As you may be aware, 2026 marks twenty years of the School for Dog Trainers. A fundamental part of our mission across the past two decades has been to expand our reach to bring world-class dog training to all corners of the globe – consequently raising standards of dog training around the world. We have welcomed students from over 40 countries and look forward to more countries being represented in the years ahead.
One way that we have made our dog trainer education even more accessible to international students is through our International Scholarship. Awarded annually, the International Scholarship enables the recipient to attend our Master Dog Trainer program – a 24-week program that covers all aspects of dog training, including pet dogs, working dogs and service dogs.
Back in 2021, we awarded our International Scholarship to Christine Ho of Singapore. This year’s recipient, Kate Tan, is also from Singapore! Kate is currently preparing to attend the Master Dog Trainer program starting in July – so we caught up with her for a quick question-and-answer session to learn about how she learned about the International Scholarship, and what she is most excited about for her studies.
Congratulations on being awarded the International Scholarship, Kate! How did you feel when you found out about it?
Thank you! I felt incredibly grateful when I heard the news and of course, super excited to embark on this 6-month learning journey! I run a dog-sitting business and entering the canine training domain has always been on the horizon. Being accepted into the Master Dog Trainer program is a huge step towards that, and without a doubt, will be a pivotal experience in my entire career.
Please can you tell us a little about your experience with dogs growing up? Do you currently own any dogs?
Growing up, my main exposure to dogs was during my volunteer work at shelters. When I was a kid, I took care of small animals and fostered a rescue kitten. Getting a dog was a huge commitment, so it was not until I was much older did I adopt my first dog (Aris) with my partner.
A mixed-breed rescue (Singapore Special) adopted from a local shelter, Aris came to us as a timid and distrustful puppy – absolutely terrified by almost everything ranging from the act of putting on a harness, to kids on rollerblades. She taught me a lot and was the catalyst for a complete shift in my career trajectory and my decision to work with dogs!
How did you find out about the International Scholarship?
I was looking for a rigorous in-person training program that can provide hands-on learning and was ready to travel if necessary. After some serious research, I stumbled upon the Master Dog Trainer Program offered by Highland Canine and later on found out that the 2021 scholarship recipient, Christine Ho, turned out to be an acquaintance of mine in the Singapore dog training space!
Is there a particular part of the Master Dog Trainer program you are looking forward to?
What makes this Master Dog Trainer program so special is that it goes beyond obedience training and behavior modification programs. I am particularly excited for the Police K9, detection dogs and service dogs component as that is not a knowledge domain that we can easily get access to in Singapore. Training dogs to work alongside handlers, to achieve important tasks – that’s what I am excited to unlock!
How do you intend to use the knowledge from your studies when you return home to Singapore after graduation?
Upon graduation, my long-term objective is to expand education options for dog owners and canine enthusiasts. Within Asia, there is currently a notable gap in formal canine education. While there is no shortage of practising dog trainers, there are not many structured educational programs for owners or aspiring trainers. I believe that through education, we can not only raise the baseline level of knowledge among dog owners but also cultivate a community that collectively advocates for a balanced, humane and evidence-based approach to canine training.
Beyond education, my other goal is to contribute to the development of the local working-dog landscape and create greater societal awareness on the capabilities of working dogs. Scent detection is a possible entry point for establishing a civilian working-dog pathway within the Singapore context. Working with existing canine practitioners in Singapore to form a detection club and bridge into applied working pathways (conservation detection, research-based projects, private-sector initiatives) would be something I wish to explore.
Have you ever visited the United States? Are you excited about coming here for the Scholarship?
I have visited the United States for recreational purposes in the past, mainly to the major cities like New York City and Los Angeles. It will be my first time in North Carolina and honestly as an outdoor lover – being surrounded by dogs and nature – that sounds like a dream!
I find that it is eye-opening and refreshing to meet people who come from different cultures and walks of life, so living and working together with the other students in the Master Dog Trainer program is something I look forward to!
Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?
Thank you to the School for Dog Trainers for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I’m excited to learn and contribute as much as I can in these six months!