Dog Trainer

Dog trainers teach dogs to obey commands and perform specific tasks.

Dog trainers may perform the following tasks:

• train dogs to obey commands by giving rewards, such as food, when the task is performed correctly
• teach dogs to wear a leash and collar, to walk by the trainer's side, to sit and lie down, to stay in one place and to come when called
• train dogs to perform other functions useful in police work, customs work and defence force work, such as to attack aggressors, to track missing people or to find drugs and food items which are not allowed across borders
• cure dogs of bad habits such as chasing cars, being aggressive with children, excessive barking or digging holes
• conduct instruction classes for owners and their dogs
• teach the owner how to handle their dog so that it will obey commands and not return to bad habits
• give advice to owners on how to take the best care of their dog and how to overcome any future problems.

Trainers usually work at boarding kennels, at their own kennels or at community parks. Dogs are usually in training for four to five weeks.

In intensive training programs, dogs can be kept in the full-time care of the trainer. To train dogs so intensively, the dog trainer must work with them every day. As dogs can only be taught for about 10 or 15 minutes at a time, trainers usually work with them once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

Trainers must never lose their patience with a dog or show any sign of fear of the dogs they are handling.

Personal Requirements:

• confidence in handling dogs
• patience with dogs and owners
• perseverance
• physically fit
• able to be alert to changes in dogs' behaviour
• methodical approach
• good voice control.

Related Jobs:

• Animal Attendant
• Animal Technician
• Guide Dog Instructor
• Horse Trainer

Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information

Select the State/Territory you are interested in:

• NSW/ACT
• NT
• QLD
• SA
• TAS
• VIC
• WA