Dog Trainer Requirements – Do You Have What it Takes?
Who can forget the image of a dog, nose to the ground, pacing and picking carefully over the rubble of the Twin Towers for days and even weeks after the disaster? We are moved by the same sight played out on the ruins of homes hit by tornadoes or teams of police and their dogs searching for lost children creating a lasting memory of heroes at work. Who has not been moved by the sight of an a disabled person in a wheelchair with a four legged companion or a seeing eye dog guiding his partner down a busy sidewalk?. How about the amazing effect that dogs have on traumatized children, calming and creating a bridge of compassion and understanding? In the rugged hills of Wales and Scotland, the black and white Border Collies dash and weave with amazing accuracy, forcing reluctant sheep into tight herds under the watchful eye and piercing whistles of their masters. How do they do that? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to train a dog?
Dog trainers and handlers who spend long hours preparing and training dogs to perform these types of skills have dedicated years to learning about canine behavior. They harness the dog’s natural instincts and perfect them to serve and improve our lives in ways many people cannot even imagine. We have been teaming with dogs for thousands of years and we continue to find new ways for them to assist and entertain us.
Recognizing how much dogs can do for us and training them to serve is a growing industry. Dog training schools exist all over the country. Many specialize in certain fields, like military and police work, mobility, sight, and hearing assistance, just to name a few. There are detection dogs, conservation dogs, search and rescue dogs and disease detection dogs. While it can be very rewarding to train dogs, the most successful trainers have learned first and foremost that it takes a profound dedication and unfailing patience to pursue this career. Every breed has unique qualities. Some are founded on ancient bloodlines and some are modern day “designer” breeds. Recognizing these traits and how to bring out the best in a particular dog is a vital skill for the successful dog trainer. Aside from being passionate about dogs and the initial excitement of a new career, a good trainer knows that he or she will be in it for the long haul and that learning never ends. Moreover, a successful dog trainer must like people, know how to communicate and to be creative. After all, the training is almost always about ways to help humanity. Whether it is a pet owner with an obedience issue, a police officer tracking a felon, or the soldier on the alert for roadside bombs, the partnership with a dog began with a good and skillful trainer.
If you are considering a career as a dog trainer, ask yourself what your goals are and be realistic in evaluating the depth of your commitment and dedication to learning. There is a world of personal satisfaction that can be gained from a career in dog training no matter what specialty you wish to pursue. The special bond between humans and dogs is unique and dog trainers get to bring out the best in both.
If you are interested in becoming a professional dog trainer our School for Dog Trainers is a great place to begin. If you have question or need more information, feel free to call us toll free 866.200.2007 or email us at learntotraindogs@highlandcanine.com