If you have recently acquired an adorable, irresistible ball of puppy fluff, or are thinking about acquiring one, you should plan on beginning training at once. Eight weeks may seem young, but the best, more receptive age for puppy training is between two and four months.
Your puppy may seem tiny, but you really cannot start training too young. Like kids, puppies are sponges, soaking everything up and learning quickly. Just make sure to keep training sessions fun and positive–negative experiences or impressions can last a lifetime.
Even at that early age, puppies have that I-want-to-please-my-human thing going on, so you have that going for you!
Serious Business Disguised as Fun and Games
Dogs are naturally fun-loving. Training should be a blast for your pup.
Consider this: even as full-grown adults, working dogs do what they do for pleasure. Canine Sergeant Adam Witherspoon, who has trained hundreds of police dogs, says, “It is a game to dogs. They succeed in a task; they get a reward.”
It is amazing what a dog can learn to do, and it all starts in puppyhood!
“Make training fun! It does not have to be exceptionally long but make it fun for you and your pup each time,” says Animal Behavior College dog training instructor Samantha Jonker.
A focus on fun paired with your pup’s natural desire to please makes it easy to teach obedience basics like “sit” and “focus” — the two most important early lessons. You really want your puppy to be able to put his whole attention on you. Plus, that little pup sitting and looking up at you expectantly with those big brown eyes will melt your heart.
Before You Begin
It is crucial to understand the importance of timing in training. You want to reward your pup the very instant he does what you want. Mark the behavior with a treat or a “Yes!” If your timing is off, though, you risk reinforcing the wrong behavior.
Your pup will quickly learn to repeat whatever behavior earns him a reward, so you will need to think like your puppy. For instance, if he is whining for a treat and you give him one then what has he learned? “If I whine, I get a treat!”
Sit!
This is one of the easiest commands to teach your puppy. While she is standing in front of you, hold a treat above her head so she must look up. As she does, her little rear will sink to the floor and the instant it touches the floor you say, “Yes!” and let her have the treat.
Do not anticipate. Wait until her haunches hit the floor.
Repeat it five or six times with the treat, then try it with just the hand motion (keeping the treat in the other hand to reward her when her butt hits the floor). Keep your tone light and positive.
Repeat this several times in short sessions. By then, she will be associating sitting with being treated and begin to sit a little longer. Now it is time to start adding the cue “sit.”
In adding the cue, it is important to time it as she begins the sitting motion. Again, do not anticipate, but do not wait until her rear hits the floor, either.
Repeat several times, remembering to keep your tone happy and training sessions short!
Socialize Your Puppy
Socialization involves exposing your puppy to new experiences and places and helping him get comfortable with people and animals besides the ones in his home. Do not wait until he is older; the younger he is, the more receptive he will be to accepting something unfamiliar. Just do not throw too much at him at once.
“Socialization is so important, with both other people and other dogs,” says Jonker.” Be sure to give your new pup the opportunity to meet new people and other dogs regularly and reward all good behavior you see.”
Not given that opportunity, your pup may shy away from people or worse, start showing aggressive tendencies out of fear.
“A puppy or beginner group training class is a great place to get some exposure to other dogs and to learn manners,” Jonker adds. A win-win!
Interested in Puppy Training? Are You Asking Yourself, Where Is Their Puppy Training Near Me?
If you would like to learn more about puppy training or are thinking about becoming a dog obedience trainer, Animal Behavior College can help. ABC’s online dog obedience program can teach you everything you need to start your career in about a year.
You will get a great curriculum developed by professional trainers and each student will have a program manager to provide support along the way.
Once your online work is done, you work with a mentor trainer in an externship and volunteer your skills at an animal shelter. That way, you will have plenty of hands-on experience by the time you earn your dog trainer certification.
To talk to an admissions counselor, call 800-795-3294.
Heroes on Four Paws: Dogs Save Lives in War and Peace
Dogs of War
U.S. soldiers have a long history of taking man’s best friend to the battlefront. Many Civil War units had beloved mascots, but dogs had no official role beyond providing companionship.
By World War I many countries had recognized the potential of dogs in combat situations. Though the United States military did not officially have a program to train dogs for service, they were used by many countries as watchdogs, sentries, scouts, and messengers. Terriers were popular for their ability to combat the rats that shared the trenches with the soldiers.
The Red Cross employed assistance or “ambulance dogs” to venture into “no man’s land” – the dangerous zone between the trenches of the Allies and their enemies. They performed such tasks as carrying first aid supplies to wounded men and lying down next to dying soldiers to provide comfort. Some were trained to carry a wounded soldier’s hat to the medics and lead them back to him.
Official U.S. Military Service Dogs
During World War II, there was a civilian-led effort to train dogs for military service. Called Dogs for Defense, the group persuaded pet owners to give them their animals for training as guard dogs.
It did not quite work out as hoped; different levels of training experience and other issues hampered the ambitious effort. However, it piqued the interest of military brass.
In the summer of 1942, the Remount Branch Quartermaster became a procurer and trainer of canines. At first, all breeds were accepted, but it quickly became apparent that some breeds were more suited to the work: German shepherd, Doberman pinscher, Belgian sheepdog, collie, Siberian husky, malamute, and Eskimo dog.
The first dogs were put to work guarding the coastline against saboteurs that might be put ashore by enemy submarines. Eventually, 3,174 dogs would serve the Coast Guard in that capacity.
Before long, tactical, scout, and messenger dogs were being trained. There were bugs to be worked out. For example, during their training in the U.S., dogs were acclimated to gunfire but not the artillery which caused them to panic during battle.
