Do you want to be a service dog trainer but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Service dog training is an excellent field for anyone looking to use their dog training skills for a good cause.
Keep reading! We teach you everything you need to know to become a service dog trainer.
What Is Service Dog Training?
Service dogs are essential for people with disabilities to live safely and be autonomous. As a service dog trainer, you’ll teach these dogs to respond when their handlers need assistance or are in danger.
There are several types of service dogs, such as:
- Guide dogs for people who are hard of hearing or visually impaired,
- Mobility dogs to help those using wheelchairs or walking devices.
- Medical alert dogs that can detect seizures and low blood sugar
- Psychiatric service dogs that support individuals with mental disabilities like OCD or PTSD.
How do I become a service dog trainer?
#1 Take a service dog training course
Before you become a service dog trainer, you should have some other kind of dog training experience under your belt and complete a dog training program.
You’re required to go to school or get a certificate to be a service dog trainer. However, it’s better to have formal training to equip you with skills to train a service dog properly. Otherwise, you’re risking the health and safety of someone with a disability. A dog training course can teach specialized techniques and prepare you to work with clients. Plus, clients like trainers with some kind of professional qualification, especially when it comes to their service animals.
Check out the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCDPT) for service dog training courses. You should be able to get certified for about $500. You can also take service dog training courses at dog training schools, but tuition can cost anywhere from $2000 to $14000.
#2 Find a job (or start an independent business)
Thousands of people have or are in need of service dogs. So, your odds of finding a job are high. Like any career, first, you need to get your foot in the door. That’s okay; we’re here to help! Here are some tips for finding a service dog training job.
You can start by offering traditional dog training services and work your way up. Any professional dog experience is good, especially if you are just starting out. To break into the service dog training field, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You can attend workshops, conferences, or online seminars with other dog training professionals. Or volunteer at a hospital or clinic to gain experience helping people with disabilities.
One day, you can start an independent training business for clients with service dogs. You’ll build your own client list and set your own rates. With this particular field, it’s better to have experience before going it alone. Perhaps you’ll start out as an obedience trainer and work your way up to becoming a service dog trainer.
#3 Understand your regulations
Remember, the ADA does not require handlers to receive professional training for their service animals. In fact, handlers can train their service dogs themselves. However, there are industry-standard best practices for training a service dog that you should know.
For example, The United States Service Dog Registry (USSDR) worked with trainers and service dog owners to create training and behavior standards for service dogs. Complying with USSDR guidelines is completely voluntary, but it’s highly recommended to keep service dogs and their handlers safe.
How much can I make as a service dog trainer?
Service dog training is an emotionally fulfilling and financially profitable field. People pay over $25,000 dollars for a professionally trained service dog. So, it’s possible to make a living with this training specialty.
However, service dog training can be more complex than regular dog training. You need excellent communication skills and a passion for animals and their owners. Sometimes, you have to tell your clients that their beloved companion isn’t cut out to be a service dog. So, you must be empathetic.
If this sounds like you, you’ll love being a service dog trainer!
Let’s get started
Service dog training is an excellent dog training specialty if you have a passion for animals and people. Service dog trainers help people with disabilities live fulfilling lives with furry companions. It will take to become a service dog trainer, but it’s worth the wait!
PocketSuite can help you manage all of your dog training services. We’re an all-in-one app for running your business. We provide a range of features, like bookings, payments, and contracts, to help you get more clients and earn more money!
