5 Schools to Help You Become a Dog Trainer

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For anyone who understands the unique connection between dog and human, dog training is both an exciting and popular career path and a meaningful service that drastically changes the lives of dogs and their owners. 

Whether it’s puppies learning to sit, stay, and heel, or older rescues who need to learn how to interact with other dogs without anxiety, many owners need expert guidance on how to train and communicate with their dogs.

Why Become a Dog Trainer?

On top of training being helpful to dogs and their owners, a career as a dog trainer has many other appeals, such as: 

• Growing job market: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for animal care and service workers is projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than most other occupations. And with approximately 90 million dogs in the U.S., there will always be plenty of clients to train!
• Flexible schedules: Both the education and actual work of dog training is often extremely flexible, even for those with busy schedules. Many trainer academies are self-paced and can be done from the comfort of your home!
• Improving dogs’ lives: While training makes the lives of all dogs better, it’s especially life-changing for those in shelters and without homes of their own! According to this study, training actually increases a dog’s chances of getting adopted by 1.4 times. 

What Dog Training Courses Are Available?

Luckily, there are a number of different schools and certifying organizations to help you get started. These training courses offer education and courses so you can become a certified trainer. Whatever your lifestyle, commitment-level, or time constraints, one of the opportunities below could be a life-changing step towards a new, fulfilling career.

Each of these organizations are unique and offer different experiences. As such, comparing them is a tall order. We have instead assembled a list, in alphabetical order, of options for you review and decide what matters to you.

Academy of Pet Careers

• Location: St. Charles, MO and online
• Cost: $5,500 – $21,900
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Certification: APC-PDT, APC-SDT
• Training Courses: Professional Dog Trainer (Online or In-Person), Specialized Dog Trainer (In-Person Only)

With 20 students or fewer in each in-person class, the Academy promises one-on-one attention, as well as access to all of the resources needed to start your own dog training business. 

Located in St. Charles, the Academy of Pet Careers campus is 35,000 square feet and features classrooms, student dog kennels, and a large, indoor training area.

Animal Behavior College

• Location: Virtual and hands-on with mentors across the U.S and Canada.
• Cost: $2,895 – $4290
• Duration: 10 to 18 months
• Certification:  ABCDT (Animal Behavior Certified Dog Trainer)
• Training Courses: Dog Obedience Program, Service Dog Training Program

ABC’s 11-stage program teaches the basics of dog training, behavior modification principles, nutrition, CPR and more. Students will learn ways to strengthen the canine-human bond and how to create a full or part-time dog training business. 

ABC offers an “externship,” a hands-on portion that partners students with experienced, mentor dog trainers. The school also encourages students to take part in the school’s “Students Saving Lives” program. Since 2004, ABC students have donated over 200,000 hours of time to help animals find forever homes. 

ABC graduates are also encouraged to join the ABC Alumni Group, which hosts over 18,000 certified dog trainers.

The school’s programs are approved for CEU’s by all of the major dog trainer organizations.

CATCH Canine Trainers Academy

• Location: Across the U.S.A. or in person at the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center campus
• Cost: $1,325–$6,465
• Duration: Varies; on average 6–18 months
• Certification: CCDT, CDTK
• Training Courses: Master Class – Community Edition, Basics Pro, Core SkillsPlus

CATCH’s curriculum covers how dogs think and learn, humane and effective training tools, and how to lead both private lessons and group classes. 

Students are paired with both a program director and a local mentor trainer for expert guidance and support. They can also join online workshops in the private CATCH Community, connecting with peers and pros through live zoom meetings, guided video lessons, and interactive assignments.

ISCDT

• Location: Virtual
• Cost: $399
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Certification: CDT-CTraining Courses: Certified Dog Trainer Comprehension

ISCDT’s program is an online certification course designed for those ready to train dogs professionally. Each student is paired with a personal mentor who provides individualized feedback on quizzes and hands-on training videos.

This program takes 18 weeks to complete if studying full-time, or within a year for part-time learners. The course contains 18 modules covering how dogs learn, from generalizing behavior, to essential cues, and effective troubleshooting techniques when standard methods fall short.

Students also learn canine body language and calming signals, which are vital for reading dogs and avoiding conflict. The program builds confidence not only in training but also in teaching, with assignments designed to develop public speaking skills for working with clients.

Victoria Stilwell Academy

• Location: Atlanta, GA and online 
• Cost: $3,950 with payment plan options and scholarships available
• Duration: Flexible – up to 12 months with extensions available
• Certification: VSA-CDT (Victoria Stilwell Academy – Certified Dog Trainer)
• Training Courses: Dog Trainer Course, In-Person Track (add-on)

Founded and developed by renowned dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell, the Victoria Stilwell Academy(VSA) offers both introductory and advanced-level education and certification courses for current and aspiring pet professionals. VSA’s powerful learner-centered, performance-based programs educate, engage and empower ongoing generations of dog training professionals to change the lives of people and dogs through positive training.

Students can learn at home via self-paced online video lessons and gain mentorship through a dedicated faculty advisor. The faculty advisor will also conduct support-oriented skills assessments.

VSA students can also enroll in the In-Person Track which includes hands-on training experience, a concentrated cohort of fellow students, and professional trainer shadowing opportunities.

Methodology

Training organizations were evaluated and reviewed for course content, an examination requirement, and whether the material was predominantly positive reinforcement. To ensure accuracy, we coordinated with each school to review their respective content. All these certifications would be accepted to the Rover Training marketplace.

This guide was prepared as of May 30, 2025, and may not include all relevant changes since that date.

Further Reading

• How Much Does It Cost To Train A Dog? Training Prices Explained
• What Is Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs?
• Are Professional Puppy Training Classes Worth It?
• Which Dog Trainer Credentials Are Most Qualified to Help You?
• Dog Training 101: Basic Obedience Training at Home
• Online Dog Training Can Work. Here Are Your Best Options