Working with dogs can be one of the best jobs in the world!
Animals melt our hearts every day, and if you have a true love for them, becoming a dog trainer can be a great choice for you.
This job requires a lot of patience, consistency, and great communication.
You can work as a freelance dog trainer, or you can join some organization, shelter, or veterinary institution.
If your desire is to become a dog trainer in Alaska, stay with us – we have some great tips for you!
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How to Become a Dog Trainer in Alaska – in 5 Steps
There isn’t a huge philosophy for becoming a dog trainer.
However, we advise you to follow these steps.
Step 1: Consider your skills and passion
Animals can be very needy and hard to work with!
Therefore, we advise you to think twice before stepping into this field.
You must have a true love for animals and be very patient with them.
People think that working with animals is all “sunshine and rainbows.”
But we have some bad news – it is not!
You need a lot of confidence and great verbal and non-verbal communication skills to work as a dog trainer.
Step 2: Learn more about dog behavior
You can choose your own way of learning about dog behavior.
It can be from the Internet, some professional organization, or some course.
Ensure to research a lot about animal behavior and dog obedience before starting a career.
This will help you even more if you decide about a school for dog trainers.
Step 3: Practice your skills
You can start practicing with your own dog or your relative’s dogs.
Make sure to perform a few sessions with dogs before searching for your first job.
This will definitely boost your confidence.
Even if you are already in the business, we advise constant practicing.
Step 4: Offer your services
Feel confident about working as a dog trainer?
Perfect!
Now, it is time to offer your services to dog owners or veterinary institutions.
Consider this as a mini challenge for you.
It is okay even if you are not a pro.
As the time passes by, you will improve yourself.
Step 5: Become a professional
Join some professional organizations like The Association of Professional Dog Trainers and Pet Professional Guild.
You can also get certified by a professional organization.
With this, you will become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, which will help you when searching for a new job.
Dog Training Schools in Alaska
Let’s discuss the best schools for dog trainers in Alaska
Penn Foster College
You can finish this school in a period of 7 months, and you can do this online.
The best thing is that you can decide the pace that fits your schedule.
Regarding payment, this school offers affordable tuition with customized
payment plans.
Penn Foster is a nationally accredited college with the support of expert instructors.
You will learn about canine biology and behavior and more about communicating with dogs and dog owners.
Karen Pryor Academy
At Karen Pryor Academy, you have a few options, but one of the best are:
- Dog Trainer Professional
- Dog Trainer Comprehensive
- Dog Trainer Foundations
- Dog Trainer Foundations Immersion
- Therapy Dog Team Training
- Click to Calm For Instructors
To become a professional dog trainer, you need to be highly motivated with specific goals. 
During the course, you will improve your knowledge, skills, and career prospects.
The tuition for this course is $5,600.
You will get around 250 online demonstrations and teaching videos, and you can choose the online options or the 25 locations around the world.
The highlight is that you will participate in small classes and get individual attention.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster College | 14300 N Northsight Blvd., Suite 125 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA |
| Karen Pryor Academy | / |
Salary
The good news about this profession in the USA is that the job outlook is positive.
Employment is expected to grow 28% by 2030, and there is a current demand for dog trainers.
The average salary for dog trainers in Alaska is $37,972, while the minimum is $34,488 and the maximum is $41,563.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $38,709 |
| Juneau | $38,365 |
| Fairbanks | $38,550 |
| Sitka | $37,843 |
| Ketchikan | $37,843 |
| Kenai | $38,188 |
| Kodiak | $38,188 |
| Bethel | $38,188 |
| Wasilla | $38,188 |
| Barrow | $38,028 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 100 | $36,120 | $17.37 | $51,990 | $27,100 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a living as a dog trainer in Alaska?
Sure, you can make good money by working as a dog trainer in Alaska.
Your salary will also depend on your skills, city, and the company you are working for.
Is Alaska the best state in the USA to work as a dog trainer?
No, Alaska is not the best state in the USA to work as a dog trainer.
New York and California offer the best salaries for dog trainers.
But still, working as a dog trainer in Alaska can be very fulfilling.
Where can I work if I become a dog trainer in Alaska?
There are plenty of options.
You can work in zoos, veterinary clinics, or shelters.
Also, you can work privately as a freelance dog trainer.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State
