How To Become A Dog Trainer

Whether you’ve already decided this is what you want to do, or you’re still working out whether dog training could be the right next career for you, there’s a route to suit where you are now.

Already know you want to become a dog trainer?

Go straight to the Full Dog Trainer Certificate Programme and see exactly what’s involved — including upcoming training dates, the live online and practical training, what’s included and the cost.

Explore the Full Programme

For over 10 years, I’ve helped people from all sorts of backgrounds — teachers, carers, dog walkers, groomers, retirees and complete career-changers — become confident, capable dog trainers.

Not ready to jump straight into the full programme? That’s absolutely fine. You can start smaller, build your skills and confidence, and decide whether you want to take the next step.

Scroll down to explore your options.

Upcoming Training Dates

Live Online Training Days

Your online training is split across two Saturdays, giving you time between sessions to start putting what you’ve learned into place.

Day 1

• Saturday 12 September 2026
• Saturday 10 October 2026
• Saturday 14 November 2026

Day 2

• Saturday 26 September 2026
• Saturday 24 October 2026
• Saturday 28 November 2026

You don’t need to book individual online dates. 

Once you’ve joined the Complete Programme, simply attend the online sessions that work for you. We’ll send you reminders and joining details before each session, so you don’t need to keep track of them yourself.

Can’t make them live? The sessions are recorded, so you won’t miss your training.

3-Day Practical Training

Choose the practical course that works best for you:

27–29 October 2026

or

2–4 March 2027

The practical training takes place in person over three consecutive days.

Small group — maximum 4 students.

Book Now

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“Sandra and the team were amazing! The abundance of knowledge and teaching skills they have to help others go into that line of business is second to none. I thoroughly enjoyed the training programme and left feeling confident to put it all into practice and start my own training business.”

Bethan – TT Graduate

Know This Is for You, But Prefer to Take It One Step at a Time?

Step 1 — Start with the 2-Day Live Online Training

You’ll learn:

• How dogs learn
• How adults learn – because being a dog trainer is as much about teaching people as it is about teaching dogs
• How to find your venue
• How to find your first clients
• Business set up – booking systems, pricing, insurance, all the practical stuff
• Lesson planning and class structure
• The roles and responsibiilties of a dog trainer

Everything you need to be ready to get started with your first paying clients.

By the end of this weekend, you should have your venue sorted, your booking system ready, and possibly even clients lined up.

🎁Bonus: The Dog Trainer Business Blueprint.
Every student receives Sandra’s comprehensive business guide – covering everything from your 30-day launch plan to pricing, client systems, marketing and long-term growth. Yours to keep.

Available dates:

Day 1 dates:

• September 12th
• October 10th
• November 14th

Day 2 dates:

• September 26th
• October 24th
• November 28th

Ready to book your Two Days Now?

Learn More About the 2-Day Theory Weekend

Book Your Spot –  £295

Remember this is recorded. You don’t have to book your attendance dates. Reminders will be sent.

Step 2 — 3-Day In-Person Practical Training — £2,200

This is where theory becomes reality. Three intensive days of hands-on training with real dogs in real scenarios.

You’ll work in a small group (maximum 4 students) with me directly, learning how to:

• Run engaging, and effective group training sessions
• How to manage people with different personalities
• How to adapt your lesson plan to suit the needs of the group
• How to manage people and dogs in a group environment
• Things to be aware of when teaching a group outside
• PDF documents to use as Lead Magnets (something else we’ll cover) to get your customers
• Full video course for all training activities up to Silver Level
• Lifetime support with monthly zoom and WhatsApp group
• Access to specialist training in Pet Gundog and Truffle Hunting

You must complete the 3-Day In Person to complete your NDTA Dog Trainer Certification.

You’ll leave the 3-Day In Person course, certified, confident, and ready to trade as a professional dog trainer with the back up of the full practical training in professional videos.

Book Your Spot – £2,200

Available in person dates:

Tues 27th – Thurs 29th October 2026

Tues 2nd – Thurs 4th March 2027

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“I was more than apprehensive about the public speaking part, but knew I had to get a grip of it. By the end of the week, with Sandra and Tracey’s guidance, I felt I’d conquered it. Great people who know their stuff and how to deliver it.”

Stephen – TT Graduate

Book Your Spot – £2,200

Want to save £500?
Book both together as the Complete Programme for £1,995.

Button back to Complete Programme.

