Is the Dog Training Market Oversaturated? Why Growth Is a Good Thing

If you’ve spent time in the dog training industry or even just followed conversations online, you’ve probably heard people wonder: “Are there too many dog trainers these days?”

It’s a fair question, especially as more people pursue careers working with dogs. But here’s the truth: the expansion of dog trainers isn’t a sign of the market being saturated. It’s a sign that our industry is booming. And it is exactly what dogs, their families, and our communities need.

Demand Is Growing Faster Than Supply

Dog ownership has skyrocketed over the past decade. People see their dogs as family members and want to provide them with the best care possible. Yet despite this, the number of qualified, certified trainers still doesn’t meet the demand. There are still many dog owners who are not using training services or only do the bare minimum for their dogs.

Many families don’t even realize what’s possible through modern, reward-based training – everything from preventing future problems to building confidence and enriching a dog’s life.

Think of it this way: almost every child goes to school, but far fewer dogs receive structured training or socialization. That gap represents a huge opportunity to both improve the lives of dogs and to create sustainable careers for trainers.

Too Many Dogs, Not Enough Trainers

Behaviour problems remain one of the leading reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters. Reactive dogs struggle in urban environments. Families feel stressed and overwhelmed by raising puppies. The reality is that we aren’t reaching enough owners yet.

The growing number of trainers doesn’t mean there are too many but rather it means more people are finally stepping up to meet an urgent need.

A Sign of Professionalization

As the industry grows, so does its professionalism. Ten years ago, dog training was often seen as a side gig. Today, thanks to programs like Dogma Academy, we’re creating structured education pathways, building career ladders, and setting higher standards for ethical, reward-based methods.

This growth also allows trainers to specialize in anything from puppy development to senior dog enrichment, reactivity support, sports, therapy dog preparation, and more. That specialization means owners can find the right fit, and trainers can build meaningful, sustainable careers.

That’s what growth looks like: more trainers, better-trained trainers, and ultimately, better outcomes for dogs and their people.

Why It’s Still a Great Time to Become a Trainer

The reality is, we’ve only scratched the surface. Millions of dogs still go without proper training or enrichment. Pet guardians are actively searching for guidance, and they want compassionate, knowledgeable professionals to help.

We’ve also seen a cultural shift as families are recognizing that supporting their dog’s needs goes beyond a 6-week puppy class. They’re prioritizing enrichment, life skills, and relationship-building, not just quick results. Social media has amplified this awareness, creating even more demand for skilled professionals.

Becoming a dog trainer today means stepping into a field that is growing, diversifying, and becoming more respected every year. Instead of seeing more trainers as competition, see it as validation that the industry is strong, the opportunities are abundant, and the need is greater than ever.

Collaboration Over Competition

One of the best parts of our industry’s growth is that trainers don’t have to compete for the same clients. Instead, we can collaborate, refer to one another, and create a stronger network that ultimately benefits the dogs.

The more trainers there are, the more visible training becomes as a normal and necessary part of dog ownership.

The Bigger Picture: Dogs and Communities Benefit

When more families work with professional trainers, we don’t just improve the lives of individual dogs. We also create safer, happier communities. Trained dogs are easier to live with, more welcome in public spaces, and less likely to be surrendered to shelters.

That’s why growth in our industry matters and it’s not just about careers. It’s about creating lasting, positive change for dogs, their families, and society as a whole.

A Note for Trainers Who Are Struggling

While the industry as a whole is growing, it’s important to acknowledge that not every trainer feels that way right now. The current climate, from the economy to shifting politics to the increase of online “free” advice, has made it harder for some trainers to thrive.

Those challenges are real, and they deserve space for conversation. We’ll be diving deeper into this in an upcoming blog post to share ideas, support, and strategies.

For now, remember that growth in the industry doesn’t mean there aren’t individual struggles, but it does mean there’s hope. More awareness of training, higher demand for professional standards, and stronger community connections can help us move forward together.

Final Thought

The question isn’t whether the market is oversaturated, but rather how we can continue to grow responsibly, educate more owners, and support the next generation of trainers.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a career helping dogs and their families, there’s never been a better time to take that leap. The industry isn’t full. It’s just getting started.