I receive many emails asking how to become a dog trainer or behaviourist.

Let me first state that this industry is sadly unregulated. You can set up a dog training business with virtually no experience or background within the industry.. Read a few books, go to a few seminars, train your own dog, create a website, lie about your background and qualifications, and you have a business!

Or.. pay a franchise business a large franchise fee, and in less than 1 month you are suposedly and instant expert. My views on franchises within this industry

My sugestion is put the time and effort in. Do an accredited course such as with the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF). Spend time with other experienced professional dog trainers and behaviourists, and learn, learn, learn! Do your apprenticeship first. Don't rush into your own business until you are 100% confident in your abilities. Be sure you  have the required knowledge and hands-on experience  to go out on your own.

How many dog training websites do you see pop up on the net, with outrageous claims of having the best or most advanced methods in the world? The business owner states they have been training and modifying dogs behaviour for years and years...yet find anywhere on these sites where they list their background and experience. Many use claims that are really beyond belief, as they have nothing else to show to prove their knowledge, background and qualifications. Or can give verifiable evidence of where they received their knowledge and qualifications and time spent in this field to account for these rather outrageous claims.

Be so careful of gimmicks withn this industry, and people making false or misleading claims.

Even though I have not completed any of their courses, I have heard nothing but excellent reviews about the accredited NDTF courses. NDTF offer a balanced approach to dog behaviour and training, and allow the student to decide which methods they prefer to use or focus on. They do not just focus on the one approach method such the Delta Society. If you want to be taken seriously within this industry, do an accredited course, get hands on experience, and the world is your oyster

I can't stress enough though, put the ground work in. Being a dog trainer and/or behaviourist is a very rewarding and fulfilling occupation. Please don't fall for these quick starts such as a franchise. They are not taken seriously within the industry.

I was lucky. My dog training foundation was established with my time in the RAAF. There I received accredited training, and worked for 12 years with police dogs, and also 2 years training and working drug detection dogs. Over the past 30+ years I have devoted my life to dog training and studying dog behaviour, social pack dynamics, and the dog and human relationship. Working with dogs has been my entire life. I have worked within the dog training and behaviour profession non-stop for the past 31years. So I do believe I know what I am talking about.

I am still learning, and will do so until I can no longer work with dogs.. Never trust one that says they know it all.....

Want to be a dog trainer or behaviourist? Contact the NDTF in Melbourne