Book Now

The testimonials below are from students who completed our previous multi-level programme. The 5-Day Intensive delivers the same quality training and support — just in a more focused, results-driven format.

How Do I Become A Dog Trainer?

There is no single route to becoming a dog trainer in the UK. Some people start by helping friends and family with their dogs, while others choose a structured training programme that provides practical experience, mentoring and business support. The most successful dog trainers combine dog training knowledge with strong people skills, practical experience and a willingness to keep learning throughout their career.

Read also: 7 Steps to Becoming A Dog Trainer

What Qualifications Do I Need To Become A Dog Trainer?

There is no legal requirement to hold a qualification before working as a dog trainer in the UK. However, qualifications can help build your knowledge, confidence and credibility. When choosing a course, look beyond the certificate itself. Practical experience, learning to teach people, manage and co-ordinate groups during your training activites and ongoing mentoring are often just as important as the qualification you receive.

Can I become a dog trainer later in life?

Absolutely you can. I was 50 when I set out on this road, and my oldest student so far, was 78.  Many dog trainers start their careers in their 40s, 50s and beyond. In fact, life experience, patience, communication skills and confidence working with people can be huge advantages when helping dog owners and their dogs.

Read: Am I Too Old To Be A Dog Trainer

How much can a dog trainer earn?

Income varies considerably depending on your business model. It takes time to build up a steady client base. Some dog trainers work part-time alongside another career. Some people, like me, work part-time alongside their full-time job, while they build their business. Others, mainly people in a financial position to do so, jump ship straight away and go for it. Many of my students, who are keen to escape from their current role as quickly as possible, do individual dog walks, or dog training walks to help boost their income and build their client database. Like any business, your earnings will depend on the effort you put in and the services you offer. In my experience you need to be prepared to run classes initially, even if you don’t want to do this forever and you must be prepared to work weekends and evenings to make a good living.

What makes a good dog trainer?

A good dog trainer needs more than dog training skills. Observation, communication, patience, problem-solving and the ability to teach people are often the qualities that make the biggest difference to long-term success.

Read: Why People Really Become Dog Trainers

Do I need my own dog to become a dog trainer?

No. While owning a dog can be helpful, it isn’t essential. Good dog trainers learn to work with a wide variety of dogs, breeds, temperaments and owners rather than relying solely on experience with their own dog. I have many students who have trained before getting a dog, then they get a dog when their life allows them too. This means they also have direct empathy with their clients. They are experiencing what any new dog or puppy owner experiences. For those of us whose dogs are older, it can be difficult to remember what those early days with a new dog or pup are really like.

Can I become a dog trainer part-time?

Yes. See the answer to How Much Can A Dog Trainer Earn for more information on the different business models available to a dog trainer.

Do I need business experience to become a dog trainer?

No. Many successful dog trainers start with little or no business experience. However, understanding customer service, being prepared to provide the best service you possibly is vital. You will need marketing skills which you can learn as you go. Social media, especially facebook and instagram are good ways to grow initially, but not the only way.

Is dog training a good career?

For the right person, dog training can be an incredibly rewarding career. It offers the opportunity to help dogs and their owners, work outdoors, build your own business and create a lifestyle that works for you. It can be hard going in the winter so you do need to be hardy. It gives you control over your life and earnings. But everything comes at a cost, so there are sacrifices to be made – maybe you’ll have to get an early night on a Friday, when your friends are out partying because you have a dog training class early the next morning.

What is the biggest misconception about becoming a dog trainer?

Most people think dog training is all about dogs. In reality, a large part of the job involves teaching, coaching and supporting people. The most successful dog trainers are often excellent communicators as well as skilled trainers. They have great personal skills and are able to make people feel good about themselves. A good dog trainer offers no judgement, just understanding and support. A good dog trainer is someone other people love to be around.

Read: Why People Really Become Dog Trainers

How do I know if becoming a dog trainer is right for me?

If you enjoy helping people, solving problems, learning new skills, building confidence in others, and being outdoors, dog training could be a great fit. The best way to find out is to spend time with experienced trainers and see what the role is really like day-to-day.

How long does it take to become a dog trainer?

Learning never stops. 16 years in and I am still learning. The day you stop learning is the day you should step out. However, with the right training, mentoring and practical experience, many people can begin developing the skills needed to work with dogs and their owners far sooner than they imagine. Every person is different. Some complete a course and are up and running within the first couple of weeks, others take it more slowly over several months or even years.