Dog Health Questions: 16 y/o dog trainer... business question?

Hi,

Besides the loads of obvious research that I need to do, I have a few questions that I couldn't find answers to.

I'm 16, and have been working with dogs since I was 8. I have accumulated many techniques and taken advice from many legit dog trainers, and authorities (as in vets, groomers, shleters..ect) on dogs.
I currently don't have a job and was trying to think of something that I enjoyed doing/was good at, that I could also make some extra cash with.
... Which leads us to my question.
I see people have dog training sessions at certain parks a lot.
I was wondering if I could do training classes at the park... or would I have to get special permission/permits?
I have no idea how to start the business.
I'm looking to doing this as a weekend/summer thing.
Being 16 I don't know if there's a lot I can do...

Any tips would also be appreciated.

Thanks

Overview of Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
I agree with Timelady and Pam. No offense, but I would not feel comfortable taking instructions from a 16 year-old who has no credentials or official training. You need something to back up your claim that you are a competent trainer. Age and experience, for example. If you want to do a job that involves dogs and training, try doing some volunteer work at your local Humane Society. The one here takes volunteers as young as 15. You may have to do some feeding and cage cleaning, but part of your job will also be to walk the dogs and interact with them so that they'll remain socialized and adoptable. It is during this time you can do some training. I'm sure the employees of the Humane Society would love that because a trained dog is so much easier to adopt out. After a couple of years, when you're 18, they will probably even hire you and start giving you a paycheck. At any rate, a couple years of volunteering at a shelter looks very good on an application to vet tech school, and shows your committment to the job. And, being a volunteer, you wont have a set schedule that you must adhere to so weekends and summer months wouldnt be a problem.

Dog Training Fundamentals

• Call the parks and recreation department in your city to find out whether you need any special permissions to have classes in the park.
  
  I'd seriously consider working with an established, experienced trainer. While you may be knowledgeable for your age, there's no substitute for experience and you're too young to have any of helpful significance. I strongly suggest that you look into the legal aspects of training and liability. Get insurance to protect yourself. (You may not be able to insure yourself individually at only 16 years old, so any liability would fall on your parents.)


• Well to start a business you usually need to be bonded and insured.
  
  You could try asking around the neighborhood to see if anyone would be interested in your classes.
  
  Frankly you may be great with dogs, but I would not hire a 16 year old to train mine. Dog walking is also something you could do with dogs to make some money and it is more age appropriate.


• Well, animal behavior and dog training are both degrees and certifications and if you have no credentials, good luck getting any clients.
  
  You can advertise in the paper, I guess. You can train in any park as long as the dog is leashed. I doubt you need a permit.
  
  What I would suggest is that you advertise yourself as a dog walker and if you want to do some training with the dog, do a little for free and if the owner is impressed, then charge them for more. Otherwise, i don't see who will hire you without any credentials.


• Please don't be discouraged by some of these answers. You may very well be able to do something like this. Check with the Parks and Recreation folks about the legalities, but start small.
  
  If I were you, I'd take my dog to the park and start working with him/her where plenty of people could see you. Other dog owners will see you as they walk with your pets and then you could hand fliers out about your classes. If you stick with basic obedience and just keep the group small and informal, you could charge a small fee and have a lot of fun with it. If dogs are already allowed in the park, there may not be a big issue with insurance.
  
  Another option might be to call your local school board if you have extended education in your community. They will often offer classes and are always looking for someone to teach something different. As long as you can prove your skill with animals, they might be willing to let you teach a class for them.
  
  And if all else fails, teach a class starting from your home but using the neighborhood walks and parks. As long as it is just a few folks at a time, no one would bother you about it anyway.


• Sixteen yo's are NOT capable !!!
  CAN'T enter into ANY business!
  WILL get in DEEP SHI...er,stuff!
  MUST be a LEGAL ADULT!
  FORGET IT!!!
  
  I wouldn't let some kid TOUCH my dogs.


• Find someone in your area that is certified trainer and go see them. Doing an apprenticeship would be the best place to start.


• You will probably need to start at the vets office or the humane society. when you are a little older you can look into the Animal Behavior College for dog training courses so you can get your degree. I think you are going to do great. Don't let people discourage you.