Let's see...where do I start... OK, I have an interest ( a strong interest) in becoming a dog trainer. My plan would be to attend TRS first. My question being, Is it possible to become a successful dog trainer? By this I mean is it possible to make a decent to good living as a professional dog trainer? I live in a Mid sized City, and for the most part the only "professional Dog trainers" (note the quotations) are petco and petsmart along with a select few individuals as far as I can tell. There is no listing in the phone book for "Dog trainers" there isn't much online as far as listing dog trainers in my area. So it leaves me wondering whether it is possible to make a career out of Training Dogs. I'm asking here because I'd like your opinions, which I value highly, before I would go spend the large chunk of money to TRS and starting down this whole path. Does anyone have any advice or answers?

There's a ton of information on this forum about becoming a trainer, play with the Search function.

Becoming a GOOD dog trainer takes many years of experience that no school can provide. Nobody becomes a dog trainer to get rich, its all down to what you consider an acceptable income. Some people do make good money, others not so much.

Whats TRS?

Tom Rose School. Dog training School. Through searching these boards I found that the two top if not the only two schools recommended were Tom Rose School and Triple Crown. I checked them both out and decided that If I DO do this I want to go to TRS. I also agree and accept that many years of experience will help me to be a "good" dog trainer. I figured that attending TRS would give me a good start from which to base averything else. ( Along with Ed's amazing video's, articles and advice)

Hey Tony, after seeing this question a few times I had a thought. After attending the Tom Rose School maybe you could join a dog training club in your area, get to know some trainers and owners and kinda work your way up to trainer in that area before actually going into it for a living.

I've been fortunate. Right place/right time sort of thing. I gained a lot of dog training experience in my youth, spent nearly 23 years in the military working dog program, 13 of which were at the dog school. I've been able to work in research and development with dogs, work nearly most all military and police applications. I've spent the last 20 years as the Director of Canine Services for a state police organization. I've not gotten rich, but I made a living. More importantly, I am doing something I truly enjoy and get paid for it. ha ha. With the different types of vendors available today, being able to buy dogs at various stages of training, I see fewer and fewer trainers actually learning how to train. What I see more of is "dog finishers".

DFrost

I have been pursuing the same internal questions concerning dog training. What I have done is joined a club and have been training 4-5 times a week, not just my dog, but as a Helper (OJT). This has been a great experience, from which I continue to learn a lot. My point is simply, in dog training, there are opportunities to work among people that do it for a living and see if the work and lifestyle suit you. You might want to consider going to the schools in your area (PetSmart and Petco) and trying to get a position as an apprentice or even a trainer to see if its what you want. You can do this on a part-time or even just weekends basis so you do not have to give up your current job until you decide. As my grandfather always said, find something you enjoy and you will never work a day in your life.

-Al

I Plan on joining a dog club in my area. I'm currently searching for the perfect GSD pup. After that my plans are obedience, schutzhund, possibly SAR. I want to get as much experience as possible. I also plan on checking with the local shelters to see if they will allow my to volunteer and help train dogs there. This way I'll get experience, with lots of different dogs, different types of dogs, different issues, and also get to HELP some pups in the process. My plan for TRS was/is to get a good foot in the door and get some basics in dog training. My fear is that there won;t be enough market for it, I won't be able to make a living etc etc. Working with dogs will absolutely make me happy, but... the dark side is, I've got to make a living as well. So there-in lies my question and dilemma. Can I make a career out of training dogs. If I don't get the credentials from TRS will it take me 20 years of experience to even begin a career as a dog trainer. etc. and for this advice, I turn to the best source I know of on the subject, You fine people of this forum. It seems many of you have a GREAT deal of experience and knowledge and your advice is immeasurable.

 Quote: David C.Frost

I've spent the last 20 years as the Director of Canine Services for a state police organization.

David, this is exactly the type of dog training I would like to do. Do you have any advise on the best path to take to make this goal?

Thanks

Are you in LE?

No, I am in Missouri Connie.