Dog Trainer Schools

Her book, "No Bad Dogs", and her television show, “Training Dogs the Woodhouse Way”, made the word “walkies” a part of the national vocabulary. Theories on the best way to train dogs come and go. Currently, the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, enjoys great popularity. Read more about his dog training methods by visiting http://www.cesarsway.com/. If you’re thinking about a career working with canines, checking out several dog trainer schools is a good place to start. It’s also important to understand a little about the different methods used to train dogs.

Dogs have been a part of our lives since ancient times. Still, they were more highly valued for their skills at herding animals or hunting than as pets. In the mid-nineteenth century dogs began to be shown, again largely based upon their herding, hunting and other working skills. The American Kennel Club (AKC) was formed in 1884 and some fifty years later the trend toward dogs kept as pets by middle class families emerged. Learn more about the work done by the AKC at its website: http://www.akc.org/.

Philosophies of Different Dog Trainer Schools

As dogs were increasingly kept indoors, training them to live as pets took on importance. Dog trainer schools soon became divided by the approach they took to training. The positive approach rejects all forms of physical punishment and training tools such as choke collars. It relies on treats and verbal praise as rewards for good behavior. Clicker training combines positive reinforcement with the sound of a hand clicker which marks the positive behavior for the dog. Negative reinforcement teaches a dog that there are consequences for bad behavior. Adherents of this dog training style emphasize that negative reinforcement can be counterproductive if over used and most apply it in conjunction with ample positive reinforcement. Not all dog trainer schools offer courses in all dog training disciplines. In addition, if you’re planning to become a dog breeder or a kennel owner, you will need other classes as well.

Training dogs has evolved into a profession. Some trainers even have veterinary training. Most dog trainers, however, choose to attend dog trainer schools or colleges. Still, learning to train dogs can be expensive and requires students to commit to a course of study that can last several months. Many dog trainers also engage in ongoing education to refresh and enhance their skills. Find out more about the skills and education needed to become a dog trainer at the website for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers which can be accessed here: http://www.apdt.com/default.aspx.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Animal Behavior College (ABC) stresses a positive form of dog training based on building a relationship between the dog and the trainer. ABC’s initial course work is home based which saves you money and allows you to progress at your own pace for up to 60 weeks. After finishing the home study program, you will work with a trainer/mentor for 21 weeks. The last two weeks of training encompass studying for the final exam.

Upon successful completion of the exam you will be awarded a diploma qualifying you as a graduate of the American Behavior College Obedience Instructor Training Program. ABC also offers training to become a veterinary assistant or a dog groomer. Financial aid is available. Graduates may also avail themselves of continuing education classes in such fields as training shelter dogs and giving private lessons. Find out more about ABC’s classes at the website found here: http://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/.

Clicker Based Dog Training

Karen Pryor developed an extensive array of clicker training programs for both cats and dogs. She incorporates the clicker method with a variety of other force-free techniques at her dog trainer schools across the country. The dog trainer program offered by Karen Pryor Academy combines home study with hands on workshops. Highly qualified teachers conduct the workshops on a fixed schedule at locations in 17 states and Canada. The Academy accepts motivated students with no dog training experience or clicker training experience but it is also offers challenges for current dog trainers looking to enrich their educations. Graduates are designated Karen Pryor Certified Training Partners; for further information about the Karen Pryor Academy check out its website: http://www.karenpryoracademy.com/dog-trainer-program.

If you’re looking for dog trainer schools with an on site, hands on course of study, Triple Crown Academy may the program for you. The Triple Crown philosophy centers on understanding the way a dog learns coupled with behavior modification and clicker training. With its emphasis on intensive instructor training at the Triple Crown facility, you can complete your initial studies in eight weeks. Finishing the program successfully will certify you as a Canine Training Specialist. Reasonably priced room and board is available. Recently Triple Crown has added introductory home based learning classes to its curriculum. Financial aid is available.  Triple Crown Academy is also sanctioned for Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Chapter 31 assistance and has approval from the Immigration and Naturalization Service for international students. Discover more about Triple Crown Academy at their website: http://triplecrowndogs.com.

Combine Positive and Negative Reinforcement Dog Training

Obtain a Professional Dog Trainer Certification from TLC K9 Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. You will be trained to utilize both positive and negative reinforcement techniques for dog training. Bill Glatzel, animal behaviorist and founder of TLC K9 Academy, stresses that negative reinforcement as taught at TLC K9 Academy is neither cruel nor punitive. Mr. Glatzel believes used properly and with restraint negative reinforcement is merely an additional method for accelerating the dog’s learning process.

After only three weeks of intensive, on site training successful graduates will be recognized as Certified TLC K9 Magic Touch Method Dog Obedience Trainers. You may also opt for a five day seminar with instruction in basic dog training techniques. This course is designed to quickly acquaint you with dog training as a business and provide you with a strong foundation for future study. Investigate the TLC K9 Academy dog trainer program at its website located here: http://www.tlck9academy.com/dog-trainer-school.php.