As the kinks were worked out, the abilities of the dogs shone. As scouts, for instance, they could warn their handlers of the enemy’s presence at a range of 1000 yards.
Messenger dogs could deliver messages short distances during combat faster than their human counterparts, and they made smaller targets.
After the war, the army made a massive effort to ensure the vast majority of dogs returned to the United States and were re-trained to lead successful civilian lives.
During the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, dogs again accompanied the troops. More than 4,000 dogs went to Vietnam. They scouted, tracked, performed sentry duty, and detected mines, tunnels, and booby-trap. By conservative estimate, these four-legged heroes were responsible for saving 10,000 American lives.
The dogs were highly proficient at sniffing out trouble and avoiding ambushes in the jungle where so much vegetation limited human sight. So effective and despised by the enemy were they that the Viet Cong put a $20,000 bounty on them.
Tragically, only 204 dogs made it home. The rest were either turned over to the South Vietnamese military or euthanized, despite the pleas of many of their distraught human handlers.
In 2000, the Robby Law was enacted preventing such an atrocity from ever being repeated and allowing citizens to adopt retired military service dogs.
Dogs in Modern Warfare
More recent wars have taken canine soldiers to the arid climate of the Middle East where they have proved invaluable in drug and explosive detection and sentry duty. Their life-saving capabilities far exceed their $150,000-plus price tag.
Lucca, a German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, served as a Marine Corps explosives detection dog for six years. In the course of the 400 patrols she led, no soldier was ever injured, and she was able to ID around 40 explosive devices. She received an injury that resulted in the loss of a front leg in 2012.
Dogs like Lucca save the lives of countless American soldiers, but for many of those soldiers, their struggles follow them home.
Service Dogs Are Homefront Heroes
On the home front, as on the battlefield, specially trained canines can help their humans…
Many veterans, suffering from injuries and amputations, rely on service dogs to perform tasks to allow them to live independently and navigate the world. They can be trained to perform a mind-boggling array of tasks, such as opening doors, pulling a wheelchair or supplying stability, and retrieving objects.
Many veterans, wounded or not, carry the trauma of war home with them in the form of PTSD, and dogs are uniquely capable of assisting veterans living with this invisible enemy. They can do such things as gently wake a veteran for whom a loud alarm is a trigger, or they can enter a room first and turn on the lights for one who cannot face going into the dark.
They provide hope, love, support, friendship, and the confidence to venture out of the house and into the world once more. Ironically, many of these service dogs were rescued from shelters.
The Need for Dog Trainers
These heroic dogs are only able to do what they do because of skilled, dedicated trainers who understand their motivation and behavior. By learning how to become a dog trainer, you can help dogs reach their amazing full potential. It all starts with basic obedience.
Want to become a dog trainer? If you are asking where there is dog training near me, you have come to the right place! Animal Behavior College has been certifying dog obedience trainers since 1998. ABC’s online curriculum is followed up by an externship that provides lots of hands-on experience. ABC’s course is an excellent way to launch your career.
If you are already working as a dog obedience trainer and would like to add service dog training to your skill set, Animal Behavior College has an online Service Dog Trainer Program to prepare you for a career that can truly transform the lives of both dogs and humans.
If you are a dog lover looking to start a meaningful career, becoming a dog obedience trainer is hard to beat. Call us at 800-795-3294 to talk to an admissions counselor.
Click here for more information on dog obedience training. Click here for more information on service dog training.
Fur, Fins, Feathers, and Fangs: 50 Careers for Animal Lovers
Many people who have a passion for animals would love a career working with them. Whether you are zeroed in on one species, like sea turtles or horses; or whether you have a heart for all creatures, your dream job would let you work closely with animals.
Great news! There has never been a better time to start an animal career, especially jobs that are related to pets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in animal care and services will grow at twice the rate of other occupations.
The growth in this sector of the economy is driven by the explosive increase in the number of pet owners. This number is projected to keep growing.
Dog walkers and trainers are in high demand right now, and just try getting a grooming appointment–pet salons are booked out for weeks! The demand for pet services shows no sign of slowing. If you want a part-time job and enjoy working with animals, those careers will make great side gigs, too! A solid second income can open many possibilities and make things like home ownership and paying off debt happen much faster! Pet grooming, dog training, and dog walking all offer flexible hours and good money. If you are interested in opening your own business, they are all ideal careers for self-employment.
Preparing for an Animal Career
Some of the following jobs require only a high school diploma; others require at least a bachelor’s degree, and salaries range widely. If you earn a college degree in an animal-related field, your opportunities will be much broader and your salary higher.
However, even if college is out of the question for you there are still plenty of rewarding and enjoyable jobs working with animals. Certification programs are available that provide online training and experience in several animal careers, and these look great on resumes! Animal Behavior College is an outstanding example and has been training people to launch careers since 1998.
50 Animal Careers by Category
The following is a breakdown of animal careers by category, along with education requirements and salary potential.
Agricultural Animal Careers
Rural life is beguiling to many folks, and there are many ways for animal lovers to find employment connected to agriculture.
● Livestock/agricultural journalists write articles for publication on topics related to farming, ranching, and other forms of agriculture. A bachelor’s degree in writing, journalism, communication, or agriculture is usually necessary to succeed. The median income is $82,000.
● Farm managers (or stable or ranch managers) oversee daily activities and manage all aspects of production. They hire and supervise workers and make all decisions related to crop planting and livestock husbandry. A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or the equivalent is a plus. The median income for farm and ranch managers is $75,760.
