How to become Assistance dog trainer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
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
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
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Apprenticeship
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.
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
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Work
You could get into this job by starting as a kennel worker then move on to training dogs and working with their owners.
Volunteering
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.
Direct Application
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
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Further information
You can find out more about becoming an assistance dog trainer from: