Becoming a dog trainer is relatively straightforward at one end of the scale and extremely difficult and complicated at the other so it is firstly important to understand the different levels of knowledge, experience and expertise required. Dogs interrelate with their owners, other people and other animals in many different and complex ways so to be successful, empathy with people as well as a thorough understanding of human interactions with dogs is just as important as understanding canine psychology.
Teaching a dog to sit, walk to heel, wait, fetch and other simple activities is not complicated but even at this level, someone who has a clear understanding of the unique psychology of the dog and appreciates the way in which it reacts to people and to its environment will train any dog much more quickly and effectively than someone who is attempting training by trial and error or by using techniques which concentrate on punishment rather than encouragement.
Most people become involved with dog training through local training classes. They take their dog, they find that they have a knack for encouraging it to do what they want it to do and, over a period of time, become involved in activities such as obedience, agility or many of the other related canine activities. Others are brought up in (or become involved with) households which are active with their dogs, use dogs for working in one capacity or another or work in the Armed Forces, the police or in security services where dogs are part of the pattern of their lives. Others have a love of animals in general and dogs in particular and want to work with them in any way that they can. These jobs range from kennel staff to veterinary surgeons with hundreds of variations in between. Many gain considerable understanding and knowledge of canine behaviour and feel capable of using that expertise to train dogs and eventually, become capable of modifying their behaviour in complex circumstances.
The Skills Sector Council recently accepted industry recommendations for National Occupational Standards for dog trainers and behaviourists. Standards for animal training and behaviour have been established for some years but there is no doubt that 'dogs are different' (see The Genius of Dogs by Brian Hare for further information and explanation). The standards can be accessed by clicking on this link.
These Standards are demanding and give an immediate indication of how much work is necessary for those who wish to train dogs to high standards (whether they be working dogs, those used in advanced support for the physically or mentally challenged or for security, rescue or detection) or modify their behaviour successfully in complex social situations.
Many of the representative organisations set up by groups with specific interests in aspects of dog behaviour, run courses for their members and there are a number of independent specialist colleges which teach a range of theoretical and practical skills.
If you are starting from scratch with just a basic knowledge of pet dogs in the home it is quite a long road: you need information, knowledge, expertise and practical experience - preferably with a qualified mentor to achieve high standards. There is no recognised or guaranteed route to success. One independent organisation has specifically identified the various professional roles within the world of dog training and behaviour. You can access that document by clicking this link. It indicates the range of knowledge required for each role and an indication of the amount of time required to fulfill it successfully. Most of the organisations listed on the I Train Dogs site can provide you with useful information - just go to the 'Recognised Organisations' and the 'Specialised Colleges' pages on the left and click on the links.
Good luck.
David Cavill FRSA F Inst D