● Riding instructors teach people to ride horses and feed, exercise, and groom the animals in their care. No degree is required to work as a riding instructor. The average base salary is $55,664.
● Extension agents have many jobs in a community, but helping farmers is high on the list. They also work closely with community youth in a variety of 4-H programs, many of which revolve around animals. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required. The average salary for extension agents is $54,847.
● Range management specialists study natural resources and work to protect them by developing programs and standards governing the use of rangelands.
A degree in range management is required. The median salary is $51,206.
● Apiculturists, also known as beekeepers, maintain beehives and harvest honey. No formal degree is necessary to be a beekeeper, but should you want to get a bachelor’s degree in entomology or biology it would be helpful in your work. The average salary is $50,574.
● Animal/livestock breeders use knowledge of genetics to select and breed animals. They take animals’ genealogy and characteristics into careful consideration and keep detailed records. Most livestock breeders have a bachelor’s degree in animal science. The median salary for an animal breeder is $45,320.
● Shepherds tend and herd flocks of sheep. This oldest of professions requires no formal education but comes with a median salary of $43.221.
● Horse trainers train horses in the behaviors required by their intended discipline, such as racing, rodeo, show jumping, dressage, or pleasure riding. The median salary is $39,288.
● Grooms often work in the horse racing industry. They provide daily care for horses, saddle and unsaddle them, organize tack, clean stalls, and equipment, and sometimes help with training. There is no educational requirement to work as a groom. The average salary is $29,147.
Aquatic Animal Careers
Aquatic life is fascinating. There is no end to the unique creatures that dwell below the surface of oceans, lakes, and rivers. Scientists are still discovering new life forms in the depths of the seas. Anyone with an interest in marine life has a wide range of career paths to follow.
● Marine biologists study ocean life. They may do experiments, rescue marine life, and monitor the behavior of aquatic animals. Being a marine biologist requires an undergraduate degree in a scientific discipline such as ecology, aquatic biology, zoology, or animal science. The average salary is $86,203.
● Aquarium maintenance technicians set up, maintain, and service fresh or saltwater aquatic tanks in homes and offices. They may also work in fish hatcheries, aquarium parks, or any place that maintains aquatic life in tanks. There is no formal degree required, but certification is desirable. The median income is $40,199.
● Marine life rescuers help injured or sick animals; animals that have become entangled in nets or garbage; or stranded animals. They aid in their rehabilitation. Entry-level positions require no special degree or certification. Higher-level positions may require a degree in marine or wildlife biology. The wide pay range may reflect lots of room for advancement. The median salary is $55,632.
● Aqua culturists, or fish farmers, raise several types of fish and shellfish for profit or consumption. The minimum education required is a bachelor’s degree. The average salary is $44,489.
● Marine biotechnologists take advantage of the unique array of marine organisms to develop pharmaceuticals, enzymes, and chemicals. This career requires a Bachelor of Science degree, master’s, or, at the pinnacle of the field, a PhD in Marine Science and Technology. The average salary is $132,303.
● Marine mammal trainers work with dolphins, sea lions, manatees, and seals–usually in zoos or aquarium parks. They teach behaviors, feed the animals, and maintain clean, safe water environments. Most facilities want job candidates with life or animal science degrees. The average salary is $33,908.
● Deep sea marine biologists study the organisms that live far below the surface, sometimes in the deepest trenches of the ocean. Most of these jobs require at least a master’s degree. Salary maxes out at $60K.
● Fish biologists do such jobs as monitoring fish populations and fisheries, making environmental assessments for proposed projects, and identifying areas of needed research. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entering the profession. The average salary is $64,945.
● Aquatic retailers vary in job descriptions; managers, aquarium technicians, and other staff command different salaries. The average salary is $38K.
● Hatchery assistants usually do not need a college degree, although if you aspire to a more advanced position you will need to earn one. Some people enter their career with an aquarium maintenance certification. The average salary for a fish hatchery worker is $49,095.
Pet-related Careers (Non-medical)
Aside from allowing you to spend your time with dogs, cats, and other animals, many pet careers are super flexible and make great side hustles. And if you have been looking for an opportunity for self-employment, one of these careers may be just the ticket!
● Dog walkers enjoy lots of fresh air and plenty of canine interaction. It is a fun career or side gig you can get into without needing a special degree. The average salary is $33,526.
● Pet groomers are in demand as the pet population continues to expand. Groomers help animals look good and feel good by bathing and trimming them, cleaning their ears, and clipping their nails. They do not need a formal education, but it helps to go through a training program to get certified. Like $37,501.
● Animal assisted- or pet therapists use therapy animals – usually dogs and cats – to help people with mental disorders or health issues. Pet therapy helps a wide range of people such as residents in long-term care facilities, cancer patients, and veterans with PTSD. Most hold bachelor’s degrees, and a master’s degree is necessary if you wish to counsel patients. The average salary is $38,056.
● Pet sitters care for animals when their humans are not at home. They may stay in the home or just drop in to monitor the animals, take care of litter boxes, and feed and water pets. They let dogs out to potty and walk them. Basic grooming may be involved. No special education is necessary. It is a nice side hustle if you can work it into your schedule. The average wage is $16 per hour. The median salary for a full-time pet sitter is $33,377.
● Dog obedience trainers are also in high demand these days. They train dogs to follow the basic commands for being good citizens, and they help owners understand how to properly continue training at home. Dog trainers do not have to be degreed or licensed, but certification is recommended. The average salary for a dog trainer is $40,348.
