How to Create a Dog Trainer Resume

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Dog training has become a very popular activity among people who have 4-paw friends who want to enrich their life and build discipline. Some dog owners are seeking professional instructions for working with their pets at home, but some turn to professional trainers. 

When you have a small-breed dog, you can choose the most comfortable alternative for yourself, but when you are an owner of a large breed, and you know that you are responsible for its behavior, you should consider working with an expert trainer. 

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Recently, the Internet has been full of publications about XL Bully and this particular breed will be banned in the UK. As a result of this ban, many people have begun taking a closer look at their responsibilities as a dog owner. For those with poorly-behaved dogs, many have begun looking for dog trainers.

When a person wants to entrust his/her dog to a professional ,they want to choose someone who is experienced and can effectively train their dog. 

If you are a dog trainer who is looking for clients, we will tell you how to complete a resume that can bring you customers. If you’d rather take a more passive approach, you can browse various resume writing companies and ask a professional CV writer to help. Otherwise, following these instructions will guide you to effectively writing a dog trainer resume on your own. 

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Contact Information

The very first line of your resume has to be dedicated to your contact information. This is one of the most important sections as a reliable professional needs to be easily reached. 

What kind of information do you have to put down?

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Location (city and state)

Professional Summary

Write a brief summary and highlight your experience and key skills. You can also tailor your professional summary if you are applying to a specific position, including key skills that relate.

Example:

Certified Dog Trainer with over 5 years of experience in behavior modification, obedience training, and agility training. Adept at working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments and committed to using positive reinforcement techniques. Strong communicator with a passion for improving the bond between dogs and their owners.

Skills

Enlist all the relevant skills using a bullet-point format that will help your potential client easily navigate your competence. Remember to focus only on the skills that match the job description.

Example:

  • Obedience Training
  • Behavior Modification
  • Positive Reinforcement Techniques
  • Agility Training
  • Puppy Training
  • Canine First Aid
  • Client Communication
  • Customized Training Programs

Professional Experience

Detail your work experience and focus on the roles that are relevant to dog training. In this place, you should include previous job titles, employers, locations, and dates of employment. You can also use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements so they are visually striking to the reader.

Example: 

Assistant Dog Trainer

Pawsitive Training Solutions, Los Angeles, CA

January 2016 – May 2018

– Assisted lead trainers in obedience and behavior modification classes.

– Observed and recorded dog behavior to tailor training approaches.

– Provided support and guidance to pet owners during training sessions.

– Maintained training equipment and ensured a safe environment for dogs and clients.

Education

At this stage, you have to enlist your educational background as well as include all the relevant certifications.

Example:

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
Completed: March 2016

Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior
University of California, Davis
Graduated: June 2015

Certifications and Memberships

Name all the additional certifications, memberships in professional organizations, ongoing education, etc. that you have earned. Even if a specific certification doesn’t relate to dog training specifically, it can be a good idea to include it such as first aid training, CPR, 

For example: 

  • Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
  • Certified Canine First Aid Provider
  • Continuing Education in Canine Behavior and Psychology

Optional Points

If you use these helpful tips, then you’re on your way to creating a stellar dog training resume! For those looking for that extra magic, we have some additional tips to stand out from the crowd.

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Volunteer Experience

If you have relevant volunteer experience, include it to show your dedication and community involvement.

Example: 

Volunteer Dog Trainer

Animal Rescue Shelter, San Francisco, CA

August 2015 – December 2015

– Provided training and socialization for rescue dogs to improve adoption rates.

– Assisted in the rehabilitation of dogs with behavioral issues.

Additional Skills

Include any other relevant information, such as languages spoken or special projects. Noting that you are multilingual is a unique skill to include and could help you land future jobs that are seeking for specific candidates. Additionally, you will be able to capture different kinds of clients by noting your array of language skills.

Crafting a strong resume is only half the battle when you are searching for a job or seeking new clients. Once you’ve written a great resume and cover letter, go over it again and check for any grammatical errors or things you might have overlooked. You should also let friends and family members give your resume a once-over to ensure you haven’t missed anything. 

Your resume should represent your best self and what value you can add to clients and employers. We hope this guide will be helpful to you and provide you with all the essential information to better understand how to compose a strong dog trainer resume!

Author Byline

Michael Fowler is a personal statement writer who has over a decade of experience crafting compelling resumes and career guides for his clients. Michael graduated from the University of Chicago with a PhD in 2018, and now, he specializes in helping professionals, including dog trainers, present their skills and experiences effectively. Michael’s meticulous attention to detail ensures success for his clients.

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