The path to becoming a dog trainer is not as easy as it seems.
You need a range of skills to become successful and additionally, you need to take some actions.
Maine offers many job opportunities for dog trainers, great salaries, and plenty of other benefits.
Animal-related professions are very popular and in demand, so if you plan to become a dog trainer, you make a great choice.
Let’s find out how to become a dog trainer in Maine!
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How to Become a Dog Trainer in Maine?
Take these steps and build a great career as a dog trainer in no time.
Step 1: Determine your passion
We recommend this profession only to individuals who are certain about their skills and have a great love for animals.
Of course, you cannot train dogs only with love, but this is the greatest quality of all dog trainers.
First, you need to have love and as time passes by you will develop other skills.
This is a great base for a start.
After you dive into the profession, you will determine whether it is your passion or you simply just love dogs.
Step 2: Contact professionals
Find some local dog trainers and get some useful information.
You can ask them about the ups and downs that this profession brings, and you can ask them for advice for beginners.
At some point in their lives, they took the same road that you are now taking.
True professionals won’t have problems sharing this information with you.
Step 3: Practice with dogs
In the beginning practice with your dog and try to train them or teach them some new tricks.
Communicating and interacting with your dog might be easy, but the true challenge comes when you start to train other dogs.
Therefore, practice training other people’s dogs in order to be more prepared when you get your first job.
Ask your close friends to practice with their dogs.
Step 4: Start applying
Get some practice and start applying to institutions that offer dog training positions.
Even volunteering is great in the beginning.
We are sure that there are plenty of volunteering positions in Maine.
If they like what you do, maybe you will get a job offer from them, who knows?
Step 5: Don’t be afraid to try
If your goal is to become a self-employed dog trainer, you shouldn’t be afraid to try.
It might seem risky, but it is definitely worth the try.
Sometimes being a self-employed dog trainer pays off more, but in the end, the whole job depends on your effort, skills, and experience.
In these cases, certification might be very useful, because you need to develop your own business from zero.
Dog Training Schools in Maine
This profession is not regulated by law in the United States, so with the right skills, you can become a dog trainer.
However, enrolling in courses or dog training programs can give you extraordinary skills and improve you as a future dog trainer.
Having some sort of certification is also very useful if you are thinking about self-employment.
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
The curriculum for this training school is written by a professional trainer and you can become a dog trainer at your own pace since all of the classes are online.
The program is supplemented with a comprehensive library of books and videos which are sent directly to your home. 
The staff is constantly available and very helpful throughout your studies.
It has reasonable pricing structuring, depending on your program choice, starting from $1,212 to $5,025.
It focuses on positive reinforcement methods and teaches you plenty of skills.
Animal Behavior College
The program from Animal Behavior College lasts one year and it is online.
You will learn from the comfort of your home, but you must volunteer 10 hours at a local animal shelter which will boost your confidence before finishing the course. 
You will get educational videos and study materials throughout that one year for a price from $3,499 to $5,647.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| CATCH Canine Trainers Academy | 24 Newark Pompton Turnpike Suite 206 Little Falls, NJ |
| Animal Behavior College | 27509 Avenue Hopkins, First Floor, Valencia CA |
Salary
Salaries always depend on the city you work in, your experience, and your skills.
You can earn between $30,473 and $36,725, or an average of $33,552.
Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook offer the best salaries for dog trainers.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $34,328 |
| Lewiston | $33,980 |
| Bangor | $31,807 |
| South Portland | $34,328 |
| Auburn | $33,980 |
| Brunswick | $34,026 |
| Biddeford | $34,166 |
| Sanford | $35,034 |
| Augusta | $32,720 |
| Scarborough | $34,328 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 30 | $39,830 | $19.15 | $45,460 | $35,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a dog trainer in Maine with online classes?
Yes, you can become a dog trainer in Maine with online classes but you need to find a school that offers online courses or programs.
Any kind of certificate or course is beneficial in the employment process.
Can I become a dog trainer if I am scared of dogs?
No, you cannot be a successful dog trainer if you are scared of dogs.
The first quality you need to even think of this career is unconditional love for dogs.
Do I need a certification to work as a dog trainer in Maine?
No, you don’t need a certification to work as a dog trainer in Maine because this profession is not regulated in the United States.
You can even work as a dog trainer even if you don’t have any prior education.
Good skills are enough to pursue a career as a dog trainer.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State