Are Dog Trainers in Demand? - Good Dog Academy Blog

Why Right Now is the Best Time to Become a Professional Pet Dog Trainer

Over the last few years, the way we live and work has changed dramatically. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted millions of people to work-from-home arrangements—many for the first time. With more time at home and fewer social commitments, countless households welcomed a dog into their lives, sparking the “pandemic puppy” boom.

Fast-forward to today: many people have returned to the workplace, leaving their dogs—who were used to constant companionship, suddenly on their own. The result? A surge in separation anxiety, behaviour challenges, and demand for qualified, compassionate dog trainers.

If you’ve ever considered a career working with dogs, this is your moment.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

The pet industry is booming, and it’s not slowing down.

• $103.6 billion was spent on pets in the U.S. in 2020 alone, with $10 billion going toward training.

• Between March and December 2020, 12.6 million households in the U.S. added a new pet.

• In Canada, the pet market is worth $9.5 billion and growing. Pet ownership surged 18% during the pandemic, and 57% of those new pet owners brought home a dog.

• With roughly 5.9 million dogs in Canada and the average household spending $250–$500 on training each year, the demand is huge.

Why Dog Training is in Such High Demand

Puppies grow up fast—and those adorable little bundles of fur are now adolescents with big personalities, boundless energy, and, in some cases, challenging behaviours.

For many dogs, the lack of early socialization opportunities during the pandemic has led to reactivity, fear, and anxiety. Others are simply struggling to adjust to being left alone after having their people home all day for over a year.

The reality? Most dog guardians love their dogs deeply but don’t have the time, knowledge, or experience to work through these challenges on their own. That’s where skilled, positive reinforcement–based trainers come in.

And right now, many professional dog trainers are so busy they have months-long waitlists. This is a career path with strong job security, flexibility, and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives—both two- and four-legged.

The Industry Has Adapted—and Thrived

The pandemic didn’t slow the dog training industry—it transformed it. Virtual training, online classes, and hybrid learning models exploded in popularity, allowing trainers to reach clients anywhere in the world.

This means that as a trainer, you can choose how and where you work—whether that’s in-person, virtually, or a combination of both.

Why Train with Good Dog Academy?

Today’s dog guardians are more informed than ever. They research before hiring and expect the professionals they trust with their pets to have formal education, credentials, and a science-based approach.

At Good Dog Academy (GDA), we’ve been training Professional Pet Dog Trainers since 2013. Our Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate Program is:

• Science-based and 100% positive reinforcement—you’ll learn humane, effective training that strengthens the dog-human bond.

• Comprehensive—covering canine behaviour, learning theory, body language, problem-solving, and business skills.

• Flexible and online—so you can learn from anywhere and start building your career right away.

• Taught by experienced industry leaders—who have successfully trained and certified dog trainers across Canada and beyond.

When you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work with dogs and their families—helping them live happier, more harmonious lives together.

Your Future in Dog Training Starts Now

The demand for qualified, ethical, professional dog trainers is at an all-time high. This is your chance to turn your love for dogs into a meaningful, rewarding career.

Learn. Lead. Wag. with Good Dog Academy.

📍 Start your journey today at GoodDog-Academy.com.