Placement Overview

This VIP is a self-employed Dog Trainer. He offers a training programme to members of the public with disobedient dogs. As well as training dogs this VIP also is the owner of a security company.

Generic Job Description for a Dog Trainer

Dog trainers train dogs through individual training, classes and training courses. They teach dogs to behave and be obedient to their owner or handler.

Dog trainers may work on their own or with an assistant.

Most Dog Trainers are self-employed.

Skills:

• Patience
• A love of animals
• Ability to explain things clearly
• Physical fitness
• Good organisation
• Motivation 

Pay:

• Self employed Dog Trainers can earn from £15,000 - £35,000 depending on experience, what they charge per session and how many clients they have

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Typically 40 hours a week including evenings and weekends

Environment:

• Work can be indoors or outdoors depending on the type of session they are running

Qualifications:

• No set entry requirements
• Full time courses widely available in animal care and animal management
• Most courses require four GCSE’s grades A-C

Training:

• Training is mainly on the job
• NVQ’s levels 1-3 in Animal Care can be worked towards on-the-job
• Short courses are available for skill development

Opportunities:

• There are fewer than 5,000 dog trainers in the UK
• Opportunities exist in the armed forces, customs and excise and with dog training clubs

Links:

www.the-kennel-club.org.uk - The Kennel Club
www.apdt.co.uk - Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
www.bipdt.net - British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT)