In the ever-growing pet care industry, skilled dog trainers are in high demand. A well-crafted dog trainer resume can set you apart from the competition, showcasing not only your qualifications but also your passion for canine training.

This article provides valuable tips and examples to help you create a document that highlights your unique skills and experiences, making a lasting impression on potential employers.

From structuring your resume effectively to emphasizing relevant training techniques and certifications, we’ll guide you through the key elements that will elevate your job application.

Dog trainer resume examples

Military dog trainer resume sample

Military dog trainer resume template

Military dog trainer resume template
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Resume for military dog trainers | Plain text

Pauline Welch

Location: San Diego, CA
Phone: (619) 555-1234
Email: paulinewelch@example.com

Objective

Dedicated and experienced Military Dog Trainer with 12+ years of service, specializing in canine obedience, security training, and explosives detection. Seeking a position that leverages my skills in behavior modification and military readiness in support of national security efforts.

Experience

Military Working Dog Handler & Trainer

United States Marine Corps - Camp Pendleton, CA

April 2015 – October 2024

  • Trained military working dogs (MWDs) in obedience, patrol, detection of explosives, and search operations.
  • Developed individualized training programs for dogs used in high-risk environments such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
  • Led a team of dog handlers, overseeing daily training sessions, field exercises, and mission preparation.
  • Conducted over 200 successful deployments with canine units, ensuring the safety of military personnel and civilians.
  • Trained junior handlers on best practices in working with MWDs.

Military Dog Training Instructor

341st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base - San Antonio, TX

January 2012 – April 2015

  • Taught military working dog handling and training to over 150 U.S. and allied military personnel annually.
  • Developed specialized curriculum for explosive and narcotics detection.
  • Worked closely with veterinarians and behavioral specialists to monitor canine health and performance.

Skills

  • Advanced canine behavior and training techniques
  • Explosives and narcotics detection
  • Obedience and protection training
  • Security and patrol operations
  • Team leadership and mentorship
  • Field deployment and mission readiness
  • Veterinary collaboration and canine health monitoring

Certifications

  • Canine First Aid and CPR, American Red Cross – June 2015
  • Explosives Detection Certification, TSA Explosives Detection Canine Program – September 2013
  • Certified Military Working Dog Trainer, 341st Training Squadron, Lackland AFB – May 2012

Education

Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior

University of California, Davis CA

Graduated: 2010

Deployment Experience

  • Afghanistan (2018). Led a team of 4 MWD handlers during a 6-month deployment, providing security sweeps and explosive detection in high-risk areas. Conducted 75 successful missions ensuring safe passage for military personnel and convoys.
  • Iraq (2016). Participated in over 50 joint missions with allied forces, utilizing MWDs for explosives detection, ensuring mission safety and neutralization of threats in volatile environments.

Strong sides of this dog trainer resume:

  • It demonstrates leadership capabilities, with experience leading a team of dog handlers and providing training to junior employers.
  • Certifications specific to military operations emphasize expertise in critical defense-related canine tasks.
  • The inclusion of deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq strengthens the candidate's real-world expertise in high-risk environments.
How to properly format a resume for a dog trainer?
  • Choose a clean, professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or overly stylized fonts.
  • Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for the body text. Your name at the top can be slightly larger (14-16 points) to stand out.
  • Aim for a resume length of one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience.
  • If you have extensive experience or numerous certifications, a two-page resume is acceptable, but keep it concise.
  • Start with your name, followed by your contact information (phone number, email address, and location).
  • Add standard margins (1 inch on all sides) to ensure your document looks clean and organized.
  • Use bullet points instead of paragraphs to make it easy for hiring managers to skim your resume quickly.
  • Start each bullet point with strong action verbs (e.g., trained, evaluated, implemented).
  • Make sure the name is professional (e.g., "Jane_Doe_Dog_Trainer_Resume.pdf") when sending the file electronically.

