So You Want to Be a Dog Trainer: A Step-By-Step Guide

I just love this book!!! I was a Canine Handler for the goverment and now I'm in the works to start my own business in dog training. This book is what I was looking for!!! It details every aspect of the business and how to start it. It is by no means a dog training book, although she emphazises the importance of positive reinforcement. Don't be desguise by the "questionable methods" that another review mentions. I have been training working dogs for a while, and can say that even though I have a lot of training methods in my "toolbox", positive reinforcement is by far the most effective.

This book is a wonderful resource for anyone thinking of entering the dog training profession. Very thorough but still easy to read. I read it in a few days. Also has a wonderful "Resource" section in the back full of helpful books, articles, websites and products.

I truly enjoyed this book. It is very well written and an easy read. Although very detailed.If your just thinking about this field or even just getting started I feel this book would be of great value.Nicole has shared many helpfull ideas and really puts things in perspective as to just what exactly the dog training field is all about.If you are having trouble with self confidence about getting going this book will give you the boost you need.Truly an enjoyable book.

This book is VERY helpful for the wanna-be-dog-trainer. It covers topics important to the profession, such as obtaining training (for yourself), tools of the trade (toys, leashes, collars, and even a fake "arm"!), and running your own dog training business (how to handle phone calls from prospective clients, tips on what to include in group classes, a sample contract, etc). The "Resources" section gives you more in-depth sources of topics she covers only briefly throughout her book. As she states, this book is NOT about how to train a dog, its about how to make a living as a trainer and she generously shares her advice on that subject. Maybe this is just my experience, but I've found it very difficult to get any specific information about becoming a trainer when I ask actual professional trainers. Maybe it's a competition thing? That's why I think Nicole's book is so valuable - reading her book is the same as sitting down with a helpful professional trainer and having a great, educational conversation - except you don't have to take any notes because it's all written down for you.Thanks, Nicole. Your generosity is appreciated by all us novice trainers!

"So You Want to Be a Dog Trainer" is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to become a trainer, to trainers who have been working in the field for years. Nicole Wilde takes you through all the steps of how to obtain your education, set up your business, and how to do in-home and group training. She also provides an extensive resource section that any trainer, irregardless of where they are in their careers, will enjoy and find highly useful. This book fills a niche that has long been empty for people who wish to become professional dog trainers but don't know where to go or how to accomplish it, and it's emphasis on positive reinforcement techniques is a welcome breath of fresh air among books that espouse more traditional methods. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a dog training career.