At the School for Dog Trainers, we are passionate about bringing our educational programs to the next generation of dog trainers. Through our programs, we are able to help dog trainers to get a true understanding of canine behavior – consequently improving the relationship between humans and dogs around the world.
There is perhaps no greater evidence of the benefits of strong human-canine relationships than in the important work performed by service dogs. These highly-skilled and dependable dogs must undergo a rigorous training process to ensure that they are able to carry out their tasks reliably and effectively. For a service dog to be effective, the service dog trainer must be able to convey the important concepts of training – to both the dog and its handler.
Our Service Dog Trainer program has always been popular for students who are looking to learn about all aspects of becoming a service dog trainer – from canine behavior and theory, to teaching service dogs how to perform those crucial tasks, to even understanding the role of legislation such as the ADA and how it can impact service dog handlers.
The School for Dog Trainers is delighted to announce that we will be opening a new campus location in the coming months – the Hill Country Campus in Utopia, TX. This campus will predominantly offer our 18-week Service Dog Trainer program.
The Hill Country Campus will join the Main Campus (Harmony, NC) and Southeast Campus (Hanceville, AL) as campus locations for the School for Dog Trainers.
To learn more about this exciting development, we caught up with Kim Cain, Training Director for the Hill Country Campus. Kim explained what students can expect from the Hill Country Campus; what makes the School for Dog Trainers different; and why she believes it is vital for prospective service dog trainers to educate themselves.
Kim, what can students expect from the Service Dog Trainer program at the Hill Country Campus?
Students attending the Service Dog Trainer program at the Texas Hill Country Campus can expect an environment where learning is collaborative and fun. The curriculum encourages discussion and sharing of ideas and experiences. Students can expect to work with a variety of different dog breeds and temperaments. They’ll begin to build an understanding of how dogs communicate with each other and they’ll learn different ways they can communicate with dogs.
The melding of classroom learning and hands-on training will build their knowledge, skill, confidence and ultimately help them find their path to becoming the best canine communicator they can be!
What makes the training programs at the School for Dog Trainers different from other schools?
There are a lot of things that set our curriculum apart from other schools. I think the most important difference would be that other schools have a specific, or one lane, training approach. “Do things this way, any other way is incorrect.” Some schools don’t allow treats; some schools don’t allow prong collars or e-collars.
Instead, we approach our teaching from the perspective that all dogs are not the same, therefore, not all training is the same for each dog. Some dogs work for food, some work for a toy, some work because they want your attention. We teach the trainers to consider the breed, temperament, health (both mental and physical), and history of the dog to help them determine the best training plan.
Our students will learn a variety of tools, theories and techniques and leave our school with the knowledge and experience having used them. When they start their own business, they will have a deeper bag of tools. What tools they use will be 100% up to them.
Can you tell us a little about why you believe it is important for service dog trainers to get a full understanding of what it takes to train a service dog properly?
The last statistics I read stated that 50%-70% of dogs that enter a Service Dog training program wash out or are returned. I wonder if that statistic could be changed based on the skillset of the trainers. Training a Service Dog isn’t to be taken lightly. Granted, it is a fun and rewarding job, but it is also serious business. Service Dogs are not pets; they are working dogs. In many cases they are relied upon to alert or indicate when someone needs medical intervention. It may be dramatic to say they save lives – but they do.
If a service dog trainer doesn’t have an understanding on how dogs learn when they hit a bump in the road, they may toss in the towel and wash the dog out of the program. However, with a solid foundation of lessons and hands-on work, the bump in the road will bring out the ability of a good trainer to troubleshoot and find a solution.
I have also encountered ‘service dogs’ that failed when they were needed because the trainers didn’t understand the proofing phase of the dog’s training. Good service dog trainers never stop researching, learning, sharing and trying new things.
Finally, Kim, can you sum up your feelings ahead of the new campus launch in early August?
Opening this campus has been in the works for nearly two years, and I am overjoyed to have a start date and students! How blessed am I to be able to spend my days teaching people how to train dogs that will impact the lives of others? Pretty cool stuff!
Thank you Highland Canine Training for making this happen – and thanks to my husband for all the things he built, and will build in the future!
Resources
Programs at the Hill Country Campus begin in August 2023. Check out our 2023 Program Calendar and 2024 Program Calendar.
Thinking about becoming a Service Dog Trainer? Browse our Service Dog Trainer program curriculum.
Looking to learn more about our Hill Country Campus in Utopia, TX? Click here.
Want to take a tour of our Hill Country Campus? Schedule one today.
Any other questions? We’d love to help you! Contact our administrative office by phone on 800 726-7412, or email learntotraindogs@highlandcanine.com.