We surveyed 1,140 dog trainers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical dog trainer. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a dog trainer?

Low

High

Working as a dog trainer typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a dog trainer?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a dog trainer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a dog trainer?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a dog trainer.

Info

Do dog trainers work full-time or part-time?

41% of dog trainers work in full-time roles while 59% work part-time.

Is being a dog trainer stressful?

Low

High

Dog trainers tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a dog trainer?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a dog trainer.

How competitive is the workplace for dog trainers?

Low

High

Dog trainers see mild competition in their workplace.

Does being a dog trainer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for dog trainers.

Are dog trainers allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Creativity is intrinsic to being a dog trainer, and a highly valuable part of the career.

Do dog trainers have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Dog trainers have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.

Is being a dog trainer physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a dog trainer may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are dog trainers exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Dog trainers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a dog trainer require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a dog trainer.

Does being a good dog trainer require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a dog trainer.