses lasting 8 weeks. The Rose Scholar course is an invite-only, 50-week program for select graduates of the Masters program.
Animal Behavior College's Students Saving Lives campaign partners with facilities in all 50 states to match online students with local shelter dogs for hands-on training. The curriculum is based on LIMA principles, implementing scientific approaches for effective and safe dog training.
Top Tier K9 offers both in-person and online learning opportunities in various training fields, including service dog training and pet training. The school also features a virtual reality dog training center, providing a unique educational experience.
Tarheel Canine offers a wide range of training courses and seminars nationwide. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 3:1, students receive individual attention. Graduates can return to campus annually for 2 weeks to brush up on their training knowledge at no additional charge.
Karen Pryor Academy combines online teaching, video instruction, and in-person workshops to prepare students for a successful dog training career. The Foundations course is suitable for pet parents looking to deepen their knowledge of canine psychology.
Jo-Thor's Academy offers unique opportunities like training dogs for movies and commercials, along with basics like obedience fundamentals and behavioral problems. Online and in-person classes are available, and most courses accept VA benefits.
Rocky Mountain Regional Dog Training Academy provides hands-on training with various dog breeds and sizes, including shelter dogs. The curriculum also covers business aspects of running a dog training business.
Victoria Stilwell Academy offers flexible education options for both pet parents and prospective trainers. The fundamentals course is ideal for pet parents looking to strengthen their bond with their dogs, while the Dog Trainer course includes training intensives and field studies.
National K-9 Learning Center features indoor and outdoor training spaces and allows students to bring their own dog or work with dogs from local families. Housing costs are additional.
The Dog Trainer College offers intensive programs with hands-on training and distance learning options. Students can bring their own dogs or use school-provided dogs. Housing is available but separate from tuition.
Animal Behavior Institute offers a creative distance education program with weekly feedback and collaborative projects. The program covers various aspects of animal-assisted therapy and canine training.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in animal training, consider signing up to become a dog trainer on the Wag! platform to help build your clientele and repertoire. The Wag! app connects pet parents with both in-home and virtual dog trainers, making training their pets more convenient than ever.
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