If you love dogs and want to earn extra income on your own schedule, dog training can be a surprisingly practical side hustle. You don’t need a degree, a huge budget, or years of experience to start. What you do need is a willingness to learn, some basic people skills, and a realistic understanding of how dog trainers actually make money.
👉 Watch This Free Workshop On How to Get Started as a Dog Trainer
In this post, we’ll cover:
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- Is Dog Training a Profitable Side Hustle?
- What Skills and Training Do You Need to Start?
- What are the Startup Costs and Time Requirements?
- Who is Dog Training a Good Side Hustle For?
- My Top Recommended Program for Dog Trainer Certification
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Is Dog Training a Profitable Side Hustle?
Dog training absolutely can be profitable as a side hustle, especially if you price your services correctly and focus on building a steady flow of local clients. Most private dog trainers charge by the session, and rates can vary depending on location, experience, and the type of training offered.
For beginners, realistic starting rates often fall between $75–$150 per private session, depending on your area and the type of training offered. Even at the lower end, doing just two sessions per week at $75 each brings in about $600 per month.
Trainers who see four to six clients per week can often earn $1,000–$2,500 per month, which lines up with what many part-time trainers report. And because advanced behavior training often commands higher pricing, income can grow quickly as your confidence and skills develop.
Group classes are another way side-hustle trainers can boost their earnings. You can hold monthly dog training classes at your local library, for example, where everyone pays a small fee for a one or two hour workshop. Even a simple “Basic Obedience” class can become a regular, reliable income stream if you build word-of-mouth in your community.
What Skills and Training Do You Need to Start?
Dog training as a side hustle doesn’t require you to be a natural “dog whisperer,” but certain skills make a big difference. You’ll be working with both dogs and people, so patience, clear communication, and empathy are essential. You’ll also need to be comfortable explaining step-by-step instructions to owners and encouraging them to practice between sessions.
On the technical side, you’ll need a basic understanding of dog behavior, body language, and how dogs learn. Modern dog training emphasizes positive, reward-based methods rather than punishment or intimidation. Learning how to become a professional dog trainer in today’s world means committing to humane, science-based techniques that build trust instead of fear.
If you’re wondering how to become a dog trainer for beginners, online training is one of the easiest ways to get started. A structured program can walk you from zero experience to being able to handle real-life training situations. Look for a course that teaches you how to work with owners, solve common behavior problems, and structure your sessions professionally.
One option is Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy, which is designed specifically to help everyday dog lovers become certified dog trainers. It covers dog psychology, practical training, real-life case studies, and business setup so you can move beyond “just loving dogs” into actually earning income as a trainer.
👉 Watch This Free Workshop On How to Get Started as a Dog Trainer
What Are the Startup Costs and Time Requirements?
Compared to many side hustles, dog training is relatively low cost to start. You can keep expenses modest while you test the waters and grow your client list. The main categories to consider are education, basic equipment, and minimal business setup.
For education, expect to invest in a quality course or program that teaches you both training skills and how to work with clients. Prices can vary, but a comprehensive online program is often far less expensive than in-person trade schools or degree programs. This is especially helpful if you’re exploring how to become a dog trainer online while keeping your current job.
Equipment costs are usually manageable: a few different leashes, a long line, treats or treat pouch, clickers, and perhaps some simple training tools like mats or place markers. Many of these items are inexpensive, and you may already own some of them if you have a dog.
As your side hustle grows, you may choose to add business insurance, a simple website, or printed materials like business cards. You can start small and upgrade as income allows, rather than spending heavily up front.
Dog training fits well around a regular work schedule. Most clients prefer evenings and weekends, which means you can line up sessions outside your main job. Starting with one or two evenings a week plus an occasional Saturday is usually enough to test whether you enjoy the work and can handle the schedule.
Because you control how many clients you accept, this side hustle can remain small and flexible or gradually expand as you gain experience. If you reach a point where demand is high and you love the work, you may eventually decide to transition from side-hustle status to a full-time dog training business.
Who Is Dog Training a Good Side Hustle For?
Dog training is a particularly good side hustle for anyone who genuinely enjoys spending time with animals and helping others. It can also be a great fit for teachers, vet techs, pet sitters, groomers, or anyone who already spends time around dogs and wants to add an extra income stream doing something more specialized.
It’s also a meaningful option if you’re looking for a side hustle that feels rewarding, not just profitable. Seeing a fearful or reactive dog become calmer, or helping a frustrated owner finally enjoy walks again, can be deeply satisfying. If you value both income and impact, dog training checks both boxes.
My Top Recommendation for Training to Become a Dog Trainer
If you’re serious about becoming a dog trainer—whether part-time, full-time, or simply as a way to create a more meaningful career—my top recommendation is Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy.
Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, Doggy Dan, has been my #1 recommendation for dog and puppy training for more than 10 years. His training methods are kind, effective and easy-to-follow. He teaches those very same methods in this academy.
Doggy Dan’s Dog Training Academy is the most beginner-friendly program I’ve found, and it teaches exactly what new trainers need most: how to understand dog behavior, how to communicate effectively with both dogs and owners, and how to structure real client sessions from day one.
What makes this program especially valuable is that it goes far beyond training theory. You get real case studies, step-by-step guidance, business training, and support so you can actually start earning money as a trainer—not just learn the skills.
If you want a clear, proven path into this career, you can click below to watch Doggy Dan explain what’s included in the academy and how it works, or you can read my full in-depth review here.
Summary: Is Dog Training a Good Side Job?
Dog training can be an excellent side hustle if you’re willing to invest in learning, practice your skills, and start small while you build experience. The startup costs are relatively low, the schedule is flexible, and the earning potential grows as your reputation and confidence increase. Most importantly, it allows you to make a real difference in the lives of both dogs and their owners.
Don’t forget to grab your free checklist on the exact steps to become a professional dog trainer!
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