● Cat trainers are called to help curb feline problem behaviors, such as counter surfing, biting and scratching people, and litter box refusal. As with dog training, no degree is required, but certification is encouraged. The average salary is $46,748.
● Animal shelter attendants care for homeless animals waiting for their forever homes. They feed, water, groom, and exercise animals, and keep kennels and cages clean. No education beyond a high school diploma is needed, just a heart full of love for animals. The average salary is $30,522.
● Kennel attendants take care of dogs in a kennel. Duties are similar to animal shelter attendants. Again, no degree is required. The average salary is $28,914.
● Pet store retailers do a variety of jobs, most requiring nothing more than a high school degree. The average salary is $34,745
● Doggy daycare providers offer dog owners an approximation of childcare for canines. No degree is required to operate or work at a doggy daycare facility. The average salary is $29,511.
Careers Working with Wildlife
If wild or exotic animals are your passion, there are lots of careers that allow you to work with them.
● Animal control officers are called in to help rescue hurt, lost, or stray animals, trap animals that are endangering people, and provide first aid to wounded animals. A high school degree is usually required. Average salary is $47,913.
● Zoologists study non-domesticated animals, focusing on behavior, ecosystem, and impact of humans on habit. Zoology and wildlife biology are good degrees to pursue to become a zoologist. The average salary is $54,791.
● Park rangers do not necessarily work with animals, but they have regular opportunities to view wildlife during their job. A formal degree may not always be required, depending on the position. The average salary is $42,977.
● Wildlife photographers take amazing images of animals in their natural habitat, often selling them for publication. Self-employed wildlife photographers do not have to have degrees. Their average income is $42,345.
● Conservation officers, also known as fish and game wardens, help protect wild animals in their natural habitats by enforcing conservation and environmental laws and regulations. They work outside in all kinds of weather. Many states require only a high school diploma. The average salary is $50,144.
● Wildlife rehabilitators care for sick, injured, or orphaned animals. The goal is to release the animals back into the wild as soon as they can function normally in their habitat. Biology or ecology are the most commonly desired degrees. The average salary is $44,859.
● Venomous snake milkers extract venom from poisonous snakes for research and emergency lifesaving procedures. Snake milkers are not simply thrill-seekers; they enter a career with a degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or herpetology. They earn an average salary of $33,609.
● Wildlife advocates seek protection for animals and their habitats. They advocate for such things as species conservation, ocean clean-up, or rainforest preservation. The average salary is $64,945.
● Wildlife biologists study animals both in the wild and in captivity. To be a wildlife biologist requires a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology, or some other natural science. The average salary is $61,173.
Animal Health Careers
Those who want to help animals often lean toward veterinary medical careers, but there are other options.
● Animal massage therapists study animal physiology and anatomy. They use massage techniques to improve the well-being of their patients. You can enter the field with a two-year associate degree. The average salary is $71,679.
● Veterinarians are the animal equivalent of human physicians. They must have a four-year degree followed by another four years of veterinary school. The average salary is $103,260.
● Veterinary technicians work in veterinary clinics and can do certain medical procedures, such as give vaccinations, take, and expose x-rays, and assist with surgeries. They must have an associate’s degree. The average salary is $39,293.
● Veterinary dentists have extensive training in oral surgery, medicine, and dental care for animals. In addition to the regular education required of a veterinarian, they must also do a residency in veterinary dentistry. The average salary is $189,979.
● Animal nutritionists make recommendations for food and diets for farmers, zookeepers, pet owners, and others in charge of animals’ well-being. The job requires a four-year degree in agricultural science, animal science, or related field. The average salary is $54,137.
● Veterinary practice managers oversee clinics and animal hospitals, handling staff, payroll, schedules, and related duties. While a degree may not be required, a management or business degree is excellent preparation. The average salary is $82,725.
● Laboratory animal caretakers monitor and care for animals in a research setting. A high school degree is all that is required but, certification in vet assisting may help secure a job. The average salary is $33,907.
● Farriers care for horses’ hooves, trimming them, and shoeing them, when necessary. No degree is necessary, but an apprenticeship or horseshoeing school can prepare you for your career. The average salary is $36K.
● Kennel technicians maintain a clean facility and provide care for animals, such as grooming, feeding, and exercising. A high school diploma is usually the only requirement. The average salary is $28,701.
Launch Your Career with Animal Behavior College
People ask these questions all the time – Where can I find service dog training near me, where can I find dog training near me, or where can I find pet grooming near me? You need not look any further than Animal Behavior College to learn these traits, and how to teach others these skills.
There are lots of well-paying jobs working with animals, even for those who do not have an advanced degree. If you are passionate about finding a rewarding animal career, Animal Behavior College would love to start on the right track.
With online programs for vet assistants, dog obedience trainers, zookeeper assistants, aquarists, service dog trainers, cat trainers, and pet groomers, we can help you launch your career. To talk to an admissions counselor, call 800-795-3294.
Animal Behavior College has compiled some top goals for pet owners’ New Year’s resolutions.
Making resolutions to keep your pets happy and healthy for the new year is important and should be at the top of your list of priorities. There are always areas for improvement. It can also be fun to establish New Year’s resolution goals that your pets can maintain as well. These pet resolutions can offer a chance to become closer than ever.
Pet health – Keep an eye on your pet’s health. This would include, but is not limited to, diet, exercise, tooth brushing, yearly checkups, and shots, grooming, mental health, heartworm, and flea & tick meds.
