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About | Campus Locations | Pre-Requisites
Tuition & Registration | Rules | Location & Dates
About the Campus Locations:
The International Academy of Canine Trainers main campus in Delta is a full time working canine training center. Students will be encouraged to observe and participate in the many group and private classes that are offered to clients, to learn in a real life training environment. The Academy's goal is to help prevent and rehabilitate behavioral problems in pet dogs. Therefore, we will be using shelter dogs as much as possible to enrich their lives and to give the student a broad spectrum of training challenges.
Intensive courses taught at a satellite facility will be using shelter dogs of the affiliated animal shelter. Students will be assigned a dog (with approval form the shelter) for the duration of the course, to train, care for, and offer companionship. They will also use these dogs during the group and training simulations. This will greatly enrich the life of the student's shelter dog and enhance the dog's chance of adoption. Taught using a hands-on, interactive format, Level 1 Professional Dog Trainer's Course combines:
Practical Instruction
Hands-on training gives you practical experience teaching and receiving immediate feedback from your instructor. We assign behaviors and commands to teach in the program that you will be required to perform and pass a practical exam. It is recommended that the student attend as many private and group training classes as possible at the main campus training center.
If you are new to instructing, you will get the opportunity to learn using our clear step-by-step guidelines in a patient, supportive environment.
If you are an experienced instructor you can use this opportunity to experiment with a new training technique, rework an instructing approach you would like to improve and/or use the feedback to polish and hone your skills.
The course itself was challenging but presented in a supportive manner. Information presented was voluminous, entirely relevant and captivating. The content is based on the Companion Concept Program© for dog training which presents an effective, holistic and natural approach for training which is supported scientifically by canine genetics, physiology, and psychology, and has been historically successful. Amber's training style reflects her comfort with people and experience working with both dogs and humans.
Upon completion of Level 1, I felt confident I had developed the technical skill sets necessary to assess training requirements and develop training programs in support of my own training business. I am happy to report that within 6 months, I had developed my own clientele base and am conducting both group and private training with mentoring support from Amber when I ask.
I do not hesitate to enthusiastically recommend this program to future and current dog trainers and with confidence say I will approach the International Academy of Canine Trainers for future professional development and training.<
Jeff Rowat, CPDT White Rock, BC
Video Analysis
Video is a very useful tool for reviewing and analyzing the students handling. It is also useful in illustrating a point or concept. Students will be encouraged to look at a section of tape and then explain their techniques or approach which will simulate real life training scenarios.
Group Discussions
Students are encouraged to share their valuable knowledge and opinions and contribute to the other participants. We welcome group discussion to brainstorm ideas, share experiences, and encourage creative thinking. Whether it is with the whole class, in your presentation groups, or on an informal basis during meals, we promote the open exchange of ideas without judgment.
Group Presentations
Students are broken up into small groups and given assignments that require discussion, analysis, creating a strategy or evaluating a situation. The group then organizes their thoughts and gives a presentation to the rest of the class. Many groups get into the ITC spirit by creating skits, and using audio visual aids to bring fun to the learning process.
Your Shelter Dog
You will be assigned a shelter dog to care for and train for the intensive session. Your dog will participate in all practical workshops as well as the group obedience classes. You will have the ability to problem solve in a real life training scenarios, as well as see the challenges owners face when dealing with their dog.
"Shelter dogs thrive on the attention and brain work. It is amazing
how quickly they can settle down with a little guidance and consistency." AC
Group Obedience Classes
Students are encouraged to attend as many group obedience classes at the main campus as possible during their term in order to participate in real life training scenarios with clients. The student will observe as well as participate as a hands-on-trainer. The student will learn how to design and execute a training session in a group setting.
Simulated Obedience Group Class
(Satellite Campuses Only)
The simulated group classes on the satellite campuses use shelter dogs and are designed for you to observe how the instructor obedience and socializing class. Topics and exercises taught in these sessions are a necessity in properly socializing and training pet dogs. You will learn the instructor's style and technique while giving your shelter dog a useful training session. This is an interactive session with you and your shelter dog acting as the students.
Group Class Elements:
Either attend or simulate real classes where common faults of training, poor communication, and unruly dogs, are common dynamics
Offers a different perspective as a "student" and the frustrations your clients will face
Effective for showing inconsistencies in handling when multiple family members are involved with the care and training of the family dog
Provides a more realistic instructing environment
Creates empathy and insight
Gives you hand-on experience
Gives you a chance to use your professional skills to change a dogs life
Homework
You will be expected to review the day's lessons as well as any practical training. Written assignments may be given from time to time in order to evaluate the student's learning. The goal is to be sure you understand how to think critically so you can teach your clients effectively.
"Of all the courses I have taken, on any subject, I felt the most relaxed, included, and part of the group here; Training from the heart." LF
Homework will prepare you for the next day's topic or assignment, as well as the quiz. Homework can vary and may include:
Determining a training approach for a particular scenario and be able to explain it in writing
Completing a short reading assignment
Expand on points of assessment for the training approach
Working on a group presentation
Answering questions or taking a self-test
Curriculum
Check out the course schedule.
The curriculum is designed to improve your understanding of dog psychology, training psychology, and improve your competency as an instructor. Subjects covered and hands-on learning will include:
History of the dog/Dog Breeds
Principles of dog training
Common faults in training
Dog Psychology
Training Psychology
How Dogs Learn (Canine Learning and Behavior)
Reading Dog Body Language
Assessing the dog's training needs and personality
Equipment, Uses and Misuses
Canine Socialization
Evaluating Puppy Temperament
Diet and health/Grooming
Legal responsibilities
How to market yourself
Practice Teaching group classes
Group Presentations
Business Planning and Course Design
Enrollment for intensive courses is limited to 6 students to maximize personal attention and create a supportive atmosphere.
Taking Your Shelter Dog Overnight
We encourage students to bring their shelter dog back to their home or hotel at night, if appropriate and with the shelter's approval. This enhances the connection between you and your dog. It will enhance the bond and offer you insight to your dog in a different environment. It also gives your dog a break from the kennel and an opportunity to learn appropriate behaviors that will help increase the chance for adoption. The behavioral knowledge you glean from your overnight, helps the shelter better place your dog in an appropriate home.
Making a Difference
During the week you will be modifying your dog's behavior and educating her/him. By the end of the course, your shelter dog will have new skills that will improve his/her chances for a successful placement. You will take home a feeling of pride and accomplishment knowing that your expertise has made a difference in a homeless dog's life.
Can I Bring My Own Rescue Dog or a Dog From My Local Shelter?
No, we do not let students bring their own shelter dogs. We need to monitor this aspect of the course carefully to minimize issues so the hosting shelter provides all dogs. All of the dogs participating in the course have been temperament tested for appropriateness.
Can I Bring My Personal Pet With Me to the intensive course?
The course is designed to be demanding. The schedule is very full and the additional responsibility of your shelter dog's care and training will limit your free time. Therefore, we suggest that you leave your everyday work and personal responsibilities behind so you can focus on the curriculum. With this in mind, we feel your dogs may be happier at home or lounging at a friend's house.
If you must bring your personal pet, She/he will have to be kept in your car or possibly crated inside. Your dog MUST not be aggressive, must be quiet and on leash at all times.
The instructor must be informed your pet is coming.
Meals
Breakfast is the student's responsibility however coffee and water will be provided. Lunch will be provided daily for satellite locations only. There are several restaurants located within 2 minutes form the main campus.