Dog Training

Question: Do you need a license to start a dog training business?

(Posted by: Jessica on 2010-01-27 14:54:47)

I am an 18 year old i live im Michigan and i am wondering if i need a license to start a business in dog training i love working and training dogs i go to the votec in allegan and training is what i spend my time doing..

Posted by: Justice The Pit Bull on 2010-01-27, 14:58:31

You need a business license to start any business.

Posted by: Julie on 2010-01-27, 14:59:59

If you plan to charge people for training then you would need a certification. One can be certified for teaching basic obedience, all the way up to certification for service dogs, etc. If you are interested in this as a career, you may want to seek employment with a dog trainer who has a business already, you can learn a lot from that and you can also get some credit for being an apprentice.

Posted by: Truth Hurts, Doesn't It? on 2010-01-27, 15:03:05

You need a business license and insurance, yes. However i don't see many people flocking to have an 18 YO train their dogs. Got a mentor? Any practical, real life experience? How many of YOUR dogs have you titled? Volunteer work at local shelter? Even know anything about running a business physically and legally? If you want a LEGIT, money-paying business then focus on going to college for a business degree (there is no college degree for training as MOST stuff needs to be learned hands on in the field, under someone who has been in the field for years) . Find a few trainers and behaviorists to mentor under. Volunteer some time. Then work under a corporation or kennel club training group before branching off on your own. Very few training businesses are launched that easily or quickly. You need to build up a reputation and a background FIRST. Not to mention money.

Posted by: DogDog on 2010-01-27, 15:03:50

Simply, no. There are no regulations regarding Training. If you want to, you can call yourself a trainer starting now. I would recommend talking to a Positive Reinforcement trainer in your area to get an idea what the job involved, and some reliable places to get an education, I personally went through Animal Behavior College, and would recommend it to any one. Also, joining some groups like the CPDT and other organizations dedicated to the advancement of training are a good place to start. Not sure of any in the states (as I am in Canada) but if you wanted to look into som affiliates, you could also check out Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers for more info as well. Avoid organizations that deal with Punative style training (Dominance Theory, "Alpha Dog " trainers, pinch collars, choke chains, shock collars) as they are far behind the times. Align yourself with some Positive Reinforcement trainers for the most up-to-date science on the matter. Read lots of books, specifically "100 Silliest Things People Say About Dogs " (excellent!) Hope that helps, and good luck!

Posted by: Bobbie L on 2010-01-27, 15:05:53

Most likely, you'll need a business license from your city/ county. You will also need to obtain a liability insurance policy to cover should something happen to a dog while in your care. You will also need to be bonded for someone to trust their dog with a stranger. One other thing you'll need are references from the trainers you've trained under. You will also need to have basic knowledge of emergency medical care. You will also need to see a lawyer to have a legit contract made up.