Students enrolled in dog obedience training
programs develop professional dog handling and behavior correction
skills. Online dog training degree programs aren't generally available,
although there are some online diploma or certificate programs; however,
these are rare since practice involving live animals is often
necessary. Students have few options for online instruction and may want
to consider hands-on dog training in their area.
Due to the hands-on nature of the field and necessity of interacting
with dogs, online dog obedience trainer programs are limited. Courses
cover basic information about canine health and veterinary science,
sensory systems and physical abilities. Enrollees study the ways dogs
learn and interact socially. Class material emphasizes behavior
problems, the best ways to respond and most effective ways to correct
them. Other courses show students how to correctly identify dog breeds
based on corresponding traits and temperaments.
Online dog obedience trainer programs require Internet access so that
students may access and download software, view websites and complete
online examinations. Supplemental materials, such as educational DVDs,
are sent directly to the homes of students. It's recommended, but not
required, that students practice techniques they learn online with a
live dog. Students complete coursework on their own time and begin
immediately after enrollment. Typical program duration is six months.
Common Courses
Training Methods Course
This course includes instruction in dog training techniques and
suggestions for specific lessons and commands. Classes cover canine
psychology, motivation, conditioning and behavior reinforcement.
Canine Sensory Abilities Course
Students learn about the dog's perception of the world, limitations
and unique abilities. They gain an understanding of what a dog notices
in terms of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell.
Socializing and Communication Course
This course provides information on the ways in which dogs form
social groups, communicate with each other and work cooperatively so
that prospective trainers learn how to interact with a dog in a way that
he or she understands. Students pick up on canine 'body language' and
learn to interpret cues.
Basic Health and Veterinary Science Course
It's important for a dog trainer to know when a dog is in medical
distress. Topics include common illnesses and injuries, as well as
treatment of minor problems with first aid. This course also covers
canine reproductive health.
On-Campus Certificate in Canine Training Overview
Much of the education for online and on-campus dog training is very
similar. However, on-site training - which is often offered through
college or university continuing education divisions - provides
structured experience with real dogs under the supervision of an
instructor. Students have the chance to seek immediate feedback from
teachers and confer with fellow students in person. Learning takes place
both in individual and group settings.
Some on-campus programs require students to bring in a pet or other
familiar dog to practice techniques on under the observation of the
instructor. Programs may require a certain amount of contact hours
training dogs, student teaching and practicum examinations. More
advanced classes provide practice for canine competitions. Evaluations
and examinations are done in class. Students need to be able to
transport themselves and a familiar canine to and from class.
Common Courses
Canine Obedience Courses
On-campus programs require a number of dog obedience instruction
courses. While on-campus programs cover much of the same basic skills as
online programs, emphasis is placed on live interactions between the
student and his or her pet. Students practice specific commands in class
and correct problem behaviors with the help of the instructor and peer
feedback.
Client Services Course
This course focuses on customer and trainer communication, as well as
good business practices. Students learn which dog trainer services are
typically offered and how to provide the most effective services for
each particular client and pet.
Student Teaching Course
In this course, students must prove their professional ability. They
design their own training curriculum and advertising. Novice dog
trainers apply their new skills in dog obedience sessions open to the
public.
Dog obedience training programs are geared toward people who want to
start their own canine obedience businesses or work for an existing
school. Dog trainer education programs are also useful for individuals
interested in law enforcement positions.The U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics reports that positions for dog trainers should be more
favorable in bigger metro areas, and the mean annual salary for
animal trainers as a whole was approximately $26,900 in 2009 (
www.bls.gov).
After completion of classes, it's often recommended that dog trainers
take the examination for membership in the National Association of Dog
Obedience Instructors.
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