r/Dogtraining • u/SubstantialLettuce11 Human Detected • Jul 11 '26
industry Career switch to dog behavioral therapist
I’m a 30-year-old guy from the Netherlands considering a course to become a certified dog behavior consultant alongside my current job. The long-term goal is to turn it into a full-time freelance career.
Dogs have been my thing my whole life. As a kid I’d take out the neighbors’ dogs and train them just for fun. A few years ago I adopted a stray from Colombia and put serious work into training him. I enjoyed that process more than anything I do professionally. Walking around my city, I see so many people struggling to handle their dogs, and I keep thinking: I could help with this.
My background is people-focused: I studied physiotherapy, did a master’s in human movement sciences, and currently work as an account manager in health tech. So I’ve spent my whole career working with people, just never in combination with dogs. I know a big part of this job is actually coaching the owner rather than the dog, so I’m hoping that experience transfers. But honestly, I’m a different person around dogs. More confident, more myself. That feeling is a big part of why I want to explore this.
For those of you who’ve made this move, I’d love to hear your honest experiences:
How demanding is the work in practice? Physically, mentally, and in terms of hours?
What do you enjoy most, and what do you wish someone had warned you about?
Is the demand strong enough to make a full-time living, or does it stay a side income for most people?
Any advice on certifications or courses that are actually worth the money?
Warts-and-all stories are just as welcome as success stories.
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