Also called: Retriever Trainer, Bird Dog Trainer
Trains hunting dogs such as Labradors, pointers and spaniels to find, point and retrieve birds, and to compete in field trials.
Spends the morning in a field with six young Labs, throwing training bumpers and using whistles to send each dog on blind retrieves across a pond. In the afternoon you work pointers on planted quail and teach them to hold steady. Clients send dogs for months of boarding and training.
Estimate; most run their own kennels and charge monthly training fees.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. No degree; learned through apprenticing with an established trainer and lots of field time.
Ways in: Apprenticeship, Self-taught, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Growing about average. Steady demand from hunters and field trial competitors.
Low risk for 10 years. Training dogs in fields and water is hands-on work; e-collars and apps are just tools.
Classes: Biology, Business, Animal science (FFA).
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