Most of us dreamed about having a dog while we were kids, but some of us still dream about dogs, but this time from a career perspective.
Working with dogs is an amazing job but a very demanding choice.
Remember that besides working with our furry friends, you will be working with humans as well.
Being a dog trainer requires many skills, but stay with us and learn what else you will need to become a successful dog trainer.
If you are thinking about a career as a dog trainer in Connecticut – you are in the right place!
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How to Become a Dog Trainer in Connecticut?
If you are certain about your decision to build a career as a dog trainer, follow these steps.
Step 1: Practice with your dog
This is the easiest thing that you can do.
If you already have a dog, practice obedience classes with it.
Try some new things and aim to learn new skills.
In case you lack experience, watch some YouTube videos from professionals.
Step 2: Improve your skills
You need a lot of patience to work as a dog trainer.
Believe it or not, you will lose a lot of patience while working with dogs and their owners.
To stay calm and in shape, we advise you to take some activities or participate in some events that will boost your patience.
Step 3: Attend schools or academies
Schools or academies are not obligatory, but attending them will significantly help you in the job search process.
You will improve your skills during this process, and most importantly, you will learn from professionals.
Step 4: Start networking
Join some professional organization, not just for the membership but for your own good as well.
You will meet many professionals from the same field who will keep you updated on the latest trends.
Also, you can attend many seminars and other events that will help you progress.
Dog Training Schools in Connecticut
You won’t need any special certification to become a dog trainer in Connecticut or any other state, but we suggest you invest some money and time into dog training schools or academies.
Sarah’s Pet Sitting
Sarah is an animal behaviorist who has been in this business since 2009.
This school offers easy scheduling and payments and is available 24/7/365.
They offer one-on-one in-home dog training and personalized consultations.
During these classes with your dog, you will learn a lot from a professional, including:
- Puppy obedience
- House training
- Leash walking
- House manners
- Dog aggression
- Polite greetings
- Separation anxiety
- Biting/mouthing
This school gives results in no time, and attending the classes will significantly help you in job landing.
International School for Certified Dog Training – ISCDT
ISCDT is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to pursue a career as a dog trainer.
It consists of an 18-lesson program where you will master your skills at your own pace.
You will also get supporting example videos and homework assignments. 
Also, you will have a hands-on experience where the trainees will record your progress.
The tuition is at affordable rates and starts from $499.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Sarah's Pet Sitting | 98 Elm Street, Suite 1, Cheshire, CT, 06410 |
| ISCDT | 106 Yoakum Avenue Farmingdale, NY 11735 |
Salary
The average salary for professional dog trainers in Connecticut is $37,513.
You can earn as little as $34,071 or as much as $41,060.
The salary depends on the cost of living in different locations.
For example, Stamford, Norwalk, and Greenwich have the highest salaries in Connecticut.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $39,538 |
| New Haven | $37,718 |
| Hartford | $37,687 |
| Stamford | $40,052 |
| Waterbury | $37,520 |
| Norwalk | $40,052 |
| Danbury | $38,639 |
| New Britain | $37,590 |
| West Hartford | $37,687 |
| Greenwich | $40,052 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 120 | $61,780 | $29.7 | $129,440 | $36,190 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 260 | $51,370 | $24.7 | $91,750 | $34,010 |
| New Haven, CT | 90 | $51,290 | $24.66 | $82,550 | $34,430 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 60 | $40,440 | $19.44 | $54,090 | $33,490 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dog training profession regulated in the United States?
No, this profession is not regulated in the United States.
If you have enough experience, you can work as a dog trainer in any state.
However, there are some states that require a certain certification, for example, CCPDT.
Are dog training schools a good investments in Connecticut?
Yes, dog training schools are always a good investment.
These schools or academies will boost your skills, and landing jobs can be much easier.
Why are dog trainers expensive?
This depends on many factors; for example, the location is the first factor that determines the price of anything.
However, this can be a very dangerous job, and trainers work with different dog profiles, and this can be the reason for the high prices.
Also, some certifications or schools and academies can be very expensive and time-consuming, so trainers try to recoup their efforts.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State