What defines an individual as acting as a dog trainer under Texas law?

An individual is defined as acting as a dog trainer under Texas law when they are employed by a licensed guard dog company or investigations company to train a protection dog. This definition is important because it establishes a clear relationship between the trainer and a regulated entity, which is essential for ensuring that the training conducted adheres to safety and legal standards applicable to the handling and training of protection dogs.

Being employed by a licensed entity indicates that the individual is operating within a framework that upholds the necessary regulations and licensing requirements mandated by Texas law. This ensures that the training methods used are appropriate for developing dogs that may be used for security purposes, and it also reflects a level of professionalism and accountability in the work performed.

In contrast, training dogs for companionship, operating independently, or focusing solely on obedience and agility competitions does not meet the specific criteria established under Texas law for defining a dog trainer in the context of those working within licensed security or protection frameworks. Each of those activities may not necessarily align with the legal requirements for protection dog training and could lack the regulatory oversight that comes with employment in a licensed company.