A Day in the Life of a Dog Trainer

What is it Like Being A Dog Trainer?

Have you ever wondered what it's like to spend your days surrounded by wagging tails and happy barks? If you've ever considered a career as a dog trainer, you're in for a treat. Let's dive into a typical day in the life of this furry profession.

What is A Typical Day For A Dog Trainer?

Morning Routine:

• Early Bird: Most dog trainers start their day bright and early, often before the sun rises. This ensures they can catch the dogs before they've had a chance to burn off too much energy.

• Walk and Play: A morning walk is essential for both the dog and the trainer. It's a great time to bond, establish trust, and get the dog's mind and body ready for training.

• Review Training Plans: Before heading out for client visits, trainers review their clients' training plans and goals. This ensures they're prepared to address specific needs and challenges.

Client Visits:

• Home Training: A significant portion of a dog trainer's day is spent visiting clients' homes. This allows them to observe the dog's behaviour in its natural environment and provide tailored training advice.

• Group Classes: Some trainers also conduct group classes, where they teach multiple dogs and their owners basic obedience commands and socialization skills.

• Behaviour Modification: For dogs with behavioural issues, trainers may work on specific problem behaviours, such as excessive barking, aggression, or anxiety.

Administrative Tasks:

• Paperwork: Between client visits, trainers often have administrative tasks to handle, such as scheduling appointments, updating client records, and responding to emails.

• Continuing Education: To stay up-to-date with the latest training methods and techniques, trainers may attend seminars, workshops, or online courses.

Evening Wrap-Up:

• Reflect and Plan: At the end of the day, trainers often take some time to reflect on their day, evaluate their progress with clients, and plan for the following day.

• Relax and Recharge: After a long training day, trainers need to relax and recharge. Spending time with their dogs or engaging in hobbies can help them unwind.

Why Become a Dog Trainer?

• Fulfilling Work: Helping dogs and their owners live happier, healthier lives is incredibly rewarding.

• Flexibility: The flexibility of a dog trainer's schedule can make it a great career choice for those who enjoy working with animals and value a work-life balance.

• Continuous Learning: The field of dog training is constantly evolving, which means there's always something new to learn.

Can You Make A Living As A Dog Trainer?

If you're passionate about dogs and enjoy helping others, a career as a dog trainer might be the perfect fit for you. But be aware it is not as easy as you may think. You need to consider if you have the patience to teach people who have different learning styles as well as being adaptable to teach different dogs with complext needs.

It is an unregulated industry. Do the right thing and find a qualified, experienced ethical trainer.

Is Being A Dog Trainer Stressful?

Yes it can be. Some people want and expect more than what there dog can do and blame you for not providing it. You see unethical trainers using punishment to train dogs and clients going to them, knowing that the dog will suffer which can be heart breaking and contribute toward compassion fatigue

Conclusion

I love my job and working with my clients and it makes me very happy when I see positive behaviour change. The worst aspects of the job is not being able to stop people choosing punishment and not listening to great advice.

The industry needs regulating so we can help all dogs recieve kind and effective training and get rid of the charlatons who are only interested in your money and not your dogs welfare.