How to become
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 would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to do this job.
Courses include:
- animal care
- canine training and behaviour
- companion animal behaviour and training
- T Level in Animal Care and Management
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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 apply for a place on an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
With experience, you could move on to do an Animal Training Instructor Level 4 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. Your employer would put you through an assistance dog training programme.
You'll need a good understanding of canine behaviour and be confident when handling dogs.
Volunteering
You could get 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. You'll usually need at least 3 or 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths and English, plus 1 to 2 years' experience of working with dogs.
You'll also need:
- knowledge of basic dog handling and training methods
- an awareness of the issues faced by disabled people and vulnerable groups
Depending on the people they support, some employers may also ask for more specific skills like:
- sign language for working with deaf people
- experience of teaching, instructing or mentoring
- knowledge of specific conditions like epilepsy, dementia, sight loss or autism
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Career tips
It's important to have a good understanding of the benefits an assistance or companion dog can bring to your clients' lives.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming an assistance dog trainer from: