So You Want To Be a Dog Trainer

So You Want To Be a Dog Trainer

There are plenty of options out there for online or DVD dog training courses. Knowing what you are getting is important because there are currently no guidelines for who can offer you certification to hang on your wall declaring you a dog trainer. And more importantly is there are no guidelines for the content of the information you will be receiving. 

The Academy for Dog Trainers is headed by Jean Donaldson. You may be familiar with her books; Dogs Are From Neptune, OH BEHAVE: From Pavlov to Premack, MINE: A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding, FIGHT!, The Culture Clash, and others. Her course provides a variety of media formats for learning including; DVD’s, books and other printed resources, weekly webinars, and 24/7 chat groups. The information is based on the science of animal behavior and learning and years of experience working hands-on with thousands of dogs in and out of the shelter setting.  

If you are looking to become not just a good dog trainer, but a great dog trainer, make sure you are starting with a solid foundation in modern training methods and up-to-date information on dogs and behavior. When you achieve certification from the Academy you can feel proud and confident that you are making decisions for your clients based on accurate and humane practices for behavior modification. 

*Disclaimer: I received a scholarship from The Academy to participate in a course. I was not asked to write this post, nor did I ever feel as though I was expected to.