To avoid any formatting challenges and ensure your document looks polished, consider using a resume builder online.

Resume Trick offers customizable resume templates that are optimized for readability and professionalism, helping you focus on the content rather than the design.

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Private dog trainer resume example

Sample private dog trainer resume

Sarah Jenkins

Location: New York, NY
Phone: (212) 555-7890
Email: sarahjenkins@example.com

Objective

Professional Dog Trainer with over 7 years of experience providing private training services for obedience, behavior modification, and specialty training. Committed to enhancing the bond between dogs and their owners through positive reinforcement and customized training programs.

Experience

Private Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist

K9 Evolution Dog Training - New York, NY

June 2019 – Present

  • Provide private one-on-one dog training sessions focused on basic obedience, advanced commands, and behavior modification.
  • Specialize in working with aggressive, fearful, and reactive dogs using a reward-based approach.
  • Conducted over 500 successful training sessions for clients in the New York City metropolitan area.
  • Create personalized training plans based on the unique needs of each dog and owner, including leash manners, off-leash recall, and household behavior.
  • Offer boarding and training services for clients seeking intensive programs over several weeks.

Assistant Dog Trainer

The Dog Wizard - Brooklyn, NY

March 2017 – June 2019

  • Assisted senior trainers in group and private training classes, working with dogs of various breeds and sizes.
  • Focused on foundational obedience training, puppy socialization, and leash behavior.
  • Gained experience in client communication, conducting evaluations, and setting up training plans for dogs with behavioral issues.

Skills

  • Positive reinforcement training
  • Behavior modification for aggressive/fearful dogs
  • Private and group training sessions
  • Puppy training and socialization
  • Customized training plans
  • Communication with clients
  • Leash and off-leash training

Certifications

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers – July 2018
  • Fear Free Certified Professional, Fear Free Pets – March 2019
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, American Kennel Club – September 2019

Education

Associate Degree in Animal Science

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, NY

Graduated: 2016

Client Testimonials

  • "Sarah transformed our aggressive rescue dog into a well-behaved family member. Her patience and expertise made all the difference." – Amanda L., Brooklyn, NY
  • "Sarah's training helped us build a stronger bond with our dog. Her positive reinforcement techniques worked wonders!" – Mark S., Manhattan, NY

Here are a few reasons why this example of dog trainer resume will impress recruiters:

  • It highlights a strong focus on providing private, personalized services, which is key for a dog trainer.
  • The candidate specializes in behavior modification for aggressive, fearful, and reactive dogs—this niche expertise sets them apart from general dog trainers.
  • Including positive client testimonials provides social proof of the success, demonstrating ability to deliver effective results.
Should I choose a dog trainer resume summary or objective?

A resume summary provides a brief overview of your qualifications, experience, and skills. It highlights your professional achievements and expertise.

  • If you have significant experience as a dog trainer or in related roles, a summary is more effective.

Dog trainer resume summary sample:

Dedicated and certified dog trainer with over 5 years of experience in obedience training, behavior modification, and agility. Proven track record of improving canine behavior through positive reinforcement techniques.

An objective states your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the position you’re applying for. It’s more about your aspirations than qualifications.

Dog trainer resume objective example:

Motivated and passionate individual seeking a position as a dog trainer to utilize my love for animals and desire to help dogs achieve their full potential through effective training techniques.

How to showcase your dog trainer resume skills?

The skills section quickly showcases your specific abilities and qualifications relevant to dog training, allowing hiring managers to see your fit for the role at a glance.

  • Hard skills are specific, teachable knowledge sets that can be measured.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal abilities that highlight your ability to interact effectively with clients and their pets.

