Become a Guide Dog Trainer

Guide dog trainers perform their job because they have a passion for animals and helping others. The level of training to become a guide dog trainer is high and the compensation is often low. A trainer is required to work with a puppy for approximately one year, then hand the trained dog over to a person in need of its services. The separation can be painful for the trainer, but knowing their training is helping a blind person gain independence can be very rewarding.

Steps

Gaining Experience

1. Check the requirements where you live. Guidelines for becoming a guide dog trainer vary by country and state. Before you start down a training path, make sure you know what education, licensing, and training you'll need.
2. Complete a college degree. Many places that hire guide dog trainers require a college degree of some sort. Consider completing a degree in zoology. Although it is not dog training specifically, it will help you understand the anatomical, biological and physiological side of animals. It will also give you an edge over the competition when applying for a dog training position.
   • A college degree is not a prerequisite to all programs. Check with the agency you want to work for.
   • Some workplaces will sponsor an apprenticeship for you to become trainer, but you need a four year college degree.
3. Volunteer at an animal shelter. As a guide dog trainer, you must be able to work with people and dogs, since you are training dogs to interact appropriately with people. A shelter will give you many opportunities to work with both. Duties might be:
   • Answer incoming calls.
   • Perform clerical work for adoptions.
   • Help scared dogs adjust to a new environment.
   • Match pets with new owners.
4. Volunteer at an animal hospital. Volunteering at an animal hospital may be less hands-on than at a shelter, because animals are being treated for injuries and illness, but it will help feed your passion for dogs. Research what hospitals in your area take volunteers. Some may be more hands-on than others and require you to complete an application. Expect to do things like cleaning out kennels and checking in patients.
   • Volunteerism looks good to an employer on an application, because it shows you are passionate enough about the field to work for free.
5. Seek employment working with dogs directly. Get a job working with dogs, even if it's just at your local pet store. It will give you experience and help you learn how dogs' minds operate. Work as a dog sitter or dog walker. They are both in high demand, since people increasingly think of their dogs as family members. Anything to get you working around dogs!
6. Apply for a job at a guide dog school. After gaining some experience working with or around animals, apply for a position at a guide dog school. Work your way up to become a trainer by starting in a different position, like a kennel assistant or attendant. They help feed, bathe and walk dogs and are great ways to start.
   • You have a better chance at getting an interview for an apprenticeship if you are already working for the school.

Getting an Apprenticeship

1. Apply for an apprenticeship. On-the-job training programs for guide dog trainers are offered to all qualified applicants. Some jobs want you to have experience working with dogs and some are more concerned with finding the right type of person. Look at job postings at companies that train service dogs. Many will have a dedicated employment page on their website.
2. Complete an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship can take anywhere from two to four years to complete, depending upon the company and its requirements. You must be in good physical shape to complete the program, since it requires a lot of physical agility and stamina. Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Plus, be prepared to assist with teaching dogs and take on ever increasing responsibilities working under a master trainer.
3. Turn in applications for a position as a guide dog trainer. If you're not offered a job at the place you apprenticed at, you will be qualified to apply for positions after you complete it. Depending upon the company you apply at, you may have to pass a written test they issue to screen for the best candidates. It may take several tries to get a job, as the competition is tough.

Going to Guide Dog Trainer School

1. Investigate a trainer school thoroughly. Most guide dog trainers are self-taught through extensive experience working with dogs or they completed an apprenticeship program, but there are a handful of schools. Do your homework before you commit. Some things a good school should offer are:
   • The history of dog training starting from the late 19th century.
   • Animal learning including positive and negative reinforcement, and human versus dog learning.
   • Dog behavior, including breed temperaments and social cues.
   • How to design classes to best teach owners and dogs interaction skills.
2. Apply to a school that offers science-based programs. Guide dog trainers know through science how dogs operate and think. Apply to a school that offers an Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree if you can. Some schools may not offer degree plans, but can still educate on how to be a good trainer. Make sure they offer classes on biology and other life sciences.
3. Get certified through CCPDT. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is a widely recognized dog trainer certification. This certification shows your professionalism and that you are familiar with the most current training techniques. To get certified, you need to:
   • Complete at least 300 hours of training experience from the past three years.
   • Provide a signed reference from a veterinarian or CCPDT cerfificant.
   • Sign and file an agreement to the CCPT's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
   • Sign and file a commitment to LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training techniques
   • Pass a 180-question multiple exam
   • Maintain certification through continuing education.

Tips

• Attend as many workshops as you can on dog training. Methods and techniques are constantly changing, oftentimes for the better. Try to remain current on this information.

Warnings

• Before learning how to become a guide dog trainer, make sure you are capable of giving up an animal you have bonded with. This can be difficult for many people.

References

See also

• Choose an Effective Career to Help Animals
• Become a Holistic Veterinarian
• Become a Breeder
• Become a Veterinary Specialist in Sonora, Arizona
• Work With Animals at a Zoo
• Dog‐Sit when You Have Your Own Dog
• Dog Sit
• Dog‐Sit when You Have a Cat
• Dog‐Sit when You Have a Small Pet
• Practice Being a Vet at a Young Age

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