Assistance dog trainer
Assistance dog trainers and instructors train dogs that help people to maintain their independence, like guide dogs.
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:
- pass enhanced background checks
- be over 18 years of age
- have a full driving licence
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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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.