Assistance Dog Trainer

Typical Salary

£13,500 To £27,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends occasionally

How To Become a Assistance Dog Trainer

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in animal care.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could work your way into this role by starting as a kennel worker, then move on to learning to train dogs and working with owners.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some experience of working with dogs. Employers will look for:

knowledge of basic dog handling and behaviour management
understanding of the issues faced by people with disabilities

Each organisation sets its own entry requirements for job vacancies. For example, you may need up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for some jobs.

Employers may ask for sign language skills and experience of working with deaf people.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to work on your own
customer service skills
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
thinking and reasoning skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

working with volunteers who foster puppies and young dogs
helping dogs to adjust to the routine of basic training
training at a more advanced level related to the dog's future work
matching dogs to owners
training dogs and owners together
providing aftercare and support for owner-dog partnerships

Working Environment

You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be you'll travel often and outdoors in all weathers.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

You'll have an advantage if you've got experience of working with dogs. Examples include volunteering at a kennels, helping at a dog rescue centre or working for an animal welfare organisation.

Do-it has more information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an assistance dog trainer from:

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks
be over 18 years of age
have a full driving licence