Career Overview
Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.
Also Known As
- Dog Trainer
- Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI)
- Horse Trainer
- Trainer
Alternate Job Titles
- Agility Instructor
- Animal Handler
- Animal Trainer
- Bronc Breaker
- Bronc Buster
- Canine Handler
- Canine Service Teacher
- Cat Groomer
- Dog Groomer
- Dog Handler
- Dog Obedience Instructor
- Dog Show Judge
- Dog Trainer
- Dolphin Trainer
- Elephant Tamer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
- Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
- Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
- Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.
- Administer prescribed medications to animals.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Teach owners how to train their dogs.
- Teach people with visual impairments to use guide dogs.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Instructing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Speech Clarity
- Originality
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Fluency of Ideas
- Multilimb Coordination
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Perseverance
- Self-Control
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Atlassian JIRA
- Epic Systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Agility A-frames
- Agility dog walks
- Agility jumps
- Agility pause tables
- Agility see-saws
- Agility tire jumps
- Agility tunnels
- Agitation sticks
- Agitation whips
- Bite sleeves
- Bite suits
- Bite tugs
- Clicker targets
- Dog cooling vests
- Dog muzzles
Work Environment
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Spend Time Standing
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $29,120 |
| Median | $38,750 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $70,800 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 20,110
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Animal Caretakers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $33,470
Animal Breeders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,000
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $37,320
Animal Control Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,830
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $36,150
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.