Top 9 Dog Trainer Schools

Many people think of becoming professional dog trainers.

However, this career requires someone who loves dogs to be able to train them fully.

It requires careful observation on your part so you can:

  • Identify the dog’s behavior
  • Create a training plan
  • Record their training progress

On this page, we listed down the top nine schools for animal training education.

Let’s get started knowing these schools and the programs they offer.

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1

The Academy for Dog Trainers

Emeryville, CA

They’re ranked as one of the best schools in the world.

They aim to improve the standards of excellence in the dog training industry.

Their program takes two years to complete, with advanced programs in dog training.

Though it’s not a full-time study program, it does require your full commitment.

Here, you will learn:

  • How dogs learn and how you can be able to change their behavior
  • How to work with potential clients

At the end of the program, you’ll be a well-rounded trainer capable of either:

You’ll be a highly-skilled professional working alongside other people in the world who believe that dogs deserve only the best.


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2

Top Tier K9

Madison, FL

In this school, not only will you learn how to train dogs but also help owners with training their dogs.

They have one of the best staff in the country, with expert trainers around the world.

Students can take the whole program or subsets for any certification.

The two main programs are:

  • Professional training programs
  • Masters programs

Their programs mainly cover:

And they also help you be capable of managing and starting your own business.

What’s more, they also award domestic and international certifications.


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3

Starmark Academy

Hutto, TX

This is one of the well-established schools committed to seeing your success.

They offer many perks and benefits to students.

For instance, aside from the climate-controlled classrooms and training buildings, you can enjoy:

  • On-site housing
  • RV parking
  • Canine holding areas
  • Boarding kennels

When it comes to their programs, you can learn all aspects of dog training and behavior in one of the four classes.

  • Four-week program – pet obedience theory and application
  • Eight-week program – canine training specialist
  • Twelve-week program – canine training and behavior specialist
  • Sixteen-week program – mastering canine training and behavior specialist

The techniques here will benefit you well in the future.


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4

National K-9 Learning Center

Columbus, OH

They’ve been a highly-regarded school in dog training education.

They offer the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a meaningful career as a dog trainer.

It is a school offering you more than just basic education.

You’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional dog trainer as well.

They have two programs you can choose from.

  • Three-week professional obedience and behavior course
  • Six-week master trainer course

They’re also authorized by the state board to issue certifications.

So once you complete all course requirements, you can hold the title of Certified Professional Trainer.


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5

Animal Behavior College

Valencia, CA

For over 20 years, this school has been helping people pursue animal careers.

They have since been one of the reputable private vocational schools in the country.

Here, you’ll be able to get:

  • The best education
  • Practical skills
  • Real work experience within your area

All these even when you’re just studying in your own home.

They’ve also updated their curriculum to keep dogs safe from harmful training methods.

So they added LIMA or least invasive minimally aversive training techniques to their program.

Once you complete the training course online, you will be an ABC Certified Dog Trainer.


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6

The Tom Rose School

High Ridge, MO

Founded in 1979, they are one of the elite training academies in the world.

They built their school on the philosophy that this career is not a job, but a vocation, a passion.

This school can guide all people who have a passion for animals to have a rewarding career.

Here, you will learn:

  • Dog training theories and techniques
  • Develop your own training methods and problem-solving techniques

In this way, you’ll be more than capable of handling dogs with different personalities.

They offer five programs:

  • Professionals
  • Masters
  • Service dogs
  • Rose scholar
  • Ultimate combo

Note that they’re highly selective of their students.

So for you to get accepted, attitude and performance in dog training matter a lot.


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7

Tarheel Canine

Sanford, NC

This school believes that dog training is always evolving.

The more a dog learns physically and mentally, the more important it is to change the training methods.

So you will only learn the most updated and efficient training systems here.

Not only will you know how to train dogs, but you’ll also help improve the relationship between dog and owner.

Here are the courses and certifications they offer:

  • Professional obedience trainer
  • Police K9 instructor
  • Detection dog trainer
  • Protection trainer and decoy
  • Search and rescue trainer
  • Accelerated trainer courses
  • Police K9 handler courses
  • Police K9 supervisor courses

Their classes can run from two weeks up to 12 weeks.


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8

Highland Canine Training

Harmony, NC

This school believes that science and research are the keys to dog training.

Leveraging on it allows dogs to unlock their full potential as man’s best friend.

The school has a unique, comprehensive curriculum, equipping you with innovative methods for:

  • Training dogs
  • Working with people

They also have expert instructors on their roster.

Through them, you have the chance to get insider information about this career.

They offer the following courses:

  • Master dog trainer
  • Service dog trainer
  • Police K9 instructor
  • Canine training and behavior modification
  • Protection dog trainer
  • Detection dog trainer
  • Search and rescue dog trainer

Aside from the dog trainer education, they’ll also prepare you for the certification exam.


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9

Royal Dog Academy

Northridge, CA

With more than 20 years of industry experience, this school offers the highest quality of education in the shortest time possible.

They also have one of the best techniques for training dogs all over the world.

They offer programs great for both beginners and professionals that aim to help dogs reach their full potential.

Expert trainers will help you with theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

In this way, you’ll have the capability to work with dogs of different breeds and personalities.

Their dog trainer courses are as follows:

  • Theoretical dog training
  • Dog training
  • Search/tracking dog training
  • K9 police training
  • Military/police/security dog trainer
  • Service dog training
  • Private dog training

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dog training

Which School Is It Gonna Be?

Being a professional dog trainer is a rewarding career. Not only do you get to work with dogs, but you also get to:
  • Help owners with training their dogs
  • Be your own boss
Among these nine schools, there’s surely one that’s most suited for your needs. Are you a beginner wanting to understand the basics? Or perhaps a professional seeking to enhance their training methods and techniques? The choice is yours to make!