How to Become a Certified Dog Trainer in Canada [2025 Guide]

Brad Pattison
Apr 16
3 min read

Do you dream of turning your passion for dogs into a fulfilling, high-impact career? Becoming a certified dog trainer in Canada is more accessible — and more rewarding — than ever before. With the growing demand for professional dog trainers, there’s never been a better time to jump in.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to start your journey — and why Hustle Up Dog Trainers Academy might be the perfect launchpad for your career.

Why Become a Certified Dog Trainer in Canada?

The pet industry in Canada continues to boom, with over 8 million dogs in Canadian households. With more dog parents seeking training help, behaviour solutions, and specialty services, skilled trainers are in serious demand.

Here’s what makes it a smart career move:

Flexible hours and the option to be self-employed
High earning potential — especially in urban markets
Work with purpose: help dogs and people live better together
Opportunities to specialize in agility, behaviour, service dog training, or even canine search & rescue

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Certified Dog Trainer in Canada

Step 1: Start with the Right Mindset

Dog training isn’t just about loving dogs — it’s about leading, teaching, and coaching people too. The best trainers are curious, compassionate, confident, and ready to keep learning.

Step 2: Choose a Dog Training Certification Program

Not all schools are created equal. The right certification program should include:

Hands-on training with real dogs
Mentorship from experienced instructors
Education in behaviour, learning theory, and client coaching
Business and marketing skills (so you can actually make money)

Hustle Up Dog Trainers Academy offers Canada’s most comprehensive program — with in-person training in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, and live online coaching from certified instructors.

Duration: 6 weeks to achieve Certification: Hustle Up Certified Dog Trainer (CTE)

Step 3: Get Real-World Experience

Once you’re certified, it’s time to build confidence.With Hustle Up, students graduate having already trained dogs under supervision — not just read about it.

You’ll gain:

Experience with multiple dog temperaments
Exposure to reactive, fearful, or untrained dogs
Hours working with actual clients (not just theory)

This makes you hireable and credible on day one.

Step 4: Choose Your Career Path

After certification, you can:

Start your own dog training business
Work at a training facility or vet clinic
Specialize in puppy training, behaviour modification, or scent work
Become a dog sport coach or even a service dog trainer
Dog Walker
Dog Day Care

Hustle Up graduates have gone on to launch thriving businesses and join teams across Canada.

here is an example https://www.completek9inc.com/

Step 5: Continue Learning & Growing

The best trainers never stop improving. Ongoing mentorship, advanced courses, and community support are key.

That’s why Hustle Up doesn’t ghost you after graduation. You get access to a private network of trainers, monthly workshops, and new specialty certifications (like earthquake search & rescue).

Why Students Are Choosing Hustle Up in 2025

There are a lot of schools out there — but Hustle Up is built different:

Modern, hands-on curriculum (no outdated methods)
Real-life training with real dogs — not just videos
Mentors who work in the field every day
Business training so you don’t just graduate… you launch.

If you’re serious about making dog training your career, this is the place to start.

Ready to Become a Dog Trainer?

Applications are now open for the next cohort of Hustle Up Certified Dog Trainers.Spots are limited — we only accept the most dedicated, passionate students.

[Apply Now] or [Book a Free Info Call] DM us to learn more!