Image that illustrates Dog trainer

Dog trainer

28 218 kr

Breeders and caretakers of pets

28 467 - 28 218 kr / month

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Dog trainer

What does a dog trainer do? – Tasks and work environment

Dog trainers work professionally to train and shape dog behavior. Their tasks include basic obedience training, specialized training for roles such as service dogs, and problem-solving related to unwanted behaviors. The work often involves close dialogue with dog owners, where advice and owner education are important components. Dog trainers may work at dog schools, shelters, private training facilities, or as self-employed entrepreneurs, often meeting dogs with diverse backgrounds and needs. The work environment is varied and can involve both indoor and outdoor sessions in all weather, requiring flexibility and good physical condition.

Salary development over time

The salary for dog trainers has been relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,874 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 28 101 SEK in 2023 and further to 28 218 SEK in 2024. The total increase over the period is approximately 1.2 %, which is a modest development compared to some other professions. Causes of the slow salary growth may include ongoing high competition for positions and the fact that many dog trainers are self-employed or work in small companies with limited salary budgets. However, demand for specialized skills is increasing as more seek professional help with dog training, which could positively impact salaries in the future.

Dog trainer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
  • Hourly wage: 169 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Data unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a dog trainer varies, and there is no standardized education required in Sweden. Many choose to complete vocational training in dogs, supplement with courses in animal psychology, and gain practical experience through work at dog daycares or similar facilities. Certifications from industry organizations can enhance competence, but practical experience often weighs more.

  • Vocational training: Dog instructor or dog psychologist, usually 1–2 years
  • Certifications: For example, from the Swedish Kennel Club or similar
  • Practical training: Internships with established dog trainers are common
  • Prerequisites: High school education is recommended but not always required
  • Self-study: Opportunities to study theoretical subjects online and attend workshops

Many dog trainers choose to specialize, for example in agility, assistance dogs, or behavioral issues. Specialization can lead to greater job satisfaction and new career opportunities.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for dog trainers may include flexible working hours, opportunities for further training, discounts on pet-related products, and insurance coverage for both employees and dogs. In some cases, wellness contributions and access to training facilities at no extra cost are offered. Self-employed trainers manage their own conditions but may need to arrange their insurance and pension plans independently.

Competition and challenges

The profession of dog trainer is in demand, and competition for permanent positions is high, especially in metropolitan areas. Many choose to work as entrepreneurs, which requires entrepreneurial spirit, marketing skills, and strong customer focus. A challenge is to offer services that stand out in the market and to stay updated with the latest trends in dog training. Irregular working hours and physical strain are also common, demanding endurance and adaptability. The number of available jobs in the profession recently reached 360, indicating the size of the job market.

Tips for aspiring dog trainers

To succeed as a dog trainer, it’s good to combine a genuine interest in animals with patience and pedagogical skills. Being attentive and flexible facilitates working with dogs and owners with different needs and backgrounds. Strong communication skills are also essential to ensure instructions and advice are clearly conveyed. Self-discipline and initiative are necessary both for running your own business and for professional development. Regular further education and networking with colleagues strengthen competence and contacts. Empathy and a positive attitude towards problem-solving make it easier to handle challenging situations. Finally, resilience and stress tolerance are advantageous, as the work can be physically and emotionally demanding.

Key facts about Dog Trainer

  • Education level: Vocational training or certification recommended
  • Work environment: Varied, both indoors and outdoors
  • Work form: Commonly self-employment or small businesses
  • Available jobs: 360 advertised positions within the profession
  • Special skills: Dog psychology and behavior training are advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a dog trainer can develop into more advanced roles, such as instructor trainer, specialist in problem-solving, or manager of larger training operations. Some choose to start their own dog school or further qualify as a dog psychologist. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that demand for animal-related professions is expected to remain stable, although competition for permanent employment may be high. For those willing to specialize or work across multiple areas, there are good opportunities for a varied career with increasing responsibility and challenges.

Frequently asked questions about Dog Trainer

  • What is the average salary of a dog trainer?
    - The average salary for a dog trainer is 28 218 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a dog trainer?
    - Vocational training in dogs, supplemented with courses and practical experience, is recommended.
  • Are there good job prospects for dog trainers?
    - Demand is stable and there are 360 available jobs within the profession.
  • Do dog trainers usually work as employees or entrepreneurs?
    - Many are self-employed or work in small companies.
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Patience, pedagogical ability, and initiative are important qualities.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - There is insufficient statistics to specify clear regional differences.
  • What is the work environment like for a dog trainer?
    - The work environment is varied and can involve both indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions.

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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Dog trainer has the SSYK code 6122, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Fees
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