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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Animal Systems pathway.

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Many schools require apprentices to pass a written exam and a field test before becoming trainers. People in this group usually must have a high school diploma.

In California, one of the few states where guide dog training is licensed, trainers go through three years of study as apprentices.

"Then you go before a state board of examiners -- you take a written test, an oral test, and a practical exam where you take a dog you've trained and work under blindfold, wherever the board chooses to meet," says Chuck Jordan. He is the head trainer at a guide dog organization. "It's a very complex procedure to go through.

"I encourage all candidates to continue their education," Jordan says. "If at all possible, have a degree prior to trying to get into the field." He recommends studying psychology, education and sociology. "Those are the areas that seem to lend themselves well to this type of work."

Jordan also advises people to get as much documented experience as possible working with animals. And while you're at it, volunteer to work with blind people. "Those are good preparatory things," he says. "If you can show that on an application or resume, I think any school is going to be impressed."

Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) offers three main opportunities for careers in its training department. Those interested in becoming licensed instructors are advised to apply for the entry-level position of instructor assistant.

If qualified, instructor assistants may be accepted into a three-year apprenticeship. Apprentices work under licensed instructors and supervisors, gaining rigorous hands-on experience to help prepare them for licensing.

Paperwork is also a part of the job. "Sharpen your writing skills and learn a little about computers, because we do a lot of report writing," says Cheryl Timmons, a trainer and supervisor with GDB in Oregon.

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    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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