Trainer Program

[jacksonsmom]

Hello all,

I am very interested in becoming a trainer. I have located a training program that I can do by correspondence. I don't think I can post their website but if you are familiar with this please email me or PM me and I will give you their website. I was wondering if someone could take at look at what they offer and tell me if they think this is a good route to go. I can't find one in my area to attend in person plus we stay home with our son who is 81/2 months so there would be no one to care for him during the day. Thanks for your input.

[WorkinDogz]

I'm sorry Jacksonsmom...

I really don't believe training is something you can effectively learn by correspondence...it's something you learn by doing...and being shown...having someone who KNOWS standing beside you; ready and able to correct your mistakes in technique and to help you immediately if you run into trouble...

Isn't there an Obedience School near you that would allow you to apprentice??

I just don't think correspondence is the way to do it; and would be a waste of money...

You have the desire...and that means the world..

[jacksonsmom]

Thanks for the reply WorkinDogz,

I agree....however the course is an interactive correspondence course where they send taped lectures and you have to send then videos of you training a untrained dog and then they send one back with corrections to your video and the proper technique. Here is what it reads on the website:

III. Correspondence Courses


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These courses are designed for those who wish to learn the theory and practice of professional obedience training without traveling away from home, yet are dedicated seriously to learning the art and craft of dog training, These courses are not a substitute for the practical experience gained through our hands-on apprenticeships, though they are designed to be as thorough and demanding as possible. It is by no means a "diploma by mail" course, you should expect to work!

We have 2 ways to do the correspondence course. Interactive & Non-interactive. Both courses cover the same course material. However, the interactive course uses video taping to allow for critiques of handling techniques, and the proper implementation of our training techniques, which have been proven successful year after year. The interactive course is the next best thing to being at our training facility!

For those without video taping capabilities, or who wish to economize on the expense, our non-interactivecourse covers the same material, at a much lower price, and includes the most up-to-date training techniques and behavior modification principles.


The Core Course

The core course will address the following topics:

Canine behavior, conditioning theory, and its implications for training.
A Proven Training Program for basic through advanced obedience, including Theory and Methods
How to structure a successful In-board training program
How to develop lesson plans for classes
How to run a successful in-home training program
Behavior Problems and Behavior Modification Programs
Typical behavior problems: housetraining, digging, chewing, unrulyness, shyness, etc.
Canine aggression: Dog aggression, biting, fearfulness, posessiveness, defensive behavior
Introduction to Protection Training and Schutzhund.
The Business of Dogs.
How to start a business: Organization, Legalities, Tax Considerations, Management.
Writing a Business Plan: Startup Estimates, Financial statements, Goals.
Marketing and advertising: Proven Techniques to build your business

Additional Theory Modules

Protection Theory

Theory of Developing Controlled Aggression: Grip Training, Confidence Building
Protection Skills: Hold & Bark, Out, Handler Defense, Criminal Apprehension, etc.
Sport Training: Schutzhund
Training for Personal Protection
Liability issues

Scent Theory

Tracking (AKC & Schutzhund)
Trailing: SAR, Police K-9 Style.
Air Scenting

Interactive Course Administration

You must have access to a video camera(VHS tapes only will be accepted for review) and at least one untrained dog to work with in basic and advanced obedience.
You will be provided with a lesson plan for studying the written materials, and will be responsible for submitting homework assignments and video documentation by the assigned due dates. Late submissions will be counted at the discretion of the evaluator. Remember, this is an interactive correspondence course, evaluated by a real person, so deadlines are strict. Your videos will be returned with comments and video demonstrations to help you correct mistakes.
You should plan to work over an 8 week semester. In the final week you will be mailed a final examination which will count for 30% of your course grade. Your homework assignments will count for 30% and your practical training will count for the remainder of 40% of your grade. A grade of 65% will be required to pass the course and earn the certificate of completion.


Tuition

CORE NON-INTERACTIVE COURSE TUITION*..........$350.00
CORE INTERACTIVE COURSE TUITION................$875.00
SCENT THEORY MODULE TUITION......................$175.00
PROTECTION THEORY MODULE TUITION..........$175.00

When you enroll you will receive an enrollment packet which includes:
Text Books, covering training theory and methods, behavior and conditioning theory, small business startup, first aid..
The Text of the lectures given at XXXXX XXXXXXX in the areas of: "Obedience Training Theory", "Practical Training Methods", "Behavior Modification", "The Dog Business."
Homework Assignments on a broad range of topics from theory to practice, including case studies of real behavior problems we have seen in our training program.
A Final Examination which will be mailed one week prior to the end of your course.
Any additional module materials, if so ordered.

Guarantee
You can return your enrollment packet for a refund within 7 days if you are not completely satisfied. You will be responsible only for the return shipping costs.

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This is actually the only training facility I could find in our area except for some vets office which I can't work during the day. Whatcha think? I really don't have the money, but ya know the good old plastic can hold it if you think it will benefit me. I do have some background.....I of course read everything as well as we have been through in home training with my moms dog and been to several puppy classes. Thanks for the advice. I really have a passion for this (every since I was a little girl) and my husband finally sees this is and is very supportive. Thanks
:D

[Ilovemypuppy]

HI ! This looks like a very good course, I think you should follow your dreams and don't let ANYONE discourage you in anyway. Few people get a chance to follow a childhood dream and I'll bet you'll be an excellent trainer. I wish you the very best! ;)

[WorkinDogz]

I agree Jacksonsmom! Follow your dreams! Surf the working dogs web site; buy all the books available on SAR, Scent Discrimination, Theory and Methodology etc and read and absorb like a sponge!

Then...work with a real trainer hands-on. (And save yourself a BUNCH of money.)