Become a Professional Dog Trainer With a Nationally Recognized Dog Training Certification and The Hands-On Experience to Back You Up
The Academy of Pet Careers in St. Charles, MO offers the region's most comprehensive in-person dog training program, built for
aspiring pet professionals who want more than a certificate–
they want a career.
Accelerated curriculum to launch professional dog training careers in just weeks
Modern, scientific training methods not available in most dog training programs
Job placement assistance and career resources for aspiring entrepreneurs
Small class sizes that ensure individualized instruction and maximize hands-on training
Learn How to Become
a Certified Dog Trainer
in Just a Few Months
Receive a free program guide and a call with our admissions team.
Contact Us - Training School
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Dog Training Quick Links
Dog Training Quick Links
Passion Meets Profession at Our Dog Training School in Missouri
The dog training program at The Academy of Pet Careers was designed with one goal in mind: to produce skilled, confident, career-ready professionals. We don't simply teach you how to train dogs, we prepare you to build a meaningful, lasting career doing it.
Whether you aspire to join an established organization, launch your own training business, or specialize in advanced disciplines like service dog training or competitive dog sports, our program gives you the expertise and industry connections to get there.
Learn basic and advanced obedience
skills and troubleshooting problems
Understand canine body language
and how to effectively communicate
Specialize your skills in
Service Dog Work or Dog Sports
Learn through reward-based,
force-free methodology of training
Why Aspiring Dog Trainers
Choose The Academy of Pet Careers
Hands-On Learning
Our curriculum is designed to mirror real-world practice. You'll work directly with dogs of varying breeds, ages, and behavioral profiles to build applied experience that can't be learned from a textbook.
Small Class Sizes
Our low student-to-instructor ratios ensure you receive individualized guidance tailored to your goals. With a maximum of 15 students per class, every learner receives direct attention from expert instructors.
Modern & Optimized Curriculum
The pet care world is constantly evolving, and so is our curriculum. We continuously update our programs to reflect the latest trends, techniques, and professional standards in the dog training industry.
Financial Aid
APC is approved by multiple funding organizations. Our admissions team will guide you through every possible financial aid option. We firmly believe cost should never stand between you and your calling.
Dual Certifications
APC students can pursue certifications across multiple disciplines within the same institution. A dual certification broadens professional experience, improves marketability, and increases earning potential.
Set Up For Success
Every element of our program is catered towards your professional success. The curriculum, instructor, facility, and support systems in place all exist to ensure you graduate prepared to excel.
Job Support & Business Resources
Our commitment to your success doesn't end at graduation. You'll graduate with access to our network of hiring partners, career resources, and guidance for launching your own training business.
Job Ready in Just Months
Our accelerated programs are built for efficiency without sacrificing depth. Whether you complete our Professional or Specialized Training Program, you'll graduate ready to enter the industry.
100% Money Back Guarantee
Our money back guarantee is also known as our “drop window”. It is a 14 calendar-day period at the beginning of a program that allows students to be sure that they have picked out the perfect program for them.
We stand behind the value of all the programs we offer. That's why every new student is protected by APC's 14-day satisfaction guarantee — a full tuition refund window (excluding equipment costs and deposit) at the start of each program, with no questions asked. If for any reason the program isn't the right fit, your investment is protected. Enroll with complete confidence.
What Our Certified Graduates Say
About Their Training at The Academy of Pet Careers
It is great to get hands-on experience learning how
to teach the dogs in a positive way. It is nice with both
teachers dividing their attention answering any
questions we have and getting help from highly
experienced professionals. I recommend this school
to everyone who is interested in learning
how to train dogs.
Ellie Buntenbach
I graduated from Training, Grooming, and PEP.
I use the skills I learned at the APC ever 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. The grooming
portion is good too. I have my own successful
business now, and part of that is because of the APC.
If you are considering a career in this field this is a good place to see if training or grooming is your passion.
I sure found mine! Also, the 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.
Taylor Rose Medlin
During my time at The Academy of Pet Careers,
I had the opportunity to work hands on with dogs and
learn how to communicate with pet parents. Working
hands on with different breeds, ages and behavior
types allows you to learn how to train all dogs
and gain invaluable experience. I would highly
recommend this school to anyone interested in dog
training, dog behavior, or working with animals.
