Though a college degree is not usually necessary to become a dog trainer, studying fields such as animal behavior could prove helpful.
If you like dogs and are interested in pursuing a career involving these popular pets, dog training may be the right job for you. You may think that trainers need a college degree, but in fact, hands-on experience is all that is necessary in many cases. However, certain degrees can be beneficial in teaching prospective trainers to understand a dog and its behavior, making training easier.
Animal Science/Training and Management
At Moorpark College, students can learn about animal behavior and health through enrollment in its animal science department. The college also offers courses in training and management, but the focus is on exotic animals as opposed to domestic ones. Though many college animal management programs will, like the one at Moorpark, concentrate on zoo animals and wildlife, potential dog trainers still may glean some basic knowledge from them.
Veterinary Sciences
Degrees in the veterinary sciences can be helpful to anyone interested in working with animals. Veterinary programs like the one at the University of Maine can teach animal care workers not only about anatomy and biology, but also about nutrition and basic care. This knowledge can come in handy for trainers who also offer dog walking or pet sitting services, or in the event that a dog becomes ill during a training session.
Behavioral Psychology
This field is useful in gaining an understanding of why people do the things they do, and it can also be used to help trainers understand why animals behave in certain ways. Some colleges, such as Bucknell University, offer courses dealing specifically with animal behavior. At the University of North Texas, students in the department of behavioral analysis are required to train a pet as part of their coursework.
Business
Though it's safe to say most dog trainers get into their lines of work because they love dogs, it is still work. Dog trainers sometimes work in a businesses run by a head trainer, but many are self-employed business people who are hired as independent contractors by pet stores, shelters or private citizens. Learning run their businesses successfully is key for these dog trainers.
Workshops
Though a college degree is not usually a requirement for professional dog trainers, there are seminars and workshops that provide some background about dogs and can offer prospective trainers some pointers on techniques and business practices. There are also "dog training schools" which award certificates to trainers who complete their programs, but the majority are unaccredited. These schools and their requirements and courses should be reviewed carefully before enrolling.
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