Certification Fee

Associate Dog Trainer

Cost: $ 1500

Register

Associate Dog Trainer (ADT) Certificate

Individuals who are passionate about improving their bonds with their own dogs or desire to become a dog trainer of pet dogs would greatly benefit from this introductory-level dog training program. You will explore key areas such as: How dogs developed to be our companions, psychology of dogs (how they learn), canine body language and how they interpret our body language, basic dog care, basic dog training using positive reinforcement techniques, how to end many common canine problem behaviors, and an advanced first aid course.

Certification from the IACC.

Cost: $1,600 (Payment plan: Buy one class at a time. See below.)

Program Curriculum (Six required courses. Can be taken in any order.)

1. Dog Origin and Early History
2. Be Safe, Be Responsible: Understanding Dog-Dog and Dog-Human Interactions
3. Basic Dog Care
4. Basic Dog Training
5. How to END Problem Behaviors
6. Pet First Aid and CPR

Dog Origin and Early History
Using easily understood information from biology, genetics, animal behavior, and anthropology, this course invites critical examination of the support for the two most likely theories about the origin of the domestic dog.  The development of distinct breeds from early generalized landraces is also discussed. Click HERE for more information.

Be Safe, Be Responsible: Understanding Dog-Dog and Dog-Human Interactions
Dogs use body language to communicate effectively with each other as well as with humans. These skills are used daily to avoid conflict and to calm over-stimulation. Understanding this will greatly improve your relationship with dogs as well as help you to work with dogs with a variety of behavior problems. This course is essential for anyone that finds themselves interacting with dogs during their job or on a leisurely walk in the park. Click HERE for more information.

Basic Dog Care
Learn how to properly care for a dog. Topics will cover house and travel safety, basic health and nutrition, vaccinations, handling, nail triming, basic grooming, ear cleaning, dental care, administering medications, and car travel with your dog. This course is designed for the caring for dogs in a responsible, caring way.  The basics of care, nutrition, housing etc. Everything you need to get started and where to get more advanced information. Click HERE for more information.

Basic Dog Training
Students will learn how to train a dog over the age of six months; or, a dog who has had little to no training. You will learn how to precisely signal a dog's correct response with a small hand-held "clicker" and reward the behavior so that it will be more likely to happen again. Obedience exercises such as sit, stand, down, and stay are introduced, as are loose-leash walking, polite greetings, "leave-it", attention and the really reliable recall - skills crucial to the pet dog living in our society. The student will gain a better understanding of what dogs can be expected to achieve, resulting in happier and well behaved dogs. Click HERE for more information.

How to END Problem Behaviors
This course is to teach you to work with a dog who has one or more bad habits. The top problem behaviors are jumping, house-training, pulling on the leash, excited or fearful urination, too excited with visitors, barking, digging, hates being left at home, bothering its people during dinner, guarding food, getting in the garbage (or places he is not supposed to be), and stealing food from counters. You will learn how to end these behaviors using positive reinforcement techniques. Click HERE for more information.

Pet First Aid and CPR
The pet first aid course will teach you the necessary information and skills to stabilize an injured animal until qualified veterinarian care is accessed. Emphasis is placed on the prevention of illness and injury, the importance of early veterinary care and the appropriate restraining of an injured animal. Course content includes vital signs, AR, CPR, Heimlich, bandaging, shock, poisons, medical conditions triage (what constitutes an emergency situation). Herbal remedies are covered as well as details on creating an effective first aid kit. Click HERE for more information.

Courses available: "Live" or "OnDemand"
Live—You will speak to the instructor in an online “classroom” with several
other students.
OnDemand/Recorded—Watch the presentation "OnDemand"- at your
own pace.

What you will need (Requirements):

• A computer with internet connection.
• A telephone (a headset is nice, but not necessary).
• A digital video camera (an inexpensive camera is fine).
• Equipment for training (to be ordered after registration).
• Attend a free 30 minute orientation class (for first time registered students only).

Advanced Standing ("test out" of some of the courses to earn your Certificate). Please email us first!

You may only test out of 2 of the 6 courses! See rules for Advanced Standing.

For more information:
Cheryl Asmus
877-652-3915
email