Dog trainer hard skills:

  • Obedience Training
  • Agility Training
  • Behavior Modification
  • Canine Nutrition Knowledge
  • Problem-Solving Techniques
  • Leash Handling
  • Training Program Development
  • Canine First Aid and CPR
  • Kennel Management
  • Familiarity with Training Equipment

Soft skills for dog trainers:

  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Active Listening
  • Problem-Solving
  • Leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Team Collaboration
  • Time Management

Service dog trainer resume template

Service dog trainer resume sample

Service dog trainer resume sample
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Resume for service dog trainers | Text version

Michael Reed

Location: Denver, CO
Phone: (303) 555-9876
Email: michaelreed@example.com

Objective

Experienced Service Dog Trainer specializing in training dogs to assist individuals with disabilities, including mobility issues, PTSD, and autism. Passionate about empowering people to live independently through the support of highly trained service dogs.

Experience

Lead Service Dog Trainer

Freedom Service Dogs of America - Englewood, CO

September 2020 – Present

  • Train service dogs to assist individuals with physical disabilities, PTSD, and other medical conditions.
  • Develop and implement customized training plans for tasks such as mobility assistance, deep pressure therapy, retrieving items, and alerting to medical conditions.
  • Work closely with clients to ensure dogs meet specific needs, providing ongoing training support and guidance.
  • Conduct evaluations and select dogs for service training programs based on behavior, health, and temperament.
  • Oversee training for both dogs and clients, ensuring a smooth transition from training to service work in clients’ homes.

Service Dog Trainer

Canine Companions for Independence - Santa Rosa, CA

May 2016 – September 2020

  • Trained over 50 service dogs from basic obedience to task-specific skills required for working with individuals with disabilities.
  • Collaborated with clients during the matching process to ensure successful placements.
  • Assisted in the development of training curriculums for dogs assisting veterans with PTSD and children with autism.
  • Worked with veterinary teams to monitor the health and well-being of service dogs throughout the training process.

Skills

  • Service dog training for mobility, PTSD, and autism
  • Task-specific training (retrieval, alerts, pressure therapy)
  • Positive reinforcement techniques
  • Client education and support
  • Behavior assessments and dog selection
  • Teamwork with veterinarians and support staff
  • Public access training for service dogs

Certifications

  • Certified Service Dog Trainer, Assistance Dogs International (ADI) – July 2019
  • Certified Assistance Dog Trainer, International Association of Dog Partners (IADP) – March 2018
  • Pet CPR and First Aid Certification, PetTech – April 2016

Volunteer Work

Veterans' Service Dog Training Program

Denver, CO, 2021 – Present

  • Volunteer trainer for veterans suffering from PTSD, helping match them with service dogs and teaching them how to work with their new canine partners.

This sample dog trainer resume is effective for several reasons:

  • It emphasizes expertise in training service dogs to assist people with disabilities, including those with PTSD, mobility issues, and autism.
  • The application covers both the technical side of service dog training (task-specific, public access) and the emotional aspects (working with clients).
  • The inclusion of a volunteer section highlights the candidate's commitment to the service dog community and advocacy for people with disabilities.
What educational credentials should I add to my dog trainer resume?

Many dog trainers hold certifications from recognized organizations. Adding these to the education section can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

List any relevant degrees, such as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Animal Behavior, or related fields.

Include any dog training certifications, such as:

  • Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
  • American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) certification

Mention any specialized courses or workshops you’ve completed, including the names of the programs and institutions.

How to organize the experience section in a dog trainer resume?

List your most recent job first, followed by previous positions in reverse chronological order. This format allows employers to see your most relevant experience immediately.

For each position:

  • Clearly state your role.
  • Include the name of the organization.
  • Add location to give context about where you worked.
  • Specify the start and end dates (month and year) of your employment.

Under each entry, use bullet points to list your responsibilities, achievements, and skills.

Whenever you can, use numbers or specific examples to demonstrate your achievements.

Conclusion

Creating an impactful resume is a crucial step for any dog trainer aiming to stand out in a competitive job market.

By following the tips and professional resume examples outlined in this article, you can effectively showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for canine training.

Remember, your application is the first impression you make on a potential employer, so take the time to personalize it and ensure it reflects your unique qualifications.

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