Do Dog Trainers Make Good Money?

(Spoiler: The answer is yes—if you do it right!)

If you’ve ever thought about turning your love of dogs into a career, you’ve probably wondered: "But… can I actually make good money as a dog trainer?"

The short answer? Absolutely. But, like with any profession, your earning potential depends on your skills, education, and how you run your business. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Do a Little Local Detective Work

Before you decide, grab your phone (or open a few tabs) and check out dog training companies in your area.

• Look at their services – Are they offering private sessions, group classes, puppy programs, behaviour consultations, or even online training?

• Check their rates – Most trainers post prices right on their websites, or you can call and ask.

• Do the math – If a trainer charges $100 for a 1-hour private session and books 20 sessions a week, that’s $2,000/week. Even after expenses, that’s a solid income.

Chances are, you’ll quickly see that many trainers are booked weeks or even months in advance. In many areas, the demand far outweighs the supply—meaning more work (and more income potential) for qualified professionals.

Step 2: Understand the Demand

The pet care industry is booming—and dog training is one of its fastest-growing sectors.

• In Canada alone, the pet market is worth $9.5 billion and growing every year.

• The average dog-owning household spends $250–$500 annually on training.

• Since the pandemic, more families than ever own dogs, but many are struggling with training and behaviour challenges.

Whether it’s teaching basic manners, solving problem behaviours, or helping with puppy socialization, the need for skilled trainers has never been higher.

Step 3: Realize It’s More Than “Playing With Dogs”

Yes, dog training can be incredibly fun and rewarding—but it’s also a profession. Successful trainers:

• Have a deep understanding of canine behaviour and learning theory.

• Use science-based, positive reinforcement methods.

• Can communicate effectively with people (because you’re training the humans just as much as the dogs).

• Offer structured, results-driven programs that clients are happy to pay for.

When you combine skill, knowledge, and professionalism, you’re not just “making money”—you’re building a sustainable, respected career.

Step 4: Education = Earning Power

One of the quickest ways to increase your income as a trainer is to invest in your education. Clients want to work with certified professionals who can deliver results without compromising welfare.

That’s where Good Dog Academy’s Professional  Dog Trainer Certificate Program comes in.

Our program is:

• Comprehensive – Covering everything from puppy foundations to advanced behaviour modification.

• Science-Based – You’ll learn humane, effective positive reinforcement techniques backed by research.

• Flexible – 100% online so you can study at your own pace, from anywhere.

• Career-Focused – We don’t just teach you how to train dogs; we prepare you to run a successful training business.

Step 5: Your Earning Potential Is In Your Hands

Once you’re certified, you can choose your path:

• Private, in-home training

• Group classes

• Puppy socialization programs

• Online/virtual training

• Behaviour consultations

• Speciality niches like service dog preparation or sports

Many trainers combine several services to keep their income steady year-round. The best part? You get to decide how much you work and what you charge.

The Bottom Line

So… do dog trainers make good money?
Yes—if you’re qualified, professional, and ready to meet the demand. With the right training, your passion for dogs can become a rewarding, flexible, and profitable career.

And if you’re ready to take that step, Good Dog Academy is here to guide you from “dog lover” to “certified professional trainer.”

📍 Learn more and enroll today: GoodDog-Academy.com