Become a Professional Dog Trainer

Structured mentorship, live coaching, and career-focused education for future trainers and dog professionals.

✔ No payment required
✔ Takes about 5 minutes
✔ Speak directly with admissions

Why Trainers Choose Western States K-9 College

Students nationwide use our mentorship-driven program to build real-world skills, confidence, and professional direction.

500+ Students
Nationwide Mentorship
Weekly Live Coaching
Lifetime Access

“I’m already certified, but this program is far more comprehensive than others I’ve taken. The live lessons and mentorship are exceptional.”
— Teresa, Certified Dog Trainer

Our program was built by real dog trainers for people seeking more than another online course. Through mentorship, live coaching, and real-world education, students develop practical skills, professional confidence, and long-term career direction.

What Makes Our Certification Different

Personalized Mentorship:

Ongoing one-on-one guidance from expert trainers who stay with you through every step of your journey.


Three-Part Certification Pathway:

Obedience, behavior modification, and business mastery.


Weekly Live Coaching & Community:

Real-time feedback, accountability, and lifetime support from peers and instructors.


Lifetime Access & Flexible Learning

Learn at your own pace

Weekly Live Coaching & Mentorship: Interactive coaching with direct access to instructors and peers.


Career-Focused Training:

Go beyond technical skills with guidance on professional practice, client work, and building a sustainable dog training income.

Meet With Joe to Discuss Your Next Steps in Dog Training

Every applicant has a one-on-one admissions conversation with Joe to discuss goals, experience, career direction, and whether the program is the right fit.

Person holding a blue leash with a dog shaking its head and tongue out, against a plain background.

You do not need previous professional experience to apply. What matters most is your commitment to developing professional-level skills and taking the learning process seriously.

This program maintains high professional standards, and we support students fully in meeting them.

Your Future as a Certified Dog Trainer Starts Here

Why Students Apply?

College-Level Curriculum, Flexible Learning
Professional-level education focused on real-world application.

Mentorship-Driven Training
Weekly live coaching and direct instructor access.

Career & Business Development
Learn how to work professionally with dogs and clients.

Long-Term Support
Ongoing mentorship and alumni guidance beyond graduation.

Who This Program Is Designed For

This program supports aspiring dog trainers from a variety of professional backgrounds, all with one shared goal: building a professional future working with dogs

Career Transitioners

You may be a fit if you:

✔ Are pursuing dog training as a paid profession

✔ Are transitioning from another career or starting fresh

✔ Want structured education, mentorship, and real-world skill development

✔ Are prepared to take responsibility for working with dogs beyond your own

Working Dog Professionals

You may be a fit if you:

✔ Already work professionally with dogs

Training • Shelter • Rescue • Veterinary • Related fields

✔Want advanced education, certification, and business development

✔Are looking for mentorship, credentials, and long-term professional growth

Why Many Professionals Apply When They’re Ready to Move Forward

Professional dog training is a skill-based career built through experience, mentorship, and consistent practice over time.

Applying is simply the first step in exploring whether this path aligns with your goals, interests, and professional direction.

Most students apply before they feel fully certain, because clarity comes through action, not waiting.

Admissions conversations are conducted individually with each applicant.

5-Day Program Evaluation Period

We want students to feel confident in their enrollment decision and the direction they are pursuing professionally.

After enrollment and onboarding, students are given a 5-day evaluation period to explore the platform, attend coaching, review coursework, and determine whether the program is the right fit.

If a student decides during that period that the program is not aligned with their goals, they may request a full refund.

Designed to support informed, confident enrollment decisions.

Admissions Process

How to Get Started: Our admissions process is designed to help determine whether this program is the right professional fit for you.

Step 1 — Apply

  • 5-minute application

  • Application fee currently waived

  • Helps us understand goals & experience

Step 2 — Admissions Conversation

  • One-on-one conversation with Joe

  • Review goals and career direction

  • Ask questions and explore fit

Step 3 — Enrollment & Tuition

  • Select tuition structure

  • Complete enrollment agreement

  • Choose payment timeline

Then VERY SIMPLE pricing:

  • Paid in Full: $3,000

  • 6 Months: $549/mo

  • 12 Months: $349/mo

Step 4 — Immediate Access

  • Coursework unlocked immediately

  • Join live coaching & mentorship

  • Begin training right away

A woman playing with two dogs outdoors during sunset, one dog jumping up and the other standing beside her.

Takes about 5 minutes • No payment required • Just a conversation to see if it’s the right fit

Application Fee $150.00 Waived $0.00

💬 “The admissions process was so easy. They actually took the time to talk with me about my goals and what I wanted from my career.”
Kim

What Students Say About Western States K-9 College

Built for Real Life: 100% Online with Live Mentorship

A woman with glasses, sitting at a desk with a dog, looking at a book displayed on a computer monitor, surrounded by various training materials, books, and digital devices related to dog training and behavior.

Flexible Online Learning

Access coursework, videos, and resources anytime from your computer, tablet, or phone.

Weekly Live Coaching

Participate in live virtual coaching sessions with instructors and students nationwide.

One-on-One Mentorship

Receive personalized guidance and support throughout your professional development.

Nationwide Student Community

Connect with aspiring and working dog trainers across the country..

Unlimited Access

Access course materials, recordings, and workbooks anytime.

Flexible Scheduling

Designed for students balancing work, family, and life responsibilities.

Real-World Application

Apply your training immediately in your local community or business.

Why Timing Matters

Professional dog training is a skill-based career, and progress compounds over time.

Starting earlier allows you to build experience, confidence, and momentum with structure and guidance instead of making rushed decisions later.

Students who begin the admissions process now are positioned to:

  • Build real training experience over the next 3–6 months

  • Develop confidence before peak demand seasons

  • Establish credentials and direction instead of staying in a holding pattern

In most cases, clarity comes from doing the work, not from waiting for certainty.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.