Dog training can be a very fun and rewarding job.
But don’t underestimate the seriousness, devotion, and patience you will need in order to do it.
Keep in mind that you will be working with animals and teaching them how to do things without sharing a common language.
So if you think you have what it takes to become a professional dog trainer in Wisconsin, stick around and find out what you have to do to succeed in this field!
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How to Become a Dog Trainer in Wisconsin?
It may seem like a straightforward process to become a dog trainer, especially if you have a dog or if dogs like you in general.
But, don’t underestimate this profession.
Here are some steps you can take to start building your career as a dog trainer in Wisconsin.
Step 1: 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 everyone – a well-trained dog.
This is best learned through practice, which leads us to the next step
Step 2: Try it hands-on
Without practice, you’ll find this job hard and irritating, especially if you don’t have a foundation for understanding dog behavior.
Try volunteering or finding an intro job as a dog trainer under someone with experience.
It might be paid less because of the lack of experience on your part, but be patient.
Step 3: Get a formal education
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 Wisconsin that you can attend so you can become a better professional dog trainer.
Step 4: Promote your work
After you’ve established that needed foundation, and had enough practice you can start promoting your work.
Whether you’re working with a group of trainers or alone, it doesn’t matter.
Try your best to attract clients on social media or with a website.
Once you have a few clients, trust in them to also spread the word, especially if you succeeded in training their fur baby!
Dog Training School in Wisconsin
While formal education is not needed for you to become a professional dog trainer, here are some schools and classes where you can gain more knowledge on dog training!
Some of these courses even provide you with a certificate upon completion, so you have something to show for the knowledge you’ve gained!
Penn Foster
You can complete their Dog Obedience Trainer Program in as little as 7 months.
With this program, you can take your first steps in your career as a dog trainer.
The program is affordable and accredited.
It is also online which means you can study whenever and wherever you please.
ISCDT
Their training curriculum is designed to provide you with the structure you need to get started and then advance as you move along through the program leading to the certification at the end of the course.
The curriculum consists of 18 detailed lessons that prepare you to work in the field of dog training.
Their written courses are designed to take you through a multitude of dog training topics, from breeds and characteristics to unraveling various behavioral issues.
They also provide video materials as a visual guide through your learning process.
You will also get video and written assignments as homework.
The tuition for the course is $499.
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
This academy has a state-licensed dog trainer school with many levels of certification.
You can take each course at your own pace.
It is available in multiple locations around Wisconsin, and around all the states as well.
The tuition starts from as low as $54.
You receive a diploma after graduation from the course.
They are also open for internships.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster | 925 Oak Street Scranton, PA 18515 USA |
| ISCDT | / |
| CATCH Canine Trainers Academy | 24 Newark Pompton Turnpike Suite 206 Little Falls, NJ |
Salary
The average salary you can make as a dog trainer in Wisconsin is $34,381.
The salaries in different cities range from the minimum of $31,227 to the maximum of $37,632.
The top cities where dog trainers are best paid are Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, and Waukesha.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $34,545 |
| Madison | $34,201 |
| Green Bay | $33,484 |
| Kenosha | $34,290 |
| Racine | $34,290 |
| Appleton | $33,491 |
| Waukesha | $34,415 |
| Oshkosh | $33,275 |
| Eau Claire | $33,416 |
| Janesville | $34,062 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 130 | $38,090 | $18.31 | $50,770 | $22,190 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dog trainer make in Wisconsin?
As of Oct 27, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Dog Trainer in Wisconsin is $18.38 an hour.
How do I become a dog trainer in Wisconsin?
You can do this by attending dog training classes, workshops, and seminars.
You can also gain experience by volunteering at animal shelters or working with a professional dog trainer.
Once you have gained enough knowledge and experience, you can enroll in a dog training certification program.
Do I need formal education as a dog trainer in Wisconsin?
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 to Become a Dog Trainer by State