Main Content Area
Do you want to start a career working with pet dogs and their human companions? Through the Professional Dog Trainer Program you'll have classroom and hands-on practice to learn how to help the pet dog community understand their dogs and how to best nurture them for long-term companionship.
In this program, you’ll learn:
The program is rigorous and requires an investment of time, money and effort to complete. Classes are held both on and off-campus.
The Professional Dog Trainer Course at Aims prepares you to successfully pass the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) exam. CCPDT is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. This full program will take place the Fall of 2024 and the Spring of 2025. To receive a non-credit certificate (outside of the CCPDT), you must successfully complete both Part I and II of this dog training certificate program.
Classroom: Thursdays: 9/12 - 12/19, 6-8pm, Windsor Campus
Hands-On practice:
Fridays: 9/20 - 12/13, 6-8pm (Summit Dog Training)
Saturdays: 9/21 - 12/14, 9am-11am (Animal Friends Alliance)
Angela’s excitement and heart for helping animals and humans succeed is inspiring. It helped me to build confidence in my training. I’m so thankful I took this class.
Angela Murray, CBCC-KA, UW-AAB is a certified behavior consultant through CCPDT. She earned a certificate of completion in applied animal behavior through the University of Washington in applied animal behavior along with a Purdue University certificate on the principles and techniques of behavior modification. Murray has over 30 years of experience teaching group classes, giving private lessons and working with canine behavioral challenges in a variety of settings. She partnered with Aims to create this program to help others find a rewarding career working with our canine companions.
CCPDT is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. The Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) exam measures a broad range of knowledge and skills in ethology, learning theory, dog training technique and instruction.
To be eligible for the exam, you must complete additional clinical hours not offered as part of this program. However, this program will offer help in gaining additional hands-on experience.
Here are some of the benefits of a career as a dog trainer:
Daily Interaction with Dogs (and their people)
Dog training can be an ideal line of work for people who love dogs while helping other dog lovers better understand their pets.
Every Day Is Different
No two days are alike when you work with animals, and this is particularly true for dog trainers. You’ll confront a wide variety of canine behavioral problems and connect with all types of owners.
No Degree Required
No formal degree is necessary to begin working as a dog trainer. Trainers learn their trade from firsthand experience, apprenticeships, internships and certification programs.
Flexible Schedule
Enjoy the perk of a highly flexible schedule! You can work evenings, weekends or regular business hours.
Part-Time Career Option
Dog training as a part-time career option allows you to keep the security of working a full-time job while offering training services on nights and weekends. Once demand reaches a sufficient level, you can make the transition to a full-time career.
Freedom to Set Fees
Dog trainers are free to set their own fees, and once established, you can earn a solid income. You can offer a variety of rate plans for private sessions, group classes, home-based
evaluations or specialized training options.
Be Your Own Boss
Dog training is a great small business opportunity for those wishing to be self-employed. You can also combine other related services (such as dog walking or pet sitting) and offer expanded service packages to your clients.
Many Specializations
Specialization options include pet training, dog shows, agility, sheepdog trials, hunting dog training and more. Some trainers also specialize in working with a particular breed or group of breeds.
Increasing Demand
There is a growing demand for dog training services. The U.S. pet industry is responsible for an impressive $58.5 billion dollars in spending, according to the 2014 American Pet Product Association annual survey statistics.