Assistance dog trainer

Also known as: Dog training and behaviour adviser

What you'll do

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

Day-to-day tasks

• 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

Where you could work

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.

Working hours

35 to 40 hours per week

When you could work

Skills 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
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to become one

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• working towards this role

College

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

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

You may be able to start by doing an intermediate apprenticeship as an animal care and welfare assistant.

With experience, you could move onto an animal trainer higher apprenticeship.

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

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.
• You'll need to have a full driving licence

More information

You can find out more about this career from:

On 4 November 2024, the government announced that uni tuition fees will rise in 2025. We know that may be a cause of anxiety for applicants,...

article

1 min reading

Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

Whether you’re an expert on apprenticeships, or still developing your knowledge and confidence – these free resources will give you ever...

article

2 min reading

Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

Last month saw over 5,200 career seekers gather in Stoke Mandeville Stadium for our annual jobs fair. Want to see what they got up to?

article

2 min reading

Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

Following the recent announcement that Bucks Skills Show is back and bigger than ever, here's why you should add the dates to your diary…

article

3 min reading

Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

Find key advice, resources and support to help you to prepare, deliver and reflect on Results Days.

article

1 min reading

Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2022 have been announced!

article

1 min reading

Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →