Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program Details
Our most popular program is our Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program, and is the program where many of our graduates begin with their dog trainer education. Many people begin this program due to a love for dogs and a desire to spend their days working with them. Many of them are looking to make a full time career and are interested in pursuing dog trainer certifications. Pet owners as well as dog rescue organizations are always in need of a professional dog trainer’s assistance both short and long term for canines in their care.
Our trainer program addresses basic learning theory of obedience through lectures, reading assignments, and video lessons; but, most importantly, it teaches the practical application of behavior modification and obedience training. Students are encouraged and given the opportunity to work with a number of dogs with various problems under the immediate supervision of an experienced trainer. Unlike some online courses, our trainers in the classroom are the same trainers that you will find working with you during practical “hands-on” lessons.
Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program Calendar
We offer three programs for you to learn Dog Obedience & Behavior Modification. Our courses are offered in 6, 8 and 12-week increments to meet your needs.
Our Dog Obedience and Behavior Courses begin on the first Monday of January, April, July and October. Our programs fill fast and space is limited.
You can view our most recent calendars for our School for Dog Trainers by clicking on the buttons to the right. Each calendar is a downloadable .pdf
Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program Pricing
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Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Course 6 weeks $5,850
6-week Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program. Price includes deposit and program materials. Optional student housing is additional.
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Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Course 8 weeks $7,775
8-week Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program. Price includes deposit and program materials. Optional student housing is additional.
Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Trainer School Subjects
Our training program offers students a diverse group of dogs with which they can apply the techniques learned for on- and off-leash training as well as opportunities to evaluate and modify behaviors that pet owners find undesirable. These behaviors may include aggression as a result of fear or dominance; phobias, and separation anxiety. Making an accurate diagnosis in regard to behaviors a client’s dog demonstrates takes experience. The more dogs you are able to work with prior to stepping out on your own, the more confident you will be as a professional dog trainer.
Whether you are working with dogs already or preparing to make a change in your career to dog training, this program is designed for you. With respect to the individual’s history in handling dogs, we have designed three options for our Professional Dog Trainer Program.
Downloads
Frequent Questions
Is this Program VA Approved?
Unfortunately, our Dog Obedience and Behavior Professional Course is not currently eligible for VA benefits.
Do You offer Financing?
We offer simple and affordable financing options and can finance tuition for up to 48 months with payments as low as $155 per month.
Are there Prerequisites?
No. There are no prerequisites for our Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program. This program will give you all the skills and knowledge that you need, regardless of experience.
Our Next Obedience & Behavior Professional Course Starts in:
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Below is a brief outline for the Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program. This outline does not cover all of the material, lectures, discussions and hands-on application that is covered during the program and is provided to give a general idea of the material covered during the dog trainer program. View the book list for our Dog Obedience & Behaviorist Program. Practical application evaluations and written examinations occur following each week’s instruction. If you have questions about our program, feel free to call toll free 800.726.7412 or email us.
Introduction and Ethology
– Introduction to Professional Dog Training as a Career
– Evolution of the Canine
– Canine ethology, & taxonomy
– Comparison of the Domestic Dog and other Canids
– Pedigree Research
Language of Dogs
– Reading and Understanding Canine Body Language and Stress Signals in Dogs
Applied Dog Behavior
– Understanding applied dog behavior
– Clicker training as a method of Positive Reinforcement
– Baiting and Luring dogs, using food as a reinforcement
Practical Application of Baiting and Luring Dogs
How Dogs Learn
– Learning Theory and Principles
– Application of Reinforcement Schedules
– Behavior Shaping and Fundamentals of Training
EXCEL-erated Learning
Working with Puppies
Dog Breeds (Terriers)
Crate Training and Housebreaking/ Puppies
Proper Application of Training Tools
Practical Socialization
Testing Dogs
Dog Breeds (Sporting)
Purely Positive Training
A Dogs’ Mind
Behavior Problems
– Effective Behavior Analysis
– Dominance and Aggression
– Phobias and Fear Aggression
– Possessive Aggression
– Territorial Aggression
– Maternal Aggression
– Idiopathic Aggression
– Neurotic Behaviors
– Successfully Resolving Problem Behaviors
Dog Breeds (Hounds)
Dog Aggression BITING
Conducting Behavior Analysis
Group Class Evaluation
Developing a Client Questionnaire
Marketing Your Dog Training Business
Advertising Strategies for Dog Trainers
Website Planning and Design
– Site Structure
– Form vs. Function
– Blogs and other Web Marketing Ideas
Kennel Management
Running a Boarding Kennel
Working with Clients
Dog Breeds (Working and Non-Sporting)
Practical Business Management
Practical Behavior Analysis
Explore Dog Specialties
– Agility
– Treibball
– K9 Nosework
– Protection
– Search and Rescue
Private Lesson Evaluation
Pet First Aid and CPR
Veterinary and Canine Medical Issues
– Understanding What is Normal
– Preventive Medicine
– Treatments for Illness
Dog Breeds (Toys and Herding)
Design Lesson Plan for Group Class and Handout for Private Training
Go Home Video (Basic)
END OF 6 WEEK PROGRAM
Working with Dominant and Dominant Aggressive Dogs
– Proper handling of the Dominant Aggressive Dog
– Environmental Management
– Developing Solid Boundaries and Rules
– Dominance with Dogs
– Dominance with Humans
– Understanding Social Hierarchy
Culture Clash
Develop Training Plan for Dominant Dogs
Working with Fearful Dogs
– Proper handling of the Fear Aggressive Dog
– Phobias and Fear
– Fear of Humans
– Fear of Dogs
– Fear of New Environments
– Fear of Noises
– Other Fears
Develop Training Plan for Fearful Dogs
END OF 8 WEEK PROGRAM
How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong
Teaching Dog Tricks
Creating the Really Reliable Recall
What is a Therapy Dog
Selecting the Therapy Dog
Training the Therapy Dog
Testing Therapy Dogs
Therapy Dog Organizations
Therapy Dog Class Evaluation
Teach Assigned Dog Trick
What is Rally Obedience
Selecting the Rally Obedience Dog
Training Dogs for Rally Obedience
APDT or AKC Rally Stations Evaluation
Training a Competition Heeling Dog
Teaching Dog Agility
Agility for Competition or Fun
Creating an Agility Course
Dog Sports Overview
Agility Obstacles Evaluation
Training Dogs for People with Disabilities
– Mobility Dogs
– Signal Dogs
– Autism Service Dogs
– Seizure Assistance Dogs
– Other Service Dogs
– Understanding the ADA
Go Home Video (Advanced)