Assistance dog trainer

Assistance dog trainers and instructors train dogs that help people to maintain their independence, like guide dogs.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you'll:

  • work with volunteers who foster puppies and young dogs
  • assess dogs to go forward for training
  • train dogs to the standards required
  • match dogs to new owners
  • train dogs and owners together
  • provide aftercare and support for owners and their dogs
  • keep accurate records

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become an area team supervisor, training manager or regional manager.

You could move into related jobs like veterinary nurse or RSPCA inspector.

You could also set up your own business and provide services like dog behaviour classes or private dog training.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work on your own
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • knowledge of teaching and instructing
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Most relevant

  • Biology - Assistance dog trainers need to understand animal biology, including how dogs develop physically and mentally at different life stages. Knowledge of canine health, nutrition, and sensory systems helps them assess whether a dog is suitable for training and keep animals in peak condition.
  • Psychology - Assistance dog trainers use principles of learning and behaviour – such as positive reinforcement and conditioning – to shape how dogs respond to commands and situations. They also need to understand human psychology when matching dogs to owners and supporting people with conditions like anxiety, autism, or dementia.

Also relevant

  • Physical Education - Assistance dog trainers spend much of their time on their feet, working outdoors in all weathers, and physically handling dogs during training sessions. Understanding fitness, body movement, and stamina helps them manage the physical demands of the role.
  • Sociology - Assistance dog trainers work closely with people who have a range of disabilities and need to understand the social barriers and challenges they face. This awareness helps them provide sensitive, person-centred support when matching dogs to owners and delivering aftercare.
  • English Language - Assistance dog trainers write detailed records of each dog's progress and produce reports on assessments and training outcomes. They also need strong communication skills to clearly instruct owners, liaise with volunteers, and explain training techniques in ways that are easy to follow.
  • Business - Assistance dog trainers may progress into management roles or set up their own dog training businesses. Understanding how to manage finances, market services, and handle client relationships is valuable for those who want to work independently.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

You could do a course at college which may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to do this job.

Courses include:

  • Level 1 or 2 Diploma in Animal Care
  • T Level in Animal Care and Management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

You may be able to apply for a place on an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

With experience, you could move on to do an Animal Training Instructor Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

You could get into this job by starting as a kennel worker then move on to training dogs and working with their owners.

You could gain experience of working with dogs and using positive training techniques through volunteering.

This might include:

  • volunteering at kennels
  • helping at a dog rescue centre
  • working for an animal welfare organisation

Do IT has more information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got some experience of working with dogs.

You'll need:

  • knowledge of basic dog handling and positive training techniques
  • understanding of the issues faced by disabled people

Depending on the people they support, some employers may also ask for more specific skills like:

  • sign language when working with deaf people
  • experience of teaching or instructing people
  • knowledge of specific conditions like epilepsy, dementia, sight loss or autism

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an assistance dog trainer from:

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