Pet safety – Pet safety is a crucial factor when caring for a pet. These should include pet-proofing your home by having only non-poisonous plants, removing choking, suffocation, or food hazards, and keeping chemicals out of reach. Be sure to pet-proof your yard for dangers as well.
Pet insurance – Pet insurance is a health plan for our pets where the owner pays a recurring fee for veterinary expenses incurred. Most plans are for dogs and cats, although some do offer coverage for other pets as well. These plans cover accident-only, comprehensive, or routine care, depending on the plan that you acquire.
Other items to consider
*Spend more time with them.
*Keep pet tags on and updated.
*Investigate new and updated products that can make life easier for you and your pets.
*Purchase safe toys to keep them occupied, so they don’t get bored.
*Do not leave them alone too often or too long.
*Reduce stress for you and your pets.
*Keep them active.
*Socialize your pets with people and animals.
Dog & cat training -Training can be the most beneficial service you can do for your pet. Training can help with things like teaching your pet to stop jumping on people, learn new tricks, obedience, barking issues, destruction of furniture and clothes, getting along better with other pets and humans, and much more.
If you would like to learn how to train your dog or cat, and even turn it into a career, you will want to check out Animal Behavior College. We have programs in dog training, cat training, service dog training, grooming, aquarium maintenance, and zookeeper assistant.
If you want to learn pet grooming to save money on your grooming costs, and possibly make it a career for extra income, investigate our grooming program.
Give us a call at (800) 795-3294 to answer any questions that you might have on one of our programs, and to get enrolled today!
January is a time for resolutions, and here’s one that will ultimately make your life – and your dog’s life – a whole lot smoother: dog obedience training.
Imagine a world where your dog doesn’t jump on guests, try to run out the door every time you open it, bark incessantly at the window at every passing stranger and squirrel, beg at the table, lunge at other dogs on walks, or pull on the leash. Dog training can make a household much more calm, peaceful, and enjoyable.
Since January is National Dog Training Month, here are a few tips and tricks you can start using to help your pet “get with the program” and have fun in the process.
Mark Behaviors with Precision
Training will not be fun or successful unless you have some idea what you want to achieve and how to get there. Communication must be clear in order for a dog to understand what is expected.
Many dog owners mark the behavior they want to reinforce with a clicker or with small training treats. No matter which you use, you must be very precise with your timing and make sure you are not accidentally marking an unwanted behavior.
For instance, if you are working on polite leash walking, only reward your dog for walking alongside you. If your dog walks ahead and you stop and call her back, do not reward her for returning to you. If you do, this is what she thinks: “I walk ahead and when my person stops and calls me back I get a treat.”
That is definitely NOT what you want your dog to learn. Be very careful never to mark the wrong action.
Small Steps; Short Sessions
Training should be a positive bonding experience for you and your pet. Your dog should be in an attentive mood and see training sessions as an enjoyable game.
For clarity’s sake, and to avoid frustration for both you and your pet, break behaviors down to their smallest parts instead of trying to teach too much all at once.
For example, one way of teaching the cue “drop it” involves first offering a treat to get your dog to drop a toy. Let the dog play with the toy for a moment then offer a higher-value treat next to her snout. Treat the instant the toy drops. Keep repeating this simple trade-off until you are sure your dog knows to drop the toy the second the treat appears.
Then comes adding a cue word like “drop it” or “out” and reinforcing the behavior by repeating the “game” over and over. Short sessions every day and consistency are keys to successfully proofing a behavior.
Hide and Seek to Reinforce “Stay”
There are lots of games you can play with your dog that reinforce training and make it more engaging than rote repetition. When the weather is too nasty to go for long walks, having a few games up your sleeve can help both you and your dog stay active.
Enjoy Working with Dogs?
If you love dogs, enjoy training your pet to learn new things, and would like a career working with animals, consider becoming a professional dog obedience trainer. Animal Behavior College offers an excellent online dog training course that adds a hands-on component to give students experience working with a local mentor trainer.
ABC’s online program allows students anywhere in the country to enroll and learn dog obedience training without the need to attend a brick and mortar dog training academy. Graduates give ABC high marks for student support, and employers recognize that certified Animal Behavior College Dog Obedience Trainers know their stuff. After all, they have been certifying dog obedience trainers since 1998!
To learn more about ABC’s dog training program or any of their other animal career certification programs, call 800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor.
Whether you choose to work at an animal shelter helping dogs become more adoptable or open your own dog training business, this career path affords you the satisfaction that most careers don’t. Whichever dog training career path you choose, formal education and hands-on training experience can help get you there. Our dog trainer academy offers a hybrid program combining online learning and real-world training with a local mentor.
You may have mad dog whisperer skills, but if you are offering your services as a dog trainer and you have no certification to back up your talent, you may have trouble convincing savvy dog owners that you are legit.
While it is true that you do not have to be licensed, certified, or registered with a government agency or be a member of a professional organization to offer your services as a trainer, you should expect that a lot of people won’t take you seriously if you just hang up a sign or go on social media and say, “Hey, I want to train your dog.”
The Perks of a Dog Training Career
Being a dog trainer is a rewarding career choice for a number of reasons.
By teaching a rowdy dog some manners, you could be saving them from being surrendered to an animal shelter.
Teaching basic obedience skills can save a dog’s life. Having impeccable recall and knowing “drop it” and “leave it” can keep a dog from serious harm.
By working with dogs and owners, you help them create a stronger bond.
