Getting Past the Application Service dog training programs are non-profit businesses, existing on donations and grants from the general public and foundations. This means two things that you should seriously consider when thinking about becoming a trainer. Salaries in this field are very low for the amount of time and work you put in. Though the field can be extremely rewarding, the non-profit sector pays far below what most college educated people expect to earn. Schools receive literally hundreds of applications per year.
Vacancies are rare at most programs, so opportunities to break in are few and far between.
You stand a better chance to be hired if you already work with the school in some capacity, such as a puppy raiser, puppy group leader or kennel worker. The Physical Side of the Job Imagine a 90 pound, energetic, one year old male Yellow Lab. Now imagine that you will walk him down the street at a controlled pace, allowing him to be out in front of you but not drag you along. You will now attempt to teach this dog to sit on command. Sure, he's had basic obedience, but he has just come to a new setting and is enjoying the raucous din of kennel life, rough housing with his buddies.