If you want to become a dog trainer in Kentucky but aren’t sure where to start – you’ve come to the right place!
Most people love professions that are connected with animals and that is completely understandable.
Animals make our lives better every day, but we can also improve their life quality by raising well-behaved buddies.
This is done by dog trainers or behaviorists.
But this job includes much more and it is very challenging.
Stay with us and learn what steps you need to take to become a dog trainer in Kentucky!
Table of Contents
How to Become a Dog Trainer in Kentucky?
The process of becoming a dog trainer is similar in any state because this profession is not regulated by law.
So, the whole process of becoming a trainer is very simple because it doesn’t require formal education.
Let’s take a look!
Step 1: Work on your qualities
Being a good trainer means having amazing qualities.
First of all, you need to have a passion for working with animals.
Then, you need to have extraordinary observational skills and you need to be eager to learn more.
To achieve all of the abovementioned qualities, you need to have the experience of owning a dog or you need to spend more time with other people’s dogs.
Step 2: Educate yourself
This does not necessarily mean that you should have a formal education.
There are many available books for dog trainers or even better you can watch videos of dog training.
In the beginning, use your knowledge to practice with your dog.
Then, as time passes by, try with other dogs.
Step 3: Look for volunteering positions
Your first job does not need to be paid and there is a huge reason behind this.
If you are not paid, you will have enough space and time to educate yourself more.
This way, your clients and the “employer” will lower their expectations while you can work on yourself.
Step 4: Build your CV
After you gain enough experience, build your CV and look for a real job that is paid.
Having a good CV and great skills for your first interview might help you in landing a job.
Step 5: Learn more about communication
It is true that our mistakes improve us at work.
But why make mistakes, when you can prepare yourself well?
Therefore, you need to improve your verbal communication skills for dog owners and your non-verbal skills for dogs.
Happy clients will bring other new clients because a good word spreads out very easily.
Step 6: Join professional organizations
Joining a professional organization can bring you new contacts that will help in your further development.
You will also stay up to date with the latest events from your profession.
Dog Training Schools in Kentucky
You can become a dog trainer without any prior education, but enrolling in some course or school will make you even a better professional.
Kentucky Dog Training
This is a full-service dog training company that is based in Lexington with a professional head trainer with over 11 years of experience.
The owner, Sam Adams has trained more than 1000 dogs through her programs.
You need to bring a dog for training during the program and you will get knowledge about heeling, recall, manners, and much more. 
The team is committed to you and your dog and after the dog graduates, you will get an entire year of private lessons.
Even if the dog graduates, you will have a team of full support for you and your dog.
Karen Pryor Academy
This academy offers 3 programs for building your skills, including:
- Foundations
- Foundations-Immersion
- Comprehensive
The Dog Trainer Foundations course is self-paced and online, and the price varies from $249 to $599.
This course lasts from 6 to 12 weeks.
The Comprehensive course includes enhanced skill development and takes up to 10 hours with an online coach.
It takes from 4 to 8 months, and it costs $999. 
The course for professional dog trainers takes 6 months and it costs from $5600 to $5700.
You will work at a scheduled pace online and in person.
At the end of the course, you will maintain extraordinary skills.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Kentucky Dog Training | 1991 Ironworks Rd Winchester, KY 40391 |
| Karen Pryor Academy | 1933 N. Marcey Street Chicago, IL 60614 United States |
Salary
The salary for professional dog trainers in Kentucky is between $29,746 and $35,849.
Or you can earn an average of $32,751.
The most common benefits for professional dog trainers are social security, healthcare, pension, and time off days.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $32,636 |
| Louisville | $33,040 |
| Owensboro | $32,688 |
| Bowling Green | $31,541 |
| Covington | $34,036 |
| Hopkinsville | $31,324 |
| Frankfort | $31,819 |
| Henderson | $32,896 |
| Richmond | $32,317 |
| Jeffersonville | $32,358 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 130 | $44,270 | $21.28 | $72,020 | $25,600 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 140 | $40,960 | $19.69 | $54,830 | $26,220 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a demand for dog trainers in Kentucky?
Careers connected with animals are getting more and more popular.
There is an expectation of 22% growth in these careers by 2029.
If you take proper steps and actions, you can become a very successful dog trainer in no time.
How much do dog trainers make in Kentucky?
Dog trainers in Kentucky make between $29,746 and $35,849.
Salaries depend on many factors, so this can change depending on your city, skills, and experience.
Which cities in Kentucky offer best salaries for dog trainers?
Dog trainers in Covington, Louisville, and Owensboro offer the best salaries for dog trainers.
However, keep in mind that you will have higher living costs in these cities.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State