At the School for Dog Trainers, we are proud to have welcomed dog trainer students from over thirty countries since opening in 2006. Not only do international students provide their own unique perspectives on the world of dog training, but their attendance also enables us to continue our mission to spread valuable knowledge to dog trainers across the globe. When they return home, overseas dog trainers are better placed to be able to help their local communities with the knowledge acquired during their time at our School.
The latest recipient of our International Scholarship is Alexa Salley! From Costa Rica, Alexa joins our previous award winners – Delfinin Basilio (Mexico), Christine Ho (Singapore) and Mallie Welch (United Kingdom) – each of whom attended our Main Campus and graduated from our Master Dog Trainer program.
In this Q&A session, we spoke with Alexa to learn about her perspective on the Scholarship, and what she hopes to gain from attending the School for Dog Trainers. Alexa also gives advice for students who are considering embarking on the Master Dog Trainer program.
Thinking of applying for our International Scholarship? Read to the end of Alexa’s interview to find out how you can apply!
Congratulations on being awarded the International Scholarship, Alexa! Can you describe your feelings when you found out about it?
The news actually came in a day late. I thought not getting news meant I did not get the scholarship. When the email came in, I was telling my sister-in-law that I thought I was rejected, when I saw the email saying the opposite. I ran to my mom and we jumped and screamed for joy.
Can you tell us more about your history with dogs?
I have only ever owned one dog in my life, Izzy. My family and I adopted her from a rescue in Costa Rica. I trained her to do all of the normal house tricks and she was my inspiration to pursue dog training.
How did you find out about the International Scholarship, and what motivated you to apply?
I found the Scholarship online when my mom and I were looking for schools. My parents really motivated me to apply for the Scholarship.
Is there a particular part of the Master Dog Trainer program you were looking forward to before you arrived?
I was looking forward to the service dog program. learning the in and outs of the ADA and how to be able to help people who need a service dog.
Have you noticed any difference in attitudes towards dogs and dog training between Costa Rica and the US?
People in Costa Rica actually treat their dogs similarly to Americans. They will dress them up and take them places. The main difference I can think of is, to my knowledge, there isn’t a lot of training. Dog training is a big industry in the USA, but it is just now starting in Costa Rica. I believe that Costa Ricans will do anything for their pets.
How are you enjoying the Master program so far? What has been your favorite aspect of it?
I have enjoyed the Master program since the day it began. It has shown that I can do more than I thought I could. I think my favorite aspect of the program is being able to see the dogs do what you trained them to do. The sense of pride that comes with knowing that I was able to train a dog to do something they had no idea how to do before is amazing.
How do you intend to use your education when you return home after graduation?
I would love to go back to Costa Rica and start my own training business. I want to show the people the different outlets for their dogs as in trailing and dock diving. I would love to train service dogs for the people of my country and help the kids who are not able to afford a service dog.
Do you have any final pieces of advice for anyone thinking about applying for the Scholarship, or to the Master program in general?
I would like to add that there are parts to this program that will be stressful, but it is because of those stressful situations that you learn the most. The motto I have told myself many times in the last couple of months is “you learn from your mistakes”. If you fail, look at what you could have done differently and add what you learned the next time you train a dog.
If you want to apply for our International Scholarship, time is running out! The window for applications closes on December 15; the successful applicant will be notified in early January.
Applicants must:
- Submit a 500-2,000 word essay, explaining their dog training ambitions and why they want to attend the School for Dog Trainers
- Provide three letters of recommendation
- Complete and submit a Student Application Packet
- Create a 60 second video outlining why they should be chosen for the Scholarship – and share this to the School for Dog Trainers Facebook page with the hashtag #learntotraindogs
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team or check out our dedicated International Scholarship page for more information!