Whether you want to work with animals, run a dog training business or help your own pet reach his or her full potential, dog training is both interesting and rewarding.
In this article, we’re looking at what you need to become a dog trainer and how you can boost your learning and gain qualifications.
What do you need to become a dog trainer?
- A deep and genuine respect for dogs
- An enquiring mind
- Good observational skills
- A “can do” attitude
- Thorough understanding of canine behaviour
- Training and qualifications for yourself (so that potential clients trust you from the get-go)
- A big tool box full of ideas to make training easy and fun for your clients – the humans as well as the dogs!
What qualifications will help you be a better dog trainer?
If you plan to make a career out of dog training, your qualification is one of the best marketing tools you can have. Whether you plan to seek employment working with dogs or whether you want to run your own business, a good dog training qualification shows that you really know what you are talking about.
By learning with an organisation whose credentials are widely recognised and respected, your qualification will mean a lot more to potential employers and clients.
The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers IMDT is the leading training and education provider, and works with everyone from beginners to experts. Courses are externally verified. In fact, the IMDT is a registered learning centre for the
National Open Colleges Network and welcomes everyone to their dog training courses – there are no, unnecessary prerequisites. As an added bonus, you can structure your learning to fit in with your lifestyle, time restraints and budget.
To be a fully qualified IMDT dog trainer, you need to complete a thorough assessment. I won’t lie, you will have to study at home too, but most people are so fascinated by the ins and outs of canine behaviour that they thoroughly enjoy the learning process.
What does a dog training qualification cover?
A good learning programme for dog trainers covers just about everything you’ll ever need to know in your dog training career. It will help you understand the why’s as well as the wherefores. A strong knowledge of canine body language, behaviour and learning processes give you the tools to unravel and solve almost any problem you encounter.
The IMDT dog training qualification includes:-
- How dogs learn
- Canine body language
- Canine behaviour
- Observational skills
- Positive based dog training
- How to plan a dog training class and what to teach
- How to assess a dog’s behaviour and structure a 1 to 1 training session
- Communicating with owners
- Case studies – learning from other people’s experiences
- Practical exercises – training dogs with different personalities and different abilities
- Teaching real dogs with real owners.
All of the IMDT’s courses are friendly and informal and you’ll be encouraged to ask as many questions as you need to. Plus, there’s always someone on hand to support your learning – even after you’ve qualified.
FAQ’s about becoming an IMDT dog trainer
Where are courses held?
The IMDT has training venues all over the UK so you’ll never have to travel far to learn.
How long does it take to become a qualified dog trainer?
The IMDT dog training qualification involves a 2 day theory course, a 4 day practical course and a 2 day assessment. It’s recommended that you do some study in your own time.
There is no pressure to complete the qualification within a certain time scale. You can work at your own pace.
Which order should I complete the courses in?
The IMDT courses can be completed in any order to accommodate your dates available.
What does it cost to become a qualified dog trainer?
Visit our website for up to date course prices, dates and venues.
2 day Career as a Dog Trainer course
4 day Practical Instructor Course
