How to Become a Seeing-Eye Dog Trainer: Career Guide

Learn how to become a seeing-eye dog trainer. Research the job description and the education and licensing requirements, and find out how to start a career as a seeing-eye dog trainer.

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Requirements for Becoming a Seeing-Eye Dog Trainer

Those interested in working with dogs and helping the blind can pursue a career as a seeing-eye dog trainer. While no strict path exists for becoming a seeing-eye dog trainer, some begin by earning a bachelor's degree in animal behavior, working with animals in a volunteer position and completing an apprenticeship program.

Common Requirements
Degree Level High school diploma or equivalent is required; some college-level courses may be required*
Degree Field Animal science, biology or related field*
Licensure and Certification Some states require licensure; certification is voluntary*
Experience Experience with animals can be helpful*
Key Skills Instructing, critical thinking, speaking, active learning, active listening, coordination, judgment and decision making**
Additional Requirements Patience and stamina*

Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **O*Net Online.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Some positions require that seeing-eye dog trainers hold a college degree. No particular field of study is necessary, but a Bachelor of Science in Biology program with a concentration in animal behavior could prove useful. These programs usually take four years to complete and focus on relationships between animals and their environments. Courses might include animal behavior, neurobiology and animal physiology.

Step 2: Gain Volunteer Experience

A career in seeing-eye dog training requires experience working directly with dogs. Prospective seeing-eye dog trainers can obtain this experience by volunteering at animal shelters or obedience schools, such as Guide Dogs For the Blind, a seeing-eye dog training school that offers a volunteer puppy-raising program. In this program, volunteers care for puppies from 8-18 weeks of age. Along with familiarizing puppies with human interaction, volunteers teach them fundamental obedience and manners.

Step 3: Complete an Apprenticeship

Prospective seeing-eye dog trainers can enter the occupation through an apprenticeship with a guide dog training school or association. These programs can last three years and provide apprentices with hands-on, supervised training with seeing-eye dogs. With experience and proven proficiency, apprentices may be given greater responsibility and offered permanent positions.

Step 4: Get Licensed

In some states, licensure is required to work as a seeing-eye dog trainer. For example, in California, licensure requires completion of a 3-year apprenticeship, passage of several exams and completion of continuing education courses to maintain licensure.

Step 5: Obtain Employment

If an apprenticeship program does not lead to permanent employment, seeing-eye dog trainers can apply for employment with a guide dog training school. Many employers prefer applicants with apprenticeship experience and require candidates to pass written exams before becoming trainers.

Step 5: Earn Certification

Seeing-eye dog trainers can demonstrate practical knowledge in animal training and behavior by earning certification through a professional organization. For example, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers offers the Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) designation to those who pass an exam. According to the council, exam candidates must have at least 300 hours of dog training experience within the past five years.

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