Assistant Dog Trainer

An Assistant Dog Trainer uses a range of training strategies to get dogs to follow commands or do specific duties. You might also work with dogs to eliminate negative behaviour or address a particular issue. You might train one dog at a time or work with dogs in a group setting. Your role might be with domestic pets or service animals like security dogs or assistance animals.

Assistant Dog Trainers need to have excellent dog handling skills but should also be good at communicating with people. You’ll often have to share your knowledge with dog owners or handlers and you might work as part of a larger team. Being an Assistant Dog Trainer can be physically demanding and you might work irregular hours or on weekends. You’ll need to be patient and have a good understanding of animal behaviour.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $52,000
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a assistant dog trainer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 12 months
$0 - $7,448
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Wildlife Carer
Zoo Keeper Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Animal Welfare Officer Animal Nutritionist Wildlife Officer
+ 15 more
ACM40418

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $21,546
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant
Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian
+ 9 more
  • Completed Certificate III (AQF Level 3) or above in an animal science discipline OR
  • Completed Certificate II in Animal Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Equine Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Veterinary Emergency Nurse Wildlife Rehabilitator Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Technician Veterinarian + 9 more
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
9 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Equine Veterinary Nurse Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Sheep Shearer Wool Worker Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Animal Trainer Veterinary Emergency Nurse Animal Welfare Officer Animal Health Officer Animal Technician
+ 14 more

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $32,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Behaviourist Animal Welfare Officer Wildlife Officer
Zoo Keeper Animal Control Officer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Management Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Trainer
+ 7 more
ACM40322

Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 20 months
$0 - $22,166
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Zoo Keeper
Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Trainer Animal Behaviourist Zoo Keeper Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer + 4 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Apprentice Animal Trainer

An Apprentice Animal Trainer modifies animal behaviour, trains therapy, service, and performance animals, and guides owners on handling techniques.

Avg yearly income $49,920
Skill level Beginner

Animal Trainer

An Animal Trainer teaches commands and behaviours to various animals, educates owners on training strategies, and requires patience, skill, and communication.

Avg yearly income $65,000
Skill level Beginner

Animal Behaviourist

An Animal Behaviourist identifies and addresses behavioural issues in animals, creating training programmes while advising owners on effective solutions.

Avg yearly income $78,520
Skill level Advanced

Dog Trainer

A Dog Trainer teaches dogs and their owners new behaviours and skills, addressing issues like aggression or social skills while requiring patience and strong communication.

Avg yearly income $69,940
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does an Assistant Dog Trainer earn?

In Australia, a full time Assistant Dog Trainer generally earns $1,000 per week ($52,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Assistant Dog Trainer?

There’s been an increase in the number of dog handlers and trainers in recent years. There are currently 1,100 people in this industry in Australia and many of them work as Assistant Dog Trainers. This type of work can be found in all areas of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Assistant Dog Trainer?

A Certificate III in Animal Studies is a great qualification to have if you want to work as an Assistant Dog Trainer. You might be able to specialise in a particular area of interest and will learn about all aspects of animal health, nutrition and hygiene.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to start a career in Dog Training

26th August 2021)

How to start a career as a Personal Assistant

2nd December 2021)

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

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