Course description
Study from the privacy of your own home
By choosing to enroll in ABC's unique program of study, you can keep your present job while in dog obedience school . The ABC program brings the classroom to your living room and neighborhood, which means no added expenses will be incurred for housing at a remote location and no time will be wasted by driving back and forth to a classroom at an out-dated school for dog trainer students.
Flexible Hours
You can study around your current work or school schedule making this program a custom fit. With this flexibility you can complete the program in as little as 40 weeks.
Personal Program Manager
Although the first portion of the program is done in the privacy of your home, you will not be alone. An ABC Program Manager will be appointed to you upon enrollment and they will be with you every step of the way! They will be there to guide you through the program, counsel you, answer all your questions, and grade all your exams. Your personal Program Manager will contact you shortly after enrollment to get acquainted and welcome you into the program. At that time, you will be given the Program Manager's toll free number and email address for future interactions as you journey through the program.
Curriculum Description by Stage
The maximum time allotted for each student in the ABC program is 60 weeks but students are encouraged to progress more quickly based upon their own efficiency and desire to do so.
Stage 1 - A BASIC STUDY OF CANINES - 7 Days (2.67 units)
This stage will provide you with basic knowledge about canines. It is important as a Dog Obedience Instructor to have an understanding of dog breed characteristics, developmental periods, proper socialization, basic health routines, disease prevention and canine communication.
Stage 2 -LEARNING THEORY - 14 Days (5.33 units)
This stage provides you with a strong understanding of the scientific principles of how animals learn. You will learn that animal training is most successful if it follows the basic principles of behavioral theory. This stage is designed to teach you these principles along with many specific training strategies, including, classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Stage 3 - A TRAINER'S TOOLBOX - 7 Days (3.33 units)
This stage is designed to introduce the student to many types of dog training tools. These include; clickers, collars, leashes, housetraining aids, chewing deterrents, interactive toys, and safety equipment.
Stage 4 - TRAINING BASICS - 7 Days (2.00 Units)
This stage begins by reviewing the history of dog training and the differences between obedience training , behavior modification and problem solving. This stage is packed with information that is designed to help you identify specific genetic behaviors and characteristics in dogs.
Stage 5 - HOW TO TEACH BASIC OBEDIENCE CUES - 28 Days (10.67 Units)
In this stage you will be given written and illustrated step-by-step instruction on how to teach basic obedience cues. These instructions will help you better serve your future clients, both two legged and four legged.
Stage 6 - THE ART OF EFFECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING - 28 Days (10.67 units)
This stage is designed to teach the student how to effectively treat the most common behavioral problems in dogs, e.g. housebreaking, house manners, puppy nipping, chewing, digging, jumping, excessive barking, and begging.
Stage 7 - SAFETY - 7 Days (2.00 units)
This stage teaches the students how to recognize the precursors of dog aggression, how to avoid it and handle such aggression. It will also discuss owner aggression and indicators of frustration in the owner when working with their dog. An instructor knowledgeable on how to take proper precautions will be able to conduct safe and stress free lessons with their clients.
Stage 8 - PUBLIC SPEAKING & TEACHING GROUP CLASSES - 7 Days (2.67 units)
During the first portion of this stage you will be given information regarding public speaking and methods to use for conveying training lessons clearly and effectively to dog owners. During the second portion you will be given information on how to conduct group classes. It is important as a Dog Obedience Trainer to be able to effectively speak and motivate people.
Stage 9 - BUSINESS BUILDING - 21 Days (8.00 units)
Included in this stage is the step by step instruction of how to create a business plan, how to create a budget, and how to successfully market a pet training business. Sample proposals, contracts and miscellaneous forms are also included.
Stage 10 - SHELTER PRACTICUM & EXTERNSHIP - Up to 21 Weeks (1.33 units)
As you enter this stage of the program, you will become part of ABC’s international campaign to improve shelter dog rehabilitation and adoption. The campaign is called “Students Saving Lives” and was actualized from the personal quest of Ms. Debbie Kendrick, the Vice President of Animal Behavior College. As an ABC Student, you will be asked to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours at a local animal shelter, humane society, or rescue organization of your choice.
Stage 11 - Graduation - 14 Days (5.33 Units)
During this stage you will be given a Final Exam to measure your overall performance. Once it is passed, you will receive a diploma certifying you as a graduate from the Animal Behavior College Obedience Instructor Training Program.
