Careers in dog training?

[Ritz459]

Although I'm planning on going to Purdue to become a vet, I've always been curious about careers in dog training. I don't know if I'd ever have dog training be my main job (I don't know what kind of payment you'd get), but it would be more as a side job. I'm very interested in dog behavior study (like a dog behaviorist kind of thing).
Does anybody know of different job choices in the dog training feild and how you would go about preparing (like different classes that you would need to take, seminars, etc.) that would help you qualify for the job? Thanks!

[ewarp]

There's no official certification or degree to become a dog trainer. Anyone could call themselves a dog trainer, even if they have no experience or common sense (and many people do so!).

That said, there are a few programs... ABC (animal behavior college) offers a course in dog training. I've got an ABC extern going through my obedience class right now, and I'm rather unimpressed, I must say. Hopefully it's the student and not the schooling though. A co-worker is an ABC certificate-holder as well, and she's... okay. She got a decent foundation in some basics. She let me look over her books/binders/handouts and the basic information given out is accurate. All in all, I'm not overly impressed by ABC, but there's always something new to learn.

Petco and PetSmart offer certification courses- the trainers I've met who's only background has been the store's course have been less than ideal. I've met some boxstore trainers that have been good, but only because they've taken the time to really learn. It's no thanks to the store's course.

My mentor never took classes. She's read everything she can get her hands on and talked to dozens of other trainers and she's been training dogs and owners for 25 years now. I have nothing but respect for her experience and knowledge. That said, her people skills suck!

I fell into a job teaching for a humane society. It was originally basic obedience, but now I'm being sent out for behavioral consults on adopted dogs that have issues as well. I love it.

My background consists of a few seminars, lots of reading (tons of reading!), and a lot of hands on experience. I love that my boss is also my mentor, and when I'm less than sure about a doggie dilemma, I'm able to sit down and pick it apart with her.