How to Become a Dog Trainer in the UK
In the United Kingdom, dog trainers are known for providing a broad variety of services that are targeted at pet owners and their dogs. Some of the services that are provided by dog trainers include:
- Teaching dog owners on how to handle their pets.
- Training puppies on how to mix with other dogs
- Tutoring dogs on dog obedience
In total there are approximately 5,000 dog trainers in the United Kingdom, most of whom own their own businesses. The dog training business tends to be very competitive, so if you are looking to invest, you will need to come up with a great business plan.
Here are a couple of steps that are necessary for dog-trainers-to-be if any success is to be made:
Acquire some hands-on experience
This could be achieved by volunteering to work with animals. Try and contact a veterinarian or a dog trainer in order to educate yourself on all you need to know about dog care and training. You could start off by offering your time and expertise at a dog shelter.
Educate Yourself
As an aspiring dog professional, you will need solid credentials that will boost your resume and set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Such credentials could be easily acquired by enrolling in one of the many UK colleges that offers courses in Animal Management and Animal Care. For ease of learning, some colleges have even introduced distance learning.
After attaining the academic qualifications required to start you off on a successful career path, you should look for an apprenticeship. Depending on where you live, there are a variety of ways to get apprenticeship opportunities. For instance, for those living in Northern Ireland you could visit the Department of Employment and Learning online.
Put Yourself on the Market
It is at this stage that the power of networking really comes into play. Introduce yourself to dog owners and vets in your area. You could begin by offering to give them dog socialization classes.
To boost your credibility as a professional, you should join a professional association for dog owners.
By following these simple steps you will be on your way to becoming a dog trainer!
