Why Continuing Education Matters in Dog Training and Pet Care

I love learning.  In fact, I have a degree in education.  It’s always fun to try a new skill or think differently about something I thought I already knew.

Dogs never stop learning. . .and neither should we.  As a pet professional, it’s imperative that I attend webinars and conferences to learn the latest information about the newest trends in social media, pet care, etc.

In February of 2025, I attended the Texas Pet Sitters Association Conference in Galveston.  The topics were how to improve our blogging skills, learning the signs of diabetes in cats, how to give subcutaneous fluids to cats, and how to promote your business to the media.

But as with most conferences, there is some downtime to network with colleagues-both old and new-and enjoy our time together.  In 2025 the board of directors decided to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the organization with a cruise.  So we traveled from Galveston to Cozumel and back again.  I took an excursion where I could swim with dolphins in a sanctuary and learn how their trainers use positive reinforcement to teach them tricks.

In November of 2025, I traveled to the Association For Pet Dog Training International (APDT) Conference being held this year in Richmond, Virginia. There I reconnected with my dog training mentor, Victoria Stilwell and met many word-wide leaders in dog training philosophy and education,

Also in 2025, I attended a 2 day online conference on clicker training with the best and brightest trainers n the industry, took part in an online seminar from Pet Sitters International about social media, and I attended another online conference on dog behavior.

Why is Learning Important in Dog Training?

The pet care industry is always changing. Think about how schools used to teach children 50 years ago—it’s completely different now. The same thing happens in dog training. Years ago, many people thought the best way to train a dog was by using punishment. Now, we know that positive reinforcement—rewarding good behavior—works better and helps dogs learn faster. Trainers who keep learning can use the best, most up-to-date methods to help dogs and their owners.

Keeping Pets Safe and Happy

Dog trainers and pet care professionals also need to learn about pet health and safety. New research is always coming out about dog food, exercise, medical care, and even how to read a dog’s body language. A pet sitter who understands canine first aid could save a dog’s life in an emergency. A dog walker who learns about leash reactivity can keep a dog from getting frightened on a walk.

Better Service for Pet Owners

If you’re a pet owner, you want the person caring for your dog to have the best knowledge possible.  A dog trainer who continues learning can solve behavior problems more quickly. A pet sitter who studies animal behavior will know when a dog is stressed and how to help. When pet professionals keep learning, they give the most up-to-date advice and support to pet owners.

Ways Pet Professionals Can Keep Learning

There are many ways dog trainers and pet care workers can continue their education. Here are a few:

• Attending workshops and seminars – Experts share their knowledge at events, teaching the latest training and care techniques.

• Taking online courses – There are great classes available on everything from puppy training to pet first aid.

• Reading books and articles – Learning from experts by reading their work helps pet professionals stay informed.

• Joining professional groups – Being part of a dog training or pet sitting association connects people with new ideas and techniques. I am a member of Pet Sitters International and the Association of Professional Dog Training International.

• Learning from experience – Every pet is different, and hands-on experience helps trainers and caregivers grow their skills.

  
  

A Commitment to Pets and Their People

Continuing education isn’t just about learning—it’s about giving pets the best care possible.  This helps pet professionals do their jobs better and provide pet owners peace of mind. Always keep learning!

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Beverly Amsler is the owner of The Well-Trained Dog & Pet Care. She has been a professional dog trainer, dog walker, and pet sitter since 2014.  Beverly is a Certified Dog Trainer through the Victoria Stilwell Academy and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International.  She is a member of the Texas Pet Sitters Association and the Association For Professional Dog Training.  Before starting her business, Beverly spent more than 30 years as a journalist for newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, and Utah. Learn more about Beverly.