Become a Certified Dog Trainer

at The Dog Wizard Academy

Launch Your Dog Training Career

Live Virtual Lessons

Begin your journey with in-depth online courses led by expert instructors

Hands-On, In-Person Training

Put your knowledge into practice with immersive, real-world sessions

Pre-Qualified for Financing

Course Program participants are pre-qualified for financing by Flexxbuy, Lending USA, and Lending Tree

Guaranteed Job Placement

Dog trainer positions available upon successful graduation

Dog Trainer as a Career

The demand for professional dog trainers has never been higher, with job opportunities in animal care expected to grow 22% by 2029, far outpacing most industries.

As the pet industry booms and over 65 million U.S. households own dogs, skilled trainers can look forward to strong career prospects, competitive salaries, and the potential to earn over $62,000 annually.

Now is the perfect time to turn your passion for dogs into a rewarding and lucrative career, thanks to our program and guaranteed job placement.

Program Overview

Learn the Wizard Way

Our approximately seven-week structured program prepares students for a professional career in dog training through comprehensive instruction and supervised hands-on experience. Graduates may pursue employment opportunities within The Dog Wizard network based on performance, availability, and willingness to relocate. The Academy provides placement assistance but does not guarantee employment.

Comprehensive Online Learning

Our cutting-edge online courses cover critical topics, including canine health, safety protocols, dog behavior modification, socialization techniques, obedience training methods, and business growth strategies such as sales and marketing for dog trainers. This well-rounded approach ensures our students are prepared for both the training and business aspects of the industry.

Live Virtual Lessons

Led by experienced instructors, our live, interactive training sessions allow students to watch expert trainers working with dogs in real-time. This format enables students to ask questions, receive instant feedback, and gain invaluable insights into effective dog training techniques.

Hands-On In-Person Training

Students gain real-world experience at one of our Dog Wizard locations, working directly with dogs under the mentorship of an expert trainer. This immersive training provides students with practical skills that set them apart in the industry.

Job Placement Assistance

Our graduates receive guaranteed job placement within The Dog Wizard network, provided they are open to relocation. This ensures a seamless transition into the workforce.

Pathways to Franchise Ownership

For those interested in owning their own Dog Wizard location, we offer franchise opportunities with comprehensive business support. This allows graduates to manage their own team, build a successful business, and contribute to their local dog training community.

Pre-qualified for various financing options

We work with Lending USA, Flexxbuy, and Lending Tree to make tuition costs more accessible for students.

Course Curriculum

The Advanced Wizard Training Course is a structured, approximately seven-week program designed to prepare students for professional careers in dog training and related business operations.
This program delivers comprehensive instruction through a combination of distance education modules, live virtual instruction, and supervised hands-on training at approved mentor locations.

Students receive a balanced blend of behavioral theory, practical application, and client communication strategies to build the skills necessary to train dogs safely, effectively, and professionally.

Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from The Dog Wizard Academy.

The Dog Wizard Academy is accredited by the American Accreditation Association (AAA).

Advanced Wizard Training Courses Included Value
Tuition $9,300
Dog Behavior & Psychology  
Puppy Training & Socialization  
On-leash Obedience & Advanced Off-leash Training  
Aggression & Reactivity Management  
Effective Client Communication & Business Development  
Sales & Marketing Strategies for Dog Trainers  
Virtual Live Lessons 14 days
In-Person Hands-On Training 21 days
Registration Fee $200
Training Tools & Materials $500
Total Program Cost $10,000
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Enrollment Process

Step 1

Submit an Application

Complete your application to schedule a free consultation and discuss how our program aligns with your career goals.

Step 2

Career Path Selection

Choose between job placement as a professional dog trainer or business ownership through franchise opportunities.

Step 3

Enrollment & Payment

Review financing options for this AAA-accredited program and complete your enrollment.

Step 4

Hands-On Training

Engage in interactive online coursework, virtual training, and in-person client work.

Introduction to The Dog Wizard Academy

The Dog Wizard Academy is an accredited training institution recognized by the American Accreditation Association (AAA). We provide comprehensive, hands-on education for individuals who aspire to become certified professional dog trainers or successful business owners in the dog training industry. Our career-focused curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to train dogs effectively, modify behavior, and establish thriving dog training businesses. Through a combination of interactive online learning and real-world, hands-on experience, we ensure our graduates are fully prepared for a rewarding and in-demand career in the pet training industry.

