How to Become a Dog Trainer in Hawaii

Becoming a dog trainer does not only mean teaching them the basic commands.

It also means addressing and preventing different behavior issues.

This includes socialization, leash training, anxiety, aggression, and more.

You need to learn different methods and techniques to achieve a successful outcome of the training.

Love and trust are the key factors in dog training.

But let’s discuss more about becoming a dog trainer, dog training schools, and salaries in Hawaii!

Stay with us!

How to Become a Dog Trainer in Hawaii?

Stepping into a new career is not an easy step, so we are here for you to provide you with the basic steps you need to take to enter this career.

Step 1: Show interest

If you’re not sure if dog training is the right career for you, research it.

Use the Internet and find all the information you need to start this profession.

Or even better, you can contact some local dog trainers who will informally educate you more.

Ask them more about what you found on the Internet, and become more curious – ask them about their personal experience.

Maybe not all of them will reach back to you, but we encourage you to try this step.

True professionals won’t have problems opening themselves to you.

They can even give you some useful tips.

Step 2: Learn the basics

Once you’re settled and once you decide about your future, try the basics.

Take your dog with you and try to teach it the basic commands.

Their learning potential might depend on your teaching method, their breed, and your previous experience.

It will seem hard, of course, but don’t give up.

Every profession brings obstacles even for pros, but you need to stay consistent.

When you feel comfortable, try the same methods and techniques with your friends’s dogs.

Step 3: Get educated

You can work as a dog trainer even with a high school diploma.

Some companies might require a certificate when applying, but that is not something impossible.

Anyone can get a certification or finish an academy.

Step 4: Start working or volunteering

If you are lucky enough, you can start volunteering in some institution or company without prior experience.

If you get this chance, use it wisely.

Try to learn more new methods and see how experienced dog trainers work with their clients.

Step 5: Learn how to communicate

Both verbal and non-verbal communication are needed for dog trainers.

Verbal for dog owners and non-verbal for dogs.

Some dog owners might even have a specific demand and this can only be done by experienced dog trainers.

But be honest from the start with your clients, so they can normalize their expectations about your work.

And don’t worry – a good word gets around fast!

Dog Training Schools in Hawaii

Some organizations in the United States offer certification programs for dog trainers, but this is not strictly required for you to become a trainer.

This includes the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).

However, let’s mention some of the schools in Hawaii that offer classes for dog trainers.

Pro Dog Hawaii

Pro Dog Hawaii offers a few options for dog trainers, including:

  • In-home and virtual training
  • Group classes
  • Seminars
  • Tellington ttouch

We advise you to start with an initial consultation that will cost you $180 for 90 90-minute online lessons.

After the talk, the dog trainer will talk to you about further work and your next steps.

Then, you can get a package of 10 private sessions for $1190 for 10 hours of training.

It can be done in your home or anywhere else.

You can even choose individual hourly fee sessions for $130 if you want to avoid the whole package.

During group classes, you will produce a dog that thinks and you can progress at your speed.

The groups are between 3 and 6 people and the fee is $252 for 6 weeks.

You can even get personalized seminars and lectures to expand your knowledge of the canine world.

The groups are from 4 to 15 people and the fee is $35 for 1 hour per person.

Tellington ttouch will help you use specific touches and exercises to release tension in your dog and you can get in-person or virtual sessions.

Animal Behavior College

Since dog training schools are extremely hard to find, Animal Behavior College offers a dog training program online.

The course period lasts one year and you can get online coursework and hands-on externship from a local mentor.

Hawaii Dog Training Services

This training service offers a great Virtual Puppy Training course.

You will learn all the fundamentals you need from the beginning of owning a dog.

You will gain more knowledge and tools to make the most of your dog training career.

For $150 you will get 90 days of access to recordings, training materials, and recorded Q&As.

School Name Address
Pro Dog Hawaii Kaneohe, Hawaii, United States
Animal Behavior College 27509 Avenue Hopkins, First Floor, Valencia CA
Hawaii Dog Training Services /

Salary

The average salary for dog trainers in Hawaii is $36,517.

However, the salary varies from $33,167 to $39,971.

Also, the salary depends on your location, company or institution, and skills.

Location Avg. Annual Salary
Honolulu $36,298
Hilo $36,054
Kailua $36,298
Kaneohe $36,298
Waipahu $36,281
Pearl City $36,298
Waimanalo $36,300
Mililani Town $36,233
Kahului $36,054
Kihei $36,054

Regional Salary in Hawaii

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Urban Honolulu, HI50$45,100$21.69$77,050$30,570
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Trainers, OCC Code 39-2011, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I offer additional services to clients while working as a dog trainer?

Yes, indeed.

This will bring you more income and will allow you to expand your business more.

You can offer additional services such as grooming or boarding.

What is the highest and what is the lowest salary for professional dog trainers in Hawaii?

The lowest salary for professional dog trainers in Hawaii is $33,167 while the highest is $39,971.

The salary factor varies from state to state, or from city to city.

Also, salaries depend on the company you are working for, your skills, and your experience.

Do self-employed dog trainers make more money in Hawaii?

It depends, but usually, all dog trainers make a similar amount of money.

USA How to Become a Dog Trainer by State