As a trainer, you get to be up and moving instead of tied to a desk all day, and you get to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Dog training is an ideal career for independent business owners. You can be your own boss and set your own schedule.
If dogs are your jam, what could be better than a career that lets you get paid to spend all your time around them?
Launching a Successful Training Career
To boost your chances of success, bolster your credibility, build skills, and create more career opportunities, think about enrolling in a dog trainer certification program.
Unlike college degrees, which take years to earn, a dog trainer certification takes about 12 months. While most people don’t live within easy distance of a brick and mortar school for dog trainers, that isn’t a problem; there are excellent online dog training programs that allow you to enroll anytime. With online programs available, it doesn’t matter if there’s not a “dog training class near me.”
Among the most respected schools nationwide, Animal Behavior College has been preparing trainers to launch their careers since 1998. The Valencia, California based school was founded by trainer Steven Appelbaum, owner and president of Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc., which at the time was the largest independent dog training company in the United States.
ABC Is Invested in Student Success
Trainers who graduate from ABC have a solid foundation for success in their new career. The well-rounded curriculum includes an overview of canines, learning theories, tools of the dog training trade, fundamentals, a breakdown of steps to teach each cue, problem solving, and training safety.
Since working with the public one-on-one and in training classes is a large part of dog training, ABC dedicates a portion of the curriculum to public speaking and conducting effective training sessions.
In order to give their graduates a boost, the final stage of the online curriculum is dedicated to business building. Students learn how to start their own business, market it, create a website, provide good customer service, and other invaluable information.
Once the online portion of the program is complete, students get plenty of real world experience by volunteering 10 hours training dogs in an animal shelter and by completing an externship with a local professional trainer.
Alumni benefits include a listing in the school’s Certified Dog Trainer Directory, access to a private job board exclusive to ABC grads, lifetime access to curriculum, business building tools, and more.
Helping animal lovers follow their passion to a fulfilling career is ABC’s mission. If you are serious about being the best trainer you can be, call 800-795-3294 to speak to an admissions counselor today.
When you welcome a dog into your home, you accept certain responsibilities, one of which is taking him or her for regular walks. Dog walking should not be seen as a chore, however. The daily opportunity to get some fresh air and decompress with your best friend can be a blessing.
Walking your dog daily has many benefits for both you and your fur buddy. Since January is “Walk Your Dog Month,” it’s the perfect time to make a resolution and hit the pavement with renewed dedication.
What’s in it for Rover?
Dogs benefit from the walk in multiple ways. Many people think the object of the game is to walk until your buddy does his business, but this can shortchange your pet.
Like humans, dogs need plenty of exercise in order to be healthy. One or two walks a day help them maintain overall health by building muscle and keeping joints mobile and pain-free as they age.
Brisk walks are great exercise for your dog and help him burn off excess energy, but long, slow rambles punctuated by plenty of leisurely sniffing benefits your pet in a different way. Mentally stimulating, such walks are particularly enjoyable for your dog. It may be hard for you to be patient while your buddy thoroughly sniffs the base of a sign, but it’s important to let your pet take her time exploring the world.
Finally, walking your dog helps strengthen the bond between you. It’s a chance to give your dog the precious gift of your one-on-one attention.
What’s in it for You?
Walking has many proven physical benefits for humans. For that reason, your dog may be the best “exercise equipment” you could ever have because, unlike that expensive rowing machine you bought, it can’t be shoved under the bed and forgotten. Dog owners tend to want to make their pets happy, and walks make dogs happy. Happy dog; happy owner!
Walking helps you physically by improving heart health, lowering blood pressure, and building stronger muscles and bones. As time passes, you might be surprised at your increase in stamina and how much easier it is to climb hills.
Dog walking also works wonders for your mental health. Getting outside in nature with your dog can significantly improve your mood and relieve stress. For people with depression, regular walks with your dog can be just what the doctor ordered. Fatigue often accompanies depression, making it easy to skip exercising. Having a dog that needs walking can be motivating, and the act of walking can boost your mood and energize you.
Never Let Your Dog Walk You
Taking your dog for a walk should be a pleasant experience for both of you, but all too often overzealous dogs pull at the leash or wind themselves around their owners’ legs. Being dragged around the block is no one’s idea of a good time, but fortunately there is a fix for the problem.
Fun fact: January is also National Train Your Dog Month!
Polite leash walking is a huge part of dog obedience training. Helping dogs learn to behave on leash helps them live better lives. Better leash behavior means less frustration for dog owners, making it more likely that they will walk their dogs more often.
Dog Obedience Training Makes for Happier Walks
If you want to help dogs become ideal walk buddies and model citizens, think about becoming a certified dog trainer. It’s an exceptionally rewarding career for an animal lover because training truly improves the lives of dogs.
Animal Behavior College has a long history of certifying dog trainers. Founded in 1998, the school has an excellent reputation for teaching people how to become dog trainers. ABC graduates well-prepared trainers schooled in positive reinforcement methods.
ABC’s online program succeeds so well because after completion of coursework, students apply what they’ve learned to real life by volunteering at least 10 hours in a local shelter, training dogs (and saving lives) and are then required to complete an externship with a local mentor.
Enrolling in Animal Behavior College is a great way to launch a training career. Call 800-795-3294 to talk to an admissions counselor today!
So, you’ve decided to become a dog trainer? That’s awesome! For a dog lover, there’s no better opportunity to spend your days surrounded by these amazing companion animals. From “Heinz 57” dogs to purebreds of all kinds, all dogs need obedience training.
