Working as a dog trainer is a very flexible and joyful career.
If something connects you with animals and if animals bring you joy, then you should consider a career in the pet-related industry.
You are probably thinking, “I trained my own dog; that job must be super easy,” – but in reality, it is not.
You need a list of skills that will contribute to success in this career.
So, let’s explore everything about becoming a dog trainer in Arizona!
Table of Contents
How to Become a Dog Trainer in Arizona?
To become a professional dog trainer in Arizona, you should follow a few simple steps.
Step 1: Gain knowledge
Once you decide that you have a true passion for working with animals, gain more knowledge in this field.
You can attend training courses, workshops, or seminars.
A great place to improve your knowledge of animal behavior and training are animal shelters and veterinary clinics.
Step 2: Improve your skills
Tough work can lead to amazing skills and competencies.
You should constantly read and practice the basic skills.
This includes dog behavior understanding, psychology, and problem-solving skills.
To achieve great results, you also must have patience and a strong love for dogs.
Constant work and consistency lead to amazing results.
Step 3: Build your CV and start applying
After you feel more confident about your skills, you should start working on your CV.
It is okay if you don’t feel 100% confident.
That’s why you are going to be a beginner and not a pro.
But as time passes by, you can think about getting certified.
Step 4: Become certified
In Arizona, you can get certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).
You need to pass a certain number of hours of training to get a certification.
The best thing about getting certified is that you can establish your own dog training company.
Step 5: Work on networking
Networking will keep you updated about everything new in this profession.
But you shouldn’t connect only with dog trainers.
It is great if you can connect with veterinarians, pet owners, and pet-related NGOs.
This will help you in increasing clients for your future work.
Dog Training Schools in Arizona
You don’t have to be certified necessarily to work as a dog trainer, but we offer you some great places where you can invest in additional education.
Arizona Dog Smart Academy
This academy offers learning animal behavior through practical application.
You will get a solid foundation for becoming a professional dog trainer through education and professional support.
To finish this academy, it will take you 12-18 months, and you will learn in 3 phases. 
The first phase is fundamental learning about dogs, dog behavior, and handling various equipment.
In the second phase, you will learn about positive reinforcement methods with dogs.
While in the third phase, you will learn about advanced coursework in service dog training.
Show Low
This school offers two options:
- Dog Obedience Course
- 4 Week Level 1 Dog Obedience Course
The dog obedience course costs $140, and you will practice with your dog. 
You will teach your dog to sit politely for petting, how to react while being groomed, how to walk in a crowd, and many other things.
While the other course will teach your dog how to sit, lay down, focus, stay, and greet politely.
This course costs $89.
The classes for both courses start in 2024.
Make sure you don’t miss them!
Catch Canine Trainers Academy
This academy is available in every state. 
The benefit is that you can have a professional mentor trainer from each state.
With this academy, you can become a certified trainer in Arizona.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arizona Dog Smart Academy | 12639 N. 48th St. Phoenix, AZ 85032 |
| Show Low | City of Show Low 180 N 9th Street Show Low, AZ 85901 |
| Catch Canine Trainers Academy | 24 Newark Pompton Turnpike #206, Little Falls, NJ 07424, United States |
Salary
The average salary for dog trainers in Arizona is $34,088.
The minimum is $30,960, while the maximum is $37,312.
You can earn the most in Yuma, Lake Havasu City, and Mesa.
The most common benefits for professional dog trainers are social security, healthcare, pension, and time off.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $34,382 |
| Tucson | $33,016 |
| Mesa | $34,387 |
| Glendale | $34,382 |
| Scottsdale | $34,387 |
| Chandler | $34,387 |
| Tempe | $34,387 |
| Gilbert | $34,387 |
| Peoria | $34,312 |
| Yuma | $35,364 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 490 | $39,830 | $19.15 | $58,320 | $30,740 |
| Tucson, AZ | 90 | $43,280 | $20.81 | $54,320 | $30,110 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between dog trainers and behaviorist in Arizona?
In general, it is very similar.
But dog trainers refer to them as behaviorists.
Animal behaviorists hold M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in animal behavior, while dog trainers usually have finished some course or CCPDT or IACP certification.
Can you become a dog trainer in Arizona without professional certification?
Yes, you can become a dog trainer without certification.
But bear in mind that some companies might require professional certification during the hiring process.
How much is dog training in Arizona?
This depends on your city.
Private in-home lessons cost $60 for 30 minutes or $100 for one hour.
However, this can depend on the trainer’s experience.
The prices can go lower or higher.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State