Developing a career in the animal-related field at this moment is a very wise choice, and the dog training profession is one of the most approachable for everyone.
It requires a lot of devotion, but it is very rewarding.
The busy life of dog parents has led to increased requirements for dog trainers in every state, and so is the case for Mississippi.
If you are considering a career as a dog trainer in Mississippi, you’ve come to the right place!
Stay with us!
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How to Become a Dog Trainer in Mississippi?
Watching a few episodes of The Dog Whisperer by Cesar Milan is not enough to become a successful dog trainer.
You need to take a few steps first!
Step 1: Research the market
You might be the best one in this field, but if there aren’t any job opportunities nearby and you are not ready to take the step of moving out, maybe this is not the right choice for you.
In general, dog trainers are needed in every state, so you won’t have problems with the employment process.
But still, do some research and don’t ever blindly take such a serious step.
Step 2: Try training dogs
There is no better way to learn than a hands-on job and trying out.
You can start some training methods and techniques with your own dog, but we also advise practicing with other dogs.
You can even look for volunteering positions, but the drawback is that you should work in certain hours and it might be difficult if you are already working something else.
Step 3: Enroll in courses
Besides practicing on your own, we advise taking some courses, no matter if the courses are online or on-site.
Be aware that most of the schools offer online courses, but that might be enough for a start.
If you are thinking about getting certified you can check the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and check out their programs.
You should also think about joining the Association of Professional Dog Trainers which will help you expand your network.
Step 4: Get a job
If you already collected enough knowledge, you should start applying.
Getting your first job won’t be easy, but you should be very consistent.
Step 5: Think about your own business
If you already took a certification, landed your first job and you feel experienced enough, you can think about building your own business.
It is very risky, but you will get the needed flexibility.
Before you even start, you need to promote your work on YouTube or other social networks.
Dog Training Schools in Mississippi
Even though no formal education is needed when it comes to becoming a professional dog trainer if you want to gain more knowledge on the topic it’s recommended to visit some courses and classes.
Here are some of the best schools that provide those services in Mississippi!
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
This academy has a state-licensed dog trainer school with many levels of certification.
The course is online so you can take it at your own pace.
It’s also quite cheap, starting from $54 to $5,025 depending on the program or class you choose.
In the end, you receive a diploma for the completed course.
You can practice in multiple locations around Mississippi and around all the states as well.
Most importantly, you will be paired with a local mentor from your state.
They are also open for internships.
Animal Behavior College
The classes at Animal Behavior College last 1 year, and no matter your city, you can learn dog behavior from the comfort of your home at your own pace.
Since this school is online, it offers an amazing opportunity to connect with professional dog trainers who can mentor the students in each state.
The education process consists of online coursework and a hands-on externship with a local mentor.
The prices vary from $3,499 to $5,647 depending on your payment arrangement and discount.
The study material includes 29 educational videos.
Karen Pryor Academy
The Karen Pryor Academy provides a professional dog training certification program.
It costs from $249 to $5,600 depending on the course you choose.
You will learn a lot about obedience, and calming aggressive dogs, and you will also learn how to teach others about dog training, which can allow you to open your own business.
This program consists of online classes and workshops which cover both
introductory and advanced courses around the states which can help you with the practical part of the job.
If you have a dog in need of training they allow that too!
You just have to keep in mind that some workshops last a few days, so you might have to travel and stay overnight.
| 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 |
| Karen Pryor Academy | 1933 N. Marcey Street Chicago, IL 60614 United States |
Salary
The average yearly income for dog trainers in Mississippi is $31,128.
This can range from $28,272 to $34,072 depending on the city.
The topmost paid dog trainers in Mississippi are in Southaven, Olive Branch, and Jackson.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $31,242 |
| Gulfport | $30,692 |
| Biloxi | $30,936 |
| Hattiesburg | $30,500 |
| Greenville | $31,031 |
| Meridian | $30,940 |
| Tupelo | $29,446 |
| Southaven | $32,298 |
| Vicksburg | $30,928 |
| Pascagoula | $30,793 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi a good place to work as a dog trainer?
The job market varies by location in Mississippi as in any other state.
Salary ranges also vary widely based on your experience and client base.
General obedience training is often in high demand, but we advise you to always specialize based on your interests and local demand.
Is it obligatory to join professional dog trainer organizations in Mississippi?
No, but doing this, might significantly help you in your progress process.
You will meet more professionals and you will be able to find out about the latest events such as seminars, conferences, and workshops near you.
Is the process of becoming a dog trainer in Mississippi easy?
The process of becoming a dog trainer in any state is similar.
You just need to be a dog lover with some basic skills and after that, you can take all the needed courses, classes, or certifications.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State