Any great ideas on how to break into a new field?

[Todax69]

I'm about to turn 55, and have been a cabinetmaker for the past 25 years. I live just outside of DC and have lost nearly all my usual jobs to illegals that need much less money to live, and that care little about the laws or taxes I'm forced to comply with to maintain clients. So much for bitching!
I feel I have great communication with canines and would love to develop a new career with such faithful companions and would love any advice that might get me started. I have taught many canines in the past without any formal training, including 6 dobes of my own, and have done some amazing things with them. Granted, I prefer a laid back approach, and prefer a greatful child attitude as opposed to an obediant "comandee". You can get a peek at my present fellow at Youtube.com/Todax69. Please understand three big things before you go there. I use an abundance of sign language, teach that praise sometimes comes after a series of successes instead of after each one, and always post unedited clips shortly after learning new skills. Compliance with requests at this point isn't the point, just suceeding in getting the job done. Also, pardon my poor video skills and know that next time either Bane or I will be wearing boxers to please the ladies.
Any help you might have to offer in pointing me into a new direction would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lizzybeth727]

Hi, welcome to Chaz!

When I first started as a trainer, I was upset that I'd have to go through a training course, because I had trained my own dogs and done it well - anyone who met them complimented us on our training. But very soon after starting the course, I realized that there was a huge difference between training your own dogs and training other people to train their dogs. They are looking for quick results, and often if the first thing you suggest does not work they give up. Plus I know how to pick a dog for myself, and trainability is high on my list... but most people don't know how to pick the right dog, and often end up with a breed or an individual dog that's completely unsuited to them.

Anyway, if you want to be a professional trainer, the first thing I'd suggest is to decide what kind of training methods you want to use. It sounds like you've been thinking about this already, and that's good. Get some books on the methods that you want to use, and really do some studying. Then find a trainer who uses the methods you want to use, and start taking classes from that trainer. If you still like him/her, start discussing the possibility of apprenticing/assisting, as this is a great way to really learn how to do it yourself. From there, you should start getting an idea of what the market is like in your area and where you and your individual skills would find a niche.

Unfortunately, most dog trainers do not make much money. You have to have experience to get clients, and if you don't have experience you'll probably be working for free to start getting some experience.

You could also start training at Petsmart, they have their own training program (paid training!), and it's a quick way to start teaching your own classes. There are a lot of bad trainers at Petsmart, but there are also a lot of good ones (including several here on this forum). (I've never met a Petco trainer I was impressed with, though; I actually have a friend who was a Petco trainer for a few years and she knows NOTHING about training, even now; it's actually quite sad.)

Good luck!

 

[Todax69]

Finally, some great advice. You don't get that from CL forum.

I will look into the Petsmart thing, and have plans to meet with the owner of the largest animal hospital in my area soon. I knew him before he grew so large (he's a woodworker buff I once gave a machine to), so I'm pretty sure I might get some experience helping through him. That would be pro-bono work, but good generic experience. Unfortunately, money is a huge issue right now; heavy with debt.
The biggest problem I have to overcome is "wanting" to adapt to what most trainers insist upon which I personally feel is too rigid and regimented, but it would be nice to have that style in my pocket.
I understand about the Petco trainer. Just because you can pass a test doesn't mean you know how to apply the knowledge. I have always looked at the fact that no one is too stupid or unconventional to teach you something. You just have to be smart enough to pick and choose what's of use.
I also will be going into this with the attitude that if I achieve the clients's goals, they'll owe me, otherwise it would be a freebie just for trying. Requires a lot of trust that they'll be fair and honest, but I sleep well knowing I'm fair and honest.
Really appreciate the feedback and your time to help me in this endeavor. Thanx a heap.

 

[corgipower]

I've never met a Petco trainer I was impressed with, though

I'm a Petco trainer, BTW.

 

[Todax69]

Gotta love that honesty.

I know exactly what you mean. I work by myself as a cabinetmaker for that exact reason; others just think of it as a job. Believe me, there is always good and bad in every bag of nuts, you just gotta keep your eyes and mind open.

 

[lizzybeth727]

I'm a Petco trainer, BTW.

Sorry! I honestly didn't know that!

Seriously, though, I've met probably at least 5 petco trainers (that I know of!) and you would be the first one to know ANYTHING at ALL about training.