Dog training can be a fun career. If you think about it, you can actually get paid to play with dogs! And while you’re enjoying your work, animals will benefit from your help.
Preparing for a Dog Training Career
Unlike a lot of careers, dog training doesn’t require an expensive degree or years of college. Technically, you do not have to have any specific education or training, but that’s not a smart choice. Savvy pet owners are going to pick a trainer who can demonstrate mastery of the craft over someone who just picked up dog training by haphazardly working with a couple of dogs and watching YouTube videos.
A better option is enrolling in a school that trains professional dog trainers. Attending a dog trainer academy takes about a year, is affordable, and gives you the skills you need to “hang out your open for business sign” with confidence in your abilities – if you choose a school that offers a hands-on learning component.
Animal Behavior College has one of the top dog trainer programs in North America. ABC has been preparing students to start dog training careers since 1998 and has graduated thousands of dog trainers.
What’s So Special About Animal Behavior College?
At the top echelon of online programs, ABC has a great reputation. The school was founded by a dog trainer; the curriculum is designed by professional trainers; and the personal program managers who see each student through the program from start to finish are trainers.
In addition, ABC’s obedience training program is approved by several professional dog training associations: the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. Should you decide to pursue membership in any of these professional organizations, your education can help prepare you to sit for certification examinations.
What Is it Like to Be an ABC Student?
From the beginning, you are not alone. Even though you may be working through the online portion of the curriculum in your living room or your favorite local coffee shop, you always have access to your personal program manager, who can answer questions and offer guidance.
The ABC dog trainer curriculum is engaging and covers everything you need to know to begin your career. The program is designed in stages:
Basic Overview of Canines
Learning Theory
A Dog Trainer’s Toolbox
Training Fundamentals
Basic Obedience Dog Training Cues
Effective Problem Solving
Dog Training Safet
Public Speaking/Conducting Training Lesson
Building a Dog Training Business
Hands on Externship and Volunteer Shelter Hours
Final Exam/Graduation
The first nine stages are completed online, then the real fun begins: working with actual dogs in the real world. ABC has contracted with more than 3,000 professional dog trainers throughout North America. These mentors work one-on-one with students in order to provide plenty of opportunity to get hands-on experience.
In addition, students are asked to volunteer in a local animal shelter, humane society, or rescue program for at least 10 hours as part of an ABC campaign called “Students Saving Lives.” While students practice their training skills, dogs acquire obedience training that makes them far more adoptable.
Another way ABC helps trainers prepare for their careers is by educating them on the business side of things. Dog training is an ideal career if you want to start your own business and ABC teaches you about making a business plan, sticking to a budget, marketing yourself, and managing a website and social media accounts to optimize exposure.
Those who aren’t ready for the leap to self-employment receive preparation for the job hunt. You’ll learn how to write a professional resumé and cover letter and how to present yourself during a job interview.
Does Animal Behavior College Help Their Alumni?
Animal Behavior College is committed to helping their alumni succeed as professional obedience trainers. For starters, graduates will always be able to access the curriculum, and they get discounts on short term courses to further their education and be able to offer more services.
Alumni have access to a private job board and get a free listing on ABC’s exclusive dog trainer listing. Dog owners can search the listing of ABC graduates to find a certified local trainer,
Launch Your Dog Obedience Training Career the Right Way
If you want to go into dog training well-prepared and supported, enroll in Animal Behavior College. ABC’s experience in educating trainers is unmatched, and students who get certified in the program enjoy the name recognition that accompanies the school. With such a long history of certifying trainers, ABC enjoys a great reputation among employers and dog owners.
To learn more, call 800-795-3294 to speak with an admissions counselor today.
Dog trainers take on a huge responsibility with every new client they accept. Their success means everything when it comes to a dog’s ability to become a polite citizen of its household and the wider world.
Dog Trainers Have a Lot to Learn
Not surprisingly, obedience trainers have a lot to learn! The best trainers have to know how to:
Communicate effectively with both dogs and people
Understand the science behind behavior modification as it applies to canines
Work with dogs and owners both one-on-one and in a group setting
Assemble a deep bag of training techniques and tricks because dogs are individuals with their own personalities, motivations, and behavior quirks
Recognize breed characteristics and apply that knowledge when making a dog’s training plan
Work safely with dogs
Evaluate possible underlying issues that may be responsible for a negative behavior (for example, a dog may be in pain, suffering from hearing loss, or reacting to new stimuli in its environment)
Apply LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training principals when deciding what approach to take with a dog
Socialize dogs that have issues bonding with humans or being around other dogs
Effectively use problem solving skills to figure out what will work with the most challenging dogs (and people)
Teach owners to reinforce the lessons their dogs are learning
Read a dog’s body language
If you’re looking for a one-approach-fits-all, rote type of career, dog training is definitely not for you!
What Basics Must a Comprehensive Dog Training Course Cover?
Learning to be a dog obedience trainer starts with an overview of breeds, normal behavior and expectations, as well as physical care, stages of growth and development, and socialization.
Modern dog training is based on science. Students must learn the basics of behavioral theory, conditioning, and positive reinforcement. Then there’s learning fundamentals like cues and hand signals and mastering training techniques like perfectly timing a clicker.
In addition to learning to train dogs basic commands, such as sit, stay, down, and come, students need to learn approaches to problem solving the different behaviors they’ll be asked to correct–barking, jumping, aggression, chewing on furniture and eating shoes, running out a door, and so many more!
Working with dogs in a safe manner is extremely important. Learning to handle an aggressive dog, recognizing the signs that a dog may be stressed out, and maintaining a safe environment for a group class should be vital parts of a trainer’s education.
