How to Become a Professional Dog Trainer & Start a Rewarding Career

Are you considering a career as a professional dog trainer but have questions about how to get started? You're not alone! Some of the most common questions include:

❓ How much do professional dog trainers make?
❓ Do people pay for dog training?
❓ What education or certification do I need?
❓ How much do dog training courses cost?

Professional dog trainers in Canada earn $50-$ 150 per hour for private sessions and $150-$ 200 per student for group classes. You need formal certification, hands-on experience, and understanding of canine behaviour science. Good Dog Academy's PPDT program costs $995 and includes industry-recognized certification, as well as mentorship.

The demand for qualified dog trainers has never been higher, making this the perfect time to enter the industry. With an estimated 8.2 million dogs in Canada and 41% of households owning a dog, pet guardians seek professional trainers to help their furry family members integrate, learn proper behaviours, and live happy, enriched lives.

Is Dog Training a Profitable Career?

Absolutely! Pet guardians recognize that a well-behaved dog is welcome in more places, enjoys more freedom, and leads a better quality of life. That's why professional dog trainers are in high demand and regularly booked for obedience training, behaviour modification, puppy development, and more.

💰 Average Earnings for a Professional Dog Trainer

✔️ Group Class Rates: Trainers charge between $150 – $200 per student for a 6-week group class. With six students per class and three classes per week, that's an average of $2700.
✔️ Private Training Sessions: Trainers charge between $50 – $150 per hour for private coaching. With six private sessions per week, that's an additional $600.

Even as a part-time trainer, you can make a comfortable income doing something you love. Many trainers expand their services, further increasing their earnings.

Source: Canadian Pet Industry Statistics indicate that 41% of households own dogs, creating a massive demand for training services.

Do People Actually Pay for Dog Training?

Yes, absolutely. With 8.2 million dogs in Canada, pet owners invest heavily in professional training because:

• Well-trained dogs have more freedom and access to public spaces
• Behavioural issues can lead to surrendering pets to shelters
• Professional training prevents costly damage and liability issues
• Group classes and private sessions are consistently booked

What Does It Take to Become a Professional Dog Trainer?

Being a dog lover is a great start, but to succeed in this industry, you also need formal education, certification, and hands-on experience. A successful trainer must:

✔️ Understand training philosophies & behaviour science
✔️ Recognize canine body language & communication signals
✔️ Apply effective behaviour modification techniques
✔️ Coach dog guardians in training & practical handling skills
✔️ Provide solutions for common behaviour challenges using evidence and science-based techniques 

That's where formal education comes in—and Good Dog Academy makes it affordable, accessible, and industry-recognized.

How Much Do Dog Training Courses Cost?

🎓 Good Dog Academy's Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT) Certificate Program provides a complete education in professional dog training. This online program includes:

✅ Comprehensive Theory – Covers learning theory, behaviour science, canine health, first aid,  client coaching skills and more
✅ Practical Training & Hands-On Feedback – Students receive one-on-one coaching and personalized feedback from a certified professional.
✅ Live Webinars & Real-Time Q&A – Get expert support to enhance your learning.
✅ Flexible Remote Learning – Study from anywhere at your own pace.

📌 Tuition: Only $995! 
💰 ROI? You can return your investment in just ONE MONTH of training after graduation!

Is Dog Training Certification Worth It?

Yes, certification provides:

• Credibility: Clients trust certified trainers over self-taught individuals
• Higher Rates: Certified trainers command premium pricing
• Insurance: Many liability insurance policies require formal certification
• Career Opportunities: Pet stores, veterinary clinics, and training facilities prefer certified staff

How Long Does It Take to Become a Dog Trainer?

Good Dog Academy's PPDT Program: Self-paced, typically completed in 3-6 months

The flexible online format allows you to:

• Study around your current schedule
• Take extra time on challenging concepts
• Start earning while completing the certification
• Access lifetime support from instructors

What Makes a Successful Dog Trainer?

Core Competencies

1. Patience and Communication: Working with both dogs and their owners
2. Problem-Solving Skills: Every dog presents unique challenges
3. Physical Stamina: Training involves active demonstration and movement
4. Continuous Learning: Staying updated on the latest training methods and research
5. Business Acumen: Managing clients, scheduling, and marketing services

Career Advancement Opportunities

• Specialization in specific areas (aggression, service dogs, competitive sports)
• Opening your training facility
• Consulting for veterinary clinics
• Teaching at training academies
• Writing and content creation

How to Get Started as a Professional Dog Trainer

Step 1: Enroll in Certification Program

Choose a reputable program like Good Dog Academy's PPDT that offers:

• Comprehensive curriculum
• Hands-on mentorship
• Industry recognition
• Ongoing support

Step 2: Gain Practical Experience

• Volunteer at local shelters
• Shadow experienced trainers
• Practice with friends' and family's dogs
• Document your training successes

Step 3: Build Your Client Base

• Start with friends and neighbours
• Offer introductory rates to build reviews
• Create a social media presence showcasing results
• Network with veterinarians and pet stores

Step 4: Establish Your Business

• Obtain liability insurance
• Set competitive pricing
• Develop training packages and programs
• Create professional marketing materials

Why Choose Good Dog Academy?

✔ Reputable, industry-recognized certification
✔ Affordable tuition with a fast return on investment
✔ Expert mentorship & personalized coaching
✔ Self-paced learning – study from anywhere!

🚀 Ready to Start Your Dream Career?

Join the Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate Program at Good Dog Academy and start your journey toward a fulfilling career helping dogs and their guardians.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a dog trainer without experience? Yes, Good Dog Academy's program is designed for beginners with comprehensive foundational training.

Is there demand for dog trainers in my area? With 41% of Canadian households owning dogs, demand is widespread nationwide, particularly in urban areas.

What if I want to specialize in specific training areas? The PPDT program provides foundational knowledge, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as puppy training, behavioural modification, or competitive sports.

Ready to Start Your Dog Training Career?

Join Good Dog Academy's Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate Program and begin your journey toward a rewarding career helping dogs and their families thrive together.

Author: Jaime Knowles is a Senior Trainer and Behaviour Modification Expert with over 25 years of professional dog training experience, specializing in anxiety, reactivity, and challenging behavioural cases at Good Dog Wellness since 1998. She holds multiple validated certifications as an explosive detection, narcotics detection, and security patrol K9 handler through the Justice Institute of BC, with extensive experience training both detection and patrol dogs. Jaime has earned CKC obedience and conformation titles across several breeds, trained dogs for television and major motion pictures, and was a key member of the award-winning Canines 4 Care team at Vancouver General Hospital, which developed an innovative C. difficile detection program. This program earned the Top Innovation award at the 2018 BC Health Care Awards. She continues her education through ongoing seminars and currently shares her life with three dogs: Guinness, Teddy, and Tahsis.