Becoming a dog trainer is not something that will just happen over night. It is not something that I can just say, oh I'm a dog trainer, and it happens. I must work towards this goal through both a learning and fitness journey. The fitness journey is what I must start now in order to successfully learn and complete my training when that time arrives. Of course a dog trainer must be able to do physical things since they deal with dogs one on one on the daily basis. Their job basically requires them to be fit and keeps them fit all at the same time. So, in order to get to this fitness point I need to come up with a list of fitness requirements needed for my dream job. I have almost a full year to get to my ultimate fitness point before starting my educational journey at Highland Canine Training in North Carolina. I want to be able to get as much as possible out of my training, so getting to this fitness level is of great importance to me.
According to Best Friends Animal Society in Utah, to be a dog caregiver or trainer you must be able to "routinely lift 40 to 50 pounds" AKA, lift dogs that weigh up to 50 pounds. So, I have to beef up, start lifting weights and dogs. They also require to to be able to perform strenuous manual labor... more dog lifting and kennel cleaning for dog caregivers. Working out doors in all weather conditions, freezing and blistering heat, is also needed. I'm not sure how to prepare for that other than with the right clothing and gear. There is also the need to work with physically strong dogs and be able to walk dogs that pull hard on a leash. The only way to prepare for that is more gym time and actually working with bigger dogs. Lastly, trainers and caregivers need to be able to bend, stoop, hike, walk, kneel, and lift. More gym time! Along with these requirements, I have a few of my own to add. I'd like to be able to walk/jog at least 5 miles and job at least 3 miles straight to walk dogs. This includes working on endurance, walking dogs while running and being able to keep them under control.
Fitness List:
- Be able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Working outdoors with dogs
- Work with strong, big dogs
- Walk/jog 5 miles
- Jog 3 miles with dogs
- Overall excellent fitness
Dog CaregiverPhysical Requirements:
- Must be able to routinely lift 40 to 50 pounds
- Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor
- Must be able to work out of doors in all weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to 100 degrees
- Must be able to work with physically strong dogs
- Must be able to bend, stoop, hike, walk, kneel, and lift
Dog TrainerPhysical Requirements:
- Must be able to routinely lift 40 to 50 pounds
- Must be able to work out of doors in all weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to 100 degrees
- Must be able to walk dogs that pull hard on a leash
- Must be able to bend, stoop, hike, walk, kneel, and lift
Now, on to the gym and the dogs!
