Apprenticeship Program

Description of Program:

This program is designed to educate future dog trainers and behavior consultants in various aspects of training and behavior modification. A variety of training techniques and supportive methodologies will be utilized and explained. Upon completion, the student will be familiar with a wide range of techniques, supportive methodologies, and legal/ethical considerations.

Application requirements 

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Signed Medical release and copy of medical insurance information
• Signed Conduct Agreement
• Payment of $650 payment plans can be broken down into two  

 Program Requirements

Coursework (23 hours)

 (Correspondence format unless otherwise noted)

• Speaking Dog (in person class) – 3 hours
• Dog’s Perception of the World-2 hours
• Dog Breeds-1 hour
• Therapy and Service Dogs – 1 hour
• LearningTherory-3 hours
• Inter-Dog Relationships – 1 hour
• Professional Ethics/business -1 hour
• Aggressive Dog – 3 hours
• Aggression evaluations-2 hours
• Fear/Anxiety – 2 hours
• Animal Restraint (in person class) – 2 hours
• Introduction to Behavior Pharmacology -1 hour
• Introduction to Alternative/Herbal Therapy-1 hour

Each Class will require completion of 2-4 written assignments.

A grade of 75% is required to complete the course.                                                   

                                 Group Classes (15 hours)

• Puppy Class -6 hours
• Socialization-2 hours
• Reactive Dog Class-3 hours
• Therapy Dog -4 hours- Therapy Dog Academy (2 hours), 
  • Therapy dog evaluation (1 hour) facility visit (1 hour)   

                                    Hands on (42 hours)

• Working with clients/dogs
  • Anxiety
    • Separation/General
  • Fear
  • Dog integration/inter-relationships
  • Leash etiquette
  • Medical Issues affecting behavior
  • Pre-selection/Adoption Assessments
  • Office/Records
  • Course Development
  • Aggression

Specifics will depend on client needs and scheduling

Total Hours=80

• Grade of at least 80% on practical/staff evaluation.

If less than 70% on the practical/staff evaluation, student will be issued a failing grade and NOT be eligible to retake or re-enroll in the program.

  Upon successful completion you will receive:

• Certificate of completion
• Letter of recommendation/reference
• Option of being added on Canine Behavior Counseling list of approved contractors.