If you are living in Florida and seeking a career change – then you are in the right place.
Being a dog trainer does not mean teaching only the basic commands to dogs.
To be a successful dog trainer, you must have love and empathy for dogs in the first place.
Then, you need to build a strong portfolio to enter the market.
But stay with us and learn what else you need to become a successful dog trainer!
Table of Contents
How to Become a Dog Trainer in Florida?
Here are some simple steps that will help you become a dog trainer in Florida.
Step 1: Gain experience
Try to interact more with dogs, and you will improve your skills.
During the process, you need to have a lot of empathy and love for dogs.
Step 2: Improve your communication skills
It is very important to improve your communication skills – both verbal and nonverbal.
You will need to interact a lot with dog owners, but you also need to have the proper approach with dogs as well.
Step 3: Join some organization
You can choose to volunteer in some institution or veterinary organization.
This will significantly improve your skills.
Step 4: Build your CV
After you volunteer and gain experience in some institution, build your CV.
Don’t be afraid to try and apply to some institutions.
It is true that some institutions might require certification, but it is not always the case.
Step 5: Become a pro
Apply for a training program in some school or academy.
If you consider that’s not enough, you can think about getting a certification.
You can get it from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
Dog Training Schools in Florida
This profession is not regulated by law, so you won’t need any certification to pursue a career as a dog trainer.
Here, we will mention some of the best schools and academies that will help you improve your skills.
Florida Dog Trainer School & Academy
To become a part of this academy, you need to fill out an application.
During the academy, you will learn more about canine development and training techniques.
This program will improve your knowledge and skills, and you will master the behavior of dogs.
You will get an individualized curriculum and unlimited support from the class.
Additionally, you can think about a dog groomer diploma since this school offers a program for it.
Florida Dog Trainer
This is an International School for Dog Trainers that has helped many owners and trainers for over 35 years.
You will get both practical and theoretical knowledge even if you are new at this job.
Expect to enhance your abilities and become a successful business owner.
The owner is James Hamm, and he is Florida’s #1 dog behavioral expert.
Catch Canine Trainers Academy
This is a state-licensed dog trainer school where you can take classes at your own pace.
During the course, you can get paired with your local mentor from any city or state. 
You will learn from experts, and you will increase your skills in dog training.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Florida Dog Trainer School & Academy | 523 S Chickasaw Trail Orlando, FL 32825 |
| Florida Dog Trainer | / |
| Catch Canine Trainers Academy | 24 Newark Pompton Turnpike Suite 206 Little Falls, NJ |
Salary
The average salary for professional dog trainers in Florida is $33,065.
The minimal salary is $30,031, while the highest salary for professional dog trainers in Florida is $36,192.
Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Coconut Creek are the top three locations in Florida offering the highest salaries.
But this can vary depending on the company you work for.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $33,092 |
| Miami | $33,778 |
| Tampa | $33,127 |
| St. Petersburg | $33,134 |
| Hialeah | $33,621 |
| Orlando | $33,061 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $33,799 |
| Tallahassee | $31,359 |
| Hollywood | $33,580 |
| Pembroke Pines | $33,580 |
Regional Salary in Florida
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 50 | $32,240 | $15.5 | $36,630 | $28,610 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 40 | $30,720 | $14.77 | $38,230 | $27,050 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 140 | $32,750 | $15.75 | $39,660 | $22,920 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 30 | $37,970 | $18.26 | $65,850 | $28,640 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 350 | $42,600 | $20.48 | $75,460 | $29,380 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 30 | $32,290 | $15.52 | $43,740 | $24,540 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 70 | $33,330 | $16.03 | $39,950 | $26,910 |
| Ocala, FL | 110 | $49,030 | $23.57 | $82,270 | $27,490 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 160 | $34,440 | $16.56 | $48,290 | $28,080 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | ** | $36,840 | $17.71 | $55,180 | $28,190 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dog trainers in Florida make?
Dog trainers in Florida make $33,065 on average, but this might vary from $30,031 to $36,192.
Also, your salary might depend on the company you are working for and your skills.
Which field of dog training pays off the most?
It all depends on your experience, skills, and company.
But in general, dog behaviorists have the highest salary range.
Is being a dog trainer in Florida a demanding job?
Being a dog trainer is a demanding job everywhere around the state.
Dog trainers need to be prepared for the life changes that this profession brings.
You need to have a lot of patience for dogs and dog owners to avoid stressful situations.
How to Become a Dog Trainer by State
