Becoming a professional dog trainer isn’t as easy of a task as it seems.
You have to be patient, kind, and understanding of a being that doesn’t understand your language.
And you have to overcome this barrier through non-verbal communication.
Do you think you have what it takes to become a professional dog trainer?
Let us guide you through the first steps, then!
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How to Become a Dog Trainer in New Mexico?
Once you’ve decided and are determined to go down this career path you’ll find out that you don’t know where to actually start.
That’s normal; every beginning is hard.
And that’s why we’re here to help guide you in the right direction.
Step 1: Read up and practice!
The best way to learn is through reading and practice.
Don’t only stuff your nose in a book and think you’re ready to start the job just yet.
Dogs’ characters can change and vary depending on their origin, history, or breed.
You’ll need to learn, through books and practice combined how to deal with every situation.
After all, it is an animal, and it can be unpredictable.
Step 2: Learn dog behavior
Whether it’s online through studies and videos, or from books, any work that involves psychology needs a foundation.
While working as a dog trainer, you are a type of dog psychologist.
You learn what works for them and what doesn’t, and this is individual for every dog.
Some dogs may be aggressive, some may be scared and some may be too energetic and happy to play and get treats.
You need to navigate and get the same end result with each and every one- a well-trained dog.
This is best learned through practice, which leads us to the next step
Step 3: Start collecting certificates
Every professional is more respected when they have formal education, diplomas, and certificates.
There are plenty of programs, seminars, and courses online and offline available in New Mexico that you can attend so you can become a better professional dog trainer.
Step 4: Start working
It’s best to start as an intern or as a volunteer in an organization at first before you get the hang of what this profession actually requires.
By doing this, you will gain basic experience in the field.
You will also be surrounded by professionals or people who have more experience than you, and who can help you take your first steps on this awesome journey!
Dog Training Schools in New Mexico
Even if formal education is not necessary for this field of work, if you have a passion for it you should gain some theoretical knowledge.
Here are some organizations that can provide you with that knowledge.
Behavior Vets
Aside from training dogs themselves, these vets organize events, workshops, externships, and classes for professionals and other vets.
The events can last up to a few days.
Their prices can vary, and the sooner you apply, the cheaper it will be.
There are multiple interesting blogs and free tips on their site which can guide you in the beginning.
There are also many categories of animals and how to train them, from cats and dogs to exotic animals and zoo animals.
Karen Pryor Academy
The Academy for Dog Trainers has a tuition of $5,600.
You can take their online classes and go to their workshops.
The workshops are in specific locations posted on their website, so you might have to travel if you want to attend.
Penn Foster
With this program, you can take your first steps in your career as a dog trainer.
The complete course for the Dog Obedience Trainer Program can be finished in as little as 7 months.
The course is online and more affordable than most classes and workshops.
Another positive is that you can take the lessons whenever and wherever, at your own pace!
The negative side is the lack of hands-on experience, but you can volunteer while taking the course to make up for the loss.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Behavior Vets | 257 W 18th St. New York, NY 10011 |
| Karen Pryor Academy | 1933 N. Marcey Street Chicago, IL 60614 United States |
| Penn Foster | 925 Oak Street Scranton, PA 18515 USA |
Salary
The yearly salary for dog trainers in New Mexico can range from $29,242 to $35,241.
The average salary for dog trainers in New Mexico is $32,196.
The highest pay is in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and Farmington, with approximately $32.000 annually.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $32,819 |
| Las Cruces | $29,669 |
| Santa Fe | $32,985 |
| Rio Rancho | $32,714 |
| Roswell | $30,612 |
| Farmington | $32,379 |
| Alamogordo | $31,135 |
| Clovis | $31,444 |
| Hobbs | $31,160 |
| Carlsbad | $30,612 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 50 | $42,700 | $20.53 | $103,450 | $31,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a professional dog trainer in New Mexico?
You have to know how to work with dogs.
You also have to be aware that you’re working with an animal that doesn’t understand your language.
You will need to have patience, confidence, and professionalism when it comes to working with all the types of personalities that your doggie clients will have.
Do I need formal education as a dog trainer in New Mexico?
No, you do not need a formal education, although it is better to attract clients.
If you do go to workshops, classes, and courses, make sure they’re certified.
How do I become a successful dog trainer in New Mexico?
You need to treat the job as a learning experience.
You can attend classes, courses, and workshops, but nothing will replace the on-field experience you will gain through working with different types of dogs!
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State