Dog Trainer School

[Miranda_Rae]

Hey I was wondering if anyone knows where there is any good schools where you can become a certified dog trainer? I am thinking of in the area of Arizona, but my options are open. I am thinking of moving to Arizona this summer and getting a place and hopefully if I can find a school down there it would be great. I want to become a certified dog trainer and all, but I don't know where to go. I have searched the web and really haven't found much. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! :D

[Giselle]

The SF SPCA is highly regarded for churning out very knowledgeable trainers and is based in positive reinforcement/operant conditioning/classical conditioning, etc. methods. Basically, no physical force needed. Plus, you get to work with Jean Donaldson!!!

http://www.sfspca.org/academy/index.shtml

I figure if you're thinking of AZ, CA isn't too far away ;) You could just come for the Academy and then move back to AZ. Also, there's the Canine Behavior & Training Academy of the Marin Humane Society with Trish King:
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/CBA.html

Also, check this page out:
http://www.apdt.com/po/career.aspx

If you can't find a school, find a GOOD trainer and apprentice under them, go to conferences, read, study, and always keep an open mind. :)

Also, try to get some titles on your own dog. Titles are like a dog trainer's credentials, almost =)

[Rachel]

As long as your options are open, why not find the best school and move to that locale. They might even have help for you to find a place to live.

[Freedom]

Lacey's trainer is APDT certified. Have you looked into that? American Pet Dog Trainers.

[binka_nugget]

The SF SPCA is highly regarded for churning out very knowledgeable trainers and is based in positive reinforcement/operant conditioning/classical conditioning, etc. methods. Basically, no physical force needed. Plus, you get to work with Jean Donaldson!!!


Jeez! That makes me want to go there! :p

I agree with Sophie, titles are very useful to have. If I were to seriously look for a dog trainer for my three, I would only take someone who has titles on their dogs (more than a CD) just cause there are so many trainers. A lot of trainers can talk-the-talk but when it comes down to knowing dog behavior, don't really have a clue. Even if the client isn't looking for training for competition, it still shows the trainer is committed. :)

In addition to the course, I would also try to get in as many seminars as possible, and maybe work experience if you can find it. I've been looking and having a hard time but some trainers are willing to take on an apprentice.

There are tons of trainers here that have taken a course and are CAPPDT certified (Canadian version of APDT). Doesn't mean anything to me. Anyone can pay the yearly membership fee and shell out a few thousand for a course. Heck, anyone could print out "Certified Dog Trainer" on their home computer and call themself "Certified". There aren't any regulations in regards to who can call themself a professional dog trainer. Of course, a course will be very useful, but the good trainers don't just stop there. What will really matter are your work experience, and continuing education. :)

[Jessika]

When I worked at PetCo you could attend clinics sponsored through the store itself to become licensed. I'm not sure of any of the details past that, but I was signed up to do it before I found out I was moving and never attended.

[Miranda_Rae]

Thanks you guys for the information. I found this one school in Arizona that I am really interested in. I don't know if you guys know anything about it. Heres the link. I think its a school that you do police dog training and such but you can also use it for basic obedience. Correct me if i am wrong. What do you think?

http://www.tlck9academy.com/dog-trainer-school.php

[Giselle]

I don't like them.

No more silly clickers and cookies that don't work!
Yeah. Okay, because in agility, we beat our dogs into submission and then force them to do the obstacles :rolleyes: Plus, this guy uses and promotes negative reinforcement. He calls it a "tap on the shoulder". I call it unnecessary force. JMO.

For what it's worth, you might want to contact some SF SPCA Academy graduates living in AZ and apprentice under them:
http://www.sfspca.org/academy/referral.shtml#other_state