Being a dog trainer and teaching animals good habits and manners might be one of the best jobs related to animals.
And who doesn’t want to work with animals and do good for them?
If you consider yourself a great motivator and you have a love for animals, maybe this is the right job for you.
Let’s find out more about the dog training profession in Louisiana and learn more about becoming a dog trainer!
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How to Become a Dog Trainer in Louisiana?
If you decide to pursue a career as a dog trainer, follow these simple steps!
Step 1: Learn the basics
First of all, don’t go and try the hardest thing first, because it might lead to failure and loss of motivation.
Start with simple things!
You can look up some videos, and go step by step.
Even if you are a slow learner, don’t worry.
Working with live creatures is a very demanding job and requires plenty of skills.
Step 2: Talk to someone experienced
Before you dive into this career and business talk with someone about their experience in this industry.
True professionals will share a lot of details with you and maybe they can give you some useful advice that you cannot find very easily unless given by them.
Be more curious if you get a chance to talk with a professional.
Ask about the ups and downs that this profession brings and ask them for tips for beginners.
Step 3: Educate yourself
Education is not necessarily needed to become a dog trainer.
Love for animals and basic skills are crucial, anything else can be learned through hard work and additional classes or programs.
However, if you do plan on getting a job, most employers appreciate at least a high school diploma.
Any academy, school, or education will be much appreciated.
Step 4: Record your first sessions
While you practice, record your sessions and after you are done, take a look at the videos to see how you can improve yourself.
You will grow a lot by doing this.
If you make mistakes, you can easily fix them by revising the videos.
On the other side, if you consider yourself very good, you can show some of the videos to your potential employers.
Or even better, you can start a YouTube channel and start working on your self-employment.
It is very demanding, but it is not mission impossible.
Step 5: Start applying and get your first job
A constant application might bring you your first job.
Be very consistent and success will come eventually.
Even if you get your first job, make sure to progress and constantly work on yourself.
Step 6: Keep your clientele
Happy clients come back and they might bring other people as well.
The good word spreads around very fast so make sure to be super nice to your first clients and respect their wishes.
We get that some clients might have some unrealistic wishes, but you need to enter this career prepared.
Dog Training Schools in Louisiana
US K9 Unlimited
This training school focuses on methods that include building a partnership with dogs.
During the training process, you can learn canine fundamentals of communication during classes and workshops. 
Contact the US K9 Unlimited team to get more information about the prices.
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
This is a state-licensed school that is very flexible because you can take the course at your own pace.
The courses cost from $1,212 to $5,025. 
The best thing is that you will learn how to launch a career which is one of the most crucial steps when it comes to success.
This school offers mentors from each state and you will get paired with a professional dog trainer from Louisiana.
Animal Behavior College
The course lasts 1 year and the tuition is from $3,499 to $5,647.
You will learn from educational videos and digital study materials from the comfort of your home. 
Students get mentored by professionals and throughout that 1 year you will volunteer at least 10 hours with dogs from animal shelters.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| US K9 Unlimited | 8003 Moline Avenue Abbeville, LA 70510 |
| CATCH Canine Trainers Academy | 24 Newark Pompton Turnpike Suite 206 Little Falls, NJ |
| Animal Behavior College | 27509 Avenue Hopkins, First Floor, Valencia CA |
Salary
In Louisiana, you can earn between $30,056 and $36,222.
The average salary for dog trainers is $33,092.
The top 3 locations that offer the highest wage in Louisiana are New Orleans, Marrero, and Metairie.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $34,075 |
| Baton Rouge | $32,710 |
| Shreveport | $32,000 |
| Lafayette | $31,734 |
| Lake Charles | $31,539 |
| Kenner | $34,038 |
| Bossier City | $32,000 |
| Monroe | $31,345 |
| Alexandria | $30,837 |
| New Iberia | $31,548 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 100 | $34,560 | $16.61 | $45,520 | $29,590 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a self-employed dog trainer in Louisiana?
Yes, you can work as a self-employed dog trainer in Louisiana.
It might be much more difficult in the beginning, but being self-employed brings many benefits, including flexibility and a better salary.
What skills are essential for dog trainers?
Patience, communication, and empathy are some of the key skills for becoming a dog trainer.
You need a lot more skills to be a successful dog trainer, but these are crucial skills.
Is being a dog trainer a stressful job?
Being a dog trainer can become as stressful as any other job.
Daily work with dog owners and dogs is very demanding and you need to handle 2 individuals at once.
You need to respect the owner’s wishes and at the same time, you need to handle the animal.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State