How Long Does It Take to Become a Dog Trainer?

Written by Good Dog Academy

So, you’ve decided you’d like to become a dog trainer. Maybe you’ve always had a knack for understanding dogs. Maybe your friends constantly ask you for training tips. Or maybe you simply can’t imagine a better career than one that lets you work with dogs every day.

But then reality hits—you start Googling, and you’re faced with a mountain of advice, conflicting information, and “quick-fix” weekend courses. It’s enough to make your head spin.

Let’s cut through the noise and talk honestly about what it really takes to become a successful, certified professional dog trainer—plus exactly how long you should expect the journey to take.

Why Education Matters

Here’s the truth: anyone can call themselves a “dog trainer” in Canada—there’s no government regulation. But that doesn’t mean all trainers are created equal.

Clients today are informed. They want to work with trainers who:

• Have formal, science-based education

• Can explain why certain methods work (and others don’t)

• Have the practical skills to guide both dogs and their humans

• Follow humane, ethical training practices

Your education and credentials are your ticket to building trust and proving you know your stuff.

Building Real-World Experience

Training your own dog is a great start—but it’s not enough to prepare you for the variety of personalities, temperaments, and challenges you’ll see as a professional.

Before you launch your business, look for opportunities to work with different dogs in different settings:

• Volunteer at a local shelter or rescue

• Offer to train friends’ and family members’ dogs

• Partner with a pet store to run a free demo or mini-class

• Shadow an experienced trainer to see client interactions firsthand

Not only will you gain invaluable skills—you’ll also start building a network of referrals and potential clients before you’ve even finished your certification.

The Business Side of Dog Training

Here’s the part a lot of aspiring trainers overlook: training is only part of the job. Running a dog training business also means being your own marketing team, bookkeeper, and customer service department.

That means knowing how to:

• Price your services

• Market yourself online and offline

• Manage scheduling and client communications

• Keep your finances and taxes in order

• Protect yourself with proper insurance and business licensing

At Good Dog Academy, we include our Business for Professional Pet Dog Trainers program in the PPDT certificate—so you graduate with not only training skills, but also the business know-how to succeed.

The Industry Demand

The pet dog industry is booming—and dog training is one of the most in-demand services.

• 8.2 million dogs live in Canadian households

• 41% of households own at least one dog

• The average owner spends over $500 on training their dog

Better yet, dog training has proven to be recession-proof—in fact, demand often increases during uncertain times, as people look to improve their pets’ behaviour and enrich their lives.

What You Can Earn

As a certified professional dog trainer, your income will depend on your location, experience, and services offered. On average, trainers charge:

• $100 – $165 per student for a 6-week group class

• $50 – $100 per hour for private training sessions

Offering multiple class levels—such as Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Manners, Intermediate Skills, Advanced Obedience, Tricks, or Agility—keeps clients coming back and boosts your earning potential.

So… How Long Does It Really Take?

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend years in school to become a dog trainer.

At Good Dog Academy, our Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate Program takes about 28 weeks to complete on average. Because it’s self-paced, you can move faster if you have the time, or take things slower if you’re balancing work and family.

Our program combines:

• Comprehensive theory – canine learning, behaviour science, breeds, first aid, and more

• Hands-on practical training – work with your own dog and receive personalized feedback from our Director of Training, Jaime Knowles (with over 25 years of experience)

• Business development skills – so you can confidently launch your training career

The Journey Doesn’t End at Graduation

Dog training is a constantly evolving field. New research, better techniques, and improved understanding of canine behaviour mean that continuing education is a must.

Think of your PPDT certification as the solid foundation—then keep building with advanced courses, seminars, and specialty certifications.

Ready to Start Your Career?

Becoming a dog trainer isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. You’ll be part teacher, part coach, part problem-solver, and part cheerleader for both dogs and their humans. And yes—you’ll also be making a difference in the lives of countless families.

If you’re ready to turn your love for dogs into a rewarding, in-demand career, Good Dog Academy is here to help you every step of the way.

🎓 Learn more about our Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate Program and start your journey today.