Toni Alaimo
Pet Companies That Hire Our Graduates
Wages and Employment Outlook for Dog Trainers
In recent years, dog trainers have seen increasing demand for their services. This career path provides
several perks, such as flexible hours, options for specialization and, if desired, the ability to be your own boss.
1,000+
Active dog trainer job postings
(Indeed)
$45,780
Average dog trainer salary
(US Bureau of Labor Stats)
11%
Projected job growth by 2034
(US Bureau of Labor Stats)
Dog Training Curriculum That Builds The Expertise,
Credentials, and Competence to Launch a Lasting Career
Professional Dog Trainer Program
A Trainer's Toolkit
30+ Basic & Intermediate Skills
Basic Tricks
Luring/Shaping/Capturing
Troubleshooting & Skill Maintenance
Solving Problem Unwanted Behaviors
Creating a Training Plan
Group Class Instruction
Client Evaluation & Communication
Starting a Training Business
Learning Theory
Canine Communication
Canine Body language
Pet Safety & Enrichment
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Pet CPR & First Aid
I highly recommend studying professional training at The Academy of Pet Careers! It is a lot of hands-on which is very helpful. The teachers and staff are so amazing and you can almost pretty much make your own schedule. You can go to school and still have a job and the staff is very understanding about your goals.
Katarina Ziegler
I absolutely love attending school here! I am a student in their dog training program at the moment. Everyone is very kind and welcoming and Jody is an outstanding Teacher! I could not imagine a better place to learn about something I'm so passionate about.
Cassie Christensen
Specialized Dog Trainer Program
Everything In Professional Trainer
Intro to Service Dog Training
10+ Service Dog Skills
Advanced Retrieving
Service Dog Laws & Regulations
Dog Selection & Puppy Raising
Service Dog Business Models
Intro to Dog Sports
Dog Sport Safety & Equipment
Competition Rules & Regulations
Hosting Dog Sport Classes
Agility Practical Skills
Nose Work Practical Skills
Intro to Disc Dog, Treibball, and more...
Professional Dog Trainer Program
A Trainer's Toolkit
30+ Basic & Intermediate Skills
Basic Tricks
Luring/Shaping/Capturing
Troubleshooting & Skill Maintenance
Solving Problem Unwanted Behaviors
Creating a Training Plan
Group Class Instruction
Client Evaluation & Communication
Starting a Training Business
Learning Theory
Canine Communication
Canine Body language
Pet Safety & Enrichment
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Pet CPR & First Aid
I highly recommend studying professional training at The Academy of Pet Careers! It is a lot of hands-on which is very helpful. The teachers and staff are so amazing and you can almost pretty much make your own schedule. You can go to school and still have a job and the staff is very understanding about your goals.
Katarina Ziegler
Specialized Dog Trainer Program
Everything In Professional Trainer
Intro to Service Dog Training
10+ Service Dog Skills
Advanced Retrieving
Service Dog Laws & Regulations
Dog Selection & Puppy Raising
Service Dog Business Models
Intro to Dog Sports
Dog Sport Safety & Equipment
Competition Rules & Regulations
Hosting Dog Sport Classes
Agility Practical Skills
Nose Work Practical Skills
Intro to Disc Dog, Trebball, and more...
I absolutely love attending school here! I am a student in their dog training program at the moment. Everyone is very kind and welcoming and Jody is an outstanding Teacher! I could not imagine a better place to learn about something I'm so passionate about.
Cassie Christensen
Why In-Person Training
Produces Better Dog Trainers
Hands-on courses are more personalized and comprehensive, offering maximum value for your time.
Live courses are customizable to your unique learning style. Everybody learns at their own pace and no one gets left behind.
You learn from experienced dog training professionals who know what it takes to succeed in the industry.
Interactive classwork makes learning more enjoyable, and therefore, more memorable.
You learn in a positive and friendly environment with a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for pets.
Is This Program For You?
The Academy of Pet Careers' in-person dog training school is an ideal fit if you're pursuing a career with flexibility and specialization potential, seeking employment with a reputable organization in the pet industry, or building toward ownership of your own dog training business.
This program may be the right fit if you:
-
Want to become a professional dog trainer
-
Are passionate about canine behavior and learning
-
Want a career that combines purpose, independence, and growth
-
Plan to work with clients or start your own training business
-
Are ready to build practical, real-world skills—not just theoretical knowledge
The Academy of Pet Careers in Action
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