Become a Dog Trainer in California
Our professional dog training school offers an online program in CA and in-person programs
at our facility to help you fast track your dreams of becoming a dog trainer
Earn a nationally recognized, professional dog training certification
Personalized mentorship and 1-on-1 time with certified instructors
Master reward-based, force-free methodology of dog training
Job placement assistance and resources to start your own business
About Our California Dog Training Certifications
Online Dog
Training Program
(Remote from Anywhere)
Learn the essential skills needed to start a career in dog training from any state. This online program is the perfect starting point towards becoming a dog trainer in the U.S.
- Online and self-paced
- Full access to a dedicated instructor
- Access to resources after graduation
- Community for support and collab
- Job placement assistance
In-Person Dog Training Programs
(Located in Missouri)
Start your dog training career in just a few months at our headquarters in Missouri. Experience hands-on training and earn a nationally-recognized dog training certification.
- Hands-on learning
- Facility specialized for pet education
- Learn service dog training
- Explore dog sport training
- Job placement assistance
I have my own successful pet business now,
and part of that is because of APC!
I use the skills I learned at APC every single day. The training portion of the school is well worth the money. The instructors are the best kind of people. They are patient and kind and make sure you truly understand how to train, the process of how they learn, different techniques, etc. If you are considering a career in this field this is a good place to see if dog training is your passion. I sure found mine! Also, administrative people are great! Very helpful and made everything as easy as possible. I made a lot of friends here, and it has opened a lot of doors for me, and my business Medlin Pet Company.
Job Placement is Easy with Our Hiring Partners
in California
The APC works with many California dog training businesses looking to hire our graduates. Below are a handful of our California Hiring Partners who have been carefully vetted and who share our mission of empowering pets.
Dog Trainer Requirements
in California
Currently, dog trainers do not need to be licensed in CA, however, certain prerequisites and personal traits can make the journey smoother and more successful. Here's a brief look at the dog trainer requirements and qualifications:
- A strong understanding of dog behavior and breeds
- Experience handling dogs, either personally or professionally
- Certifications from a reputable dog training school
- Excellent communication skills, empathy, and patience
Learn more about dog training licensing.
How Much Do Dog Trainers Make in California?
There are several factors that go into how much you can make as a dog trainer, and your pay can vary throughout your career depending on your work environment, specialization, education, experience, and location. In California, the average dog trainer salary is $46,210 and can get much higher depending on these factors.
Learn more about average dog trainer salaries in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we offer job placement assistance to all of our students, including those from out of state. Upon request, our dedicated team can help you seek out a new job by searching current job postings and reaching out to contacts in your area. We also help with resumé writing and interview prep.
If needed, we call up businesses on your behalf to see if they are hiring, including our preferred hiring partners. Our hiring partners in California are Every Dog, Force-Free Dog Training, Muttineer, The Canine Connection, and Ventura Pet Wellness.
Students attending our in-person programs must be close enough to reliably travel to our location in St. Charles, MO. However, we do have housing options for out-of-state students who would prefer to come in person.
APC housing is furnished with private rooms, and living areas are shared with other APC Students. The cost per week for housing is $175 (other fees may apply). Students enrolled in a Training program are allowed to have dogs in housing with them. These options fill up quickly so apply your deposit to lock in your room.
No, you do not need a dog training license in California. Currently, a license is not required to be a professional dog trainer in any U.S. state.
The average salary for California-based dog trainers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is $46,210 per year, but leadership roles in the industry can pay upwards of $60,000 - $70,000 per year.
Our programs are recognized in all 50 states of the US. Learn more about becoming a dog trainer in the states below:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