FAQs

Dog trainers teach dogs new skills, such as recall or walking to heel. However, they also support and educate dog owners to help them understand how their dog thinks, what motivates them and how to use positive strategies to reinforce dog training at home.

Most dog trainers work with dog owners and their pets, but that’s not the only career path available. You could also consider a role in training assistance, police, or military dogs to perform their jobs.

A related career to dog training that you may wish to consider is that of a dog behaviorist. These professionals have expert knowledge of animal behavior and behavior modification and use it to help dogs and their owners tackle unwanted behavior, such as destroying furniture. A behaviorist will explore the possible reasons for the behavior that might not be obvious to the owners, such as stress, and suggest solutions.

A career as a dog trainer is a good choice for people of any educational background, as long as you have the interpersonal skills to connect with owners and a desire to help dogs and their humans using proven animal learning strategies. However, you may find yourself at an advantage if you’ve already studied a subject related to dog training, such as veterinary nursing because you’ll already have a secure knowledge of canine psychology and animal behavior.

There are many dog training schools offering courses to teach people how to become dog trainers. The quality of these dog training courses varies, so do your research to ensure the school you choose has a good reputation. The best dog training courses cover classical and operant conditioning methods extensively and give students a thorough grounding in animal behavior and how to motivate dogs to learn. Ideally, you should look for a professional organization that provides plenty of educational events and practical learning opportunities guided by an established trainer.

There is no standard qualification to become a dog trainer, and you can begin working in the profession without any licensure or certification. However, obtaining a certification is worth considering because it shows potential employers you have the necessary knowledge and experience to deliver results. You may find it easier to find customers for your own dog training business if you’re a certified dog trainer through an organization such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).

Aside from attending a dog training school, it’s a good idea to read widely on the subject of dog ethology, both in books and online. Experience with a wide range of breeds and temperaments will be beneficial as well. While having your dogs can help you understand the principles of dog training, volunteering for an animal shelter or working as a dog walker will give you the hands-on training you need to face the challenges of training dogs from all walks of life.

How long it takes to become a dog trainer depends on your previous experience, the structure of the course you’re studying for, and whether you want to study at your own pace. You should expect to train for several months at least before you’re ready to take on your first professional role.

Depending on the level of IACP certification  you wish to obtain, you’ll need to complete various exams in addition to other education and training programs. There are various certifications that build off of one another, so having an idea of what level of training you’d like to complete is a good idea before starting courses.

Alternatively, The Dog Wizard offers a structured training program for individuals interested in working within our already established network of training facilities around North America.

Most people find the process of becoming a dog trainer highly rewarding, but you need to be prepared to work hard to achieve your goal. Getting started is usually the most challenging part. You’ll most likely need to accept donating a lot of unpaid hours as a shelter volunteer or assisting other dog trainers to gain hands-on experience and the knowledge you need to become a successful dog trainer.

The hard work doesn’t end when you clock out, as you’ll need to put in some study hours to gain a thorough knowledge of dog behavior modification and psychology. However, you may well enjoy all that work as it means spending more time in the company of dogs and building your understanding of dog ethology.

Now is a good time to make the leap to become a professional trainer in terms of industry growth. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, job opportunities for animal care and service workers are expected to increase by an impressive 22% by 2029 — equivalent to 75,500 new roles. Compare that to the 4% average growth rate across all industries and you can expect decent career prospects once you’re a certified professional dog trainer.

While there should be plenty of new job openings for dog trainers over the coming decade, the median wage for animal trainers in 2020 was a relatively modest $31,520. However, it’s certainly possible to earn significantly more than this as you become more experienced, with the top 10% of animal trainers earning over $62,040. While it’s worth starting your career at an established dog training company, experienced trainers may be able to earn more by starting their own self-employed dog training business.

Perhaps most importantly, a career as a professional trainer offers plenty of job satisfaction, and no two days will ever be the same. While training dogs can be challenging, you’ll get to help canines and their owners overcome difficulties and enjoy more harmonious home life.

Not everyone is suited to a dog training career. Still, it could be a good option for you if you’re a people person with strong communication skills, a calm and assertive personality, and an understanding and empathetic attitude toward animals.

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