You may be focusing on the “dog” in dog training, but a big part of a good dog training course focuses on how to talk to and “train” owners. If you cannot effectively communicate to an owner how to reinforce what a dog is learning, then you’re fighting an uphill battle; everything you’re teaching the dog may be lost if the owner is not using the same play book.
Dog Training Courses Must Cover the Basics and More
You can sit in a classroom or take online courses and learn a lot, but unless you have the opportunity to apply what you learn to live animals, you are probably wasting your time and money. When it comes to dog training, there simply is no substitute for hands-on experience under a watchful mentor.
If you’re thinking about enrolling in an online dog training course, finding a school that provides an opportunity for real-world learning is a must.
Animal Behavior College has been teaching dog trainers since 1998, and their comprehensive curriculum was developed by professional trainers. A huge part of any student’s ABC certification is the externship, in which each student is paired with a local mentor trainer.
Under the mentor’s watchful eye, students get experience working individually with dogs while receiving instruction and evaluation.
In addition, ABC asks students to volunteer at least 10 hours in their local shelter or rescue in its campaign to help shelter dogs, “Students Saving Lives.” Students get invaluable experience working with needy animals while at the same time helping them become more adoptable. Dogs who have been taught basic manners are far more desirable to would-be adopters.
See What ABC Has to Offer
Earning your dog trainer certification through the Animal Behavior College Dog Obedience Program is one of the best ways to launch your career. The program takes about a year to complete, and once certified, you’ll have the school’s support in the form of alumni benefits, including a listing on ABC’s searchable online dog trainer directory and access to a private job board.
To find out all ABC has to offer, contact an admissions counselor at 800-795-3294.Enroll today and take the first step toward a rewarding career!
Anyone who’s ever tried to train a dog to heel should be able to relate: teaching a dog to walk politely on a leash can be a long, slow process. Truly, it can feel like a geological age and the faster you try to make the process go, the worse it gets.
Look at it from your dog’s perspective:
This looks like a really fun game! There’s a leash to bite and tug! There are treats to be dispensed! I’m getting so much attention! I can do this forever!…Okay, we’re doing this again? It is going on forever. I want off this leash. I want to go outside. I’m so bored. And why is my human turning red in the face and making that huffing noise? And what happened to all the yummy treats? I’m gonna just lay down and eat this leash.
There’s Got to Be a Better Way to Leash Train
Before I became a certified trainer, I thought I could figure it out on my own. How hard could it be? Dogs love to go for walks, right? I’ll just slip this harness on and off we’ll go….
You can probably guess how great that went. The first couple of days, I couldn’t even get the harness on the dog. It was a real dramatic performance worthy of an Oscar with the pup fighting and wriggling like he was trying to escape a serial killer.
Both me and the dog were totally frustrated with each other. He wasn’t getting it, and I was pretty sure he never would. Clearly, I had picked the most stubborn pup at the pound.
Then something clicked, and I realized it wasn’t the dog. “I ” was the one who wasn’t getting it.
As a trainer, I’ve learned that the two most important things to remember while working with dogs are:
Break every behavior down to its simplest parts and teach them one at a time.
Keep training sessions short (and fun).
This wisdom applies to every single behavior you want your dog to learn. And you should always start with the basics–the things your dog should learn in obedience training. These basics are often the foundation for teaching other behaviors and “tricks.”
So before leash training even starts, you should make sure your dog will sit nicely and be able to watch or focus on you. And make sure you give him a chance to inspect his surroundings and check out any new stuff in his environment. Like a harness.
By the way, you can introduce the harness with a fun little game. After you let your dog inspect the harness, dangle it in front of him and lure him to put his nose through it with a treat. Repeat this about a million times until he’s comfortable. Then you can move on to the next step: slipping it over his head. Repeat and treat. Repeat and treat. Repeat and treat.
Take it step by step until he accepts the harness being buckled around him without complaint (or turning into a wrestling match). This could take months. (Just kidding but let it take the time it needs.)
Proofing Isn’t Just for Baked Goods
Even breaking things into small steps, you must avoid the temptation to move on to the next step too fast. Repetition is the key to helping your dog learn a behavior thoroughly, remember it, and embrace it for good. The goal is to make a dog’s response to a command so rock solid that you can rely on obedience no matter what.
When you are teaching a dog to heel on a loose leash, you haven’t succeeded if your dog heels for a few steps, gobbles the treat you hand her and then bounds ahead of you. Sure, she may know where she should be when you say the word “heel,” but she’s nowhere near doing what you want her to, which is to stay right beside you with no tension on the leash.
Proofing a behavior is establishing once and for all that your dog understands and will reliably respond to a command. Proofing a heel means that she demonstrates that she can do it all the time without reacting to distractions like other dogs or temptations like a fly-covered sandwich on the sidewalk. Yum.
If You’re Serious About Dog Training–Get Trained!
Working with dogs can be a joy. If you want to learn to be a dog trainer, go for it. It can help you with your own dogs, it can be a profitable side gig, or you could realize it’s your full time calling. Dog training is the perfect career if you want to start your own (rewarding) business.
Animal Behavior College has been certifying dog trainers since 1998. You can learn online no matter where you live (a local externship gives you plenty of hands-on experience), or you can enroll in the on-campus program in Santa Clarita, California (there’s a new session starting twice a year). Call 800-795-3294 to learn more.
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STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that Animal Behavior College (“ABC”) is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student’s completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC’s behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
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