Program Outline
Instruction Sets
Your program consists of Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use with your dog. Here's how it works: Your first Instruction Set is sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so you will always have training materials to work with.
Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:
Note: You will need access to the Internet to complete this program.
Introduction to Dogs
Dog Breeds
Origination of individual breeds; physical and temperamental characteristics; the AKC's seven major groups of breeds
Puppies
Ensuring a positive human-dog bond at an early age; puppy house training; socialization and how to prevent problems in adult dogs
Learning Aid:
DVD: Puppy Love
References:
The Right Dog for You
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Dogs
Dog Training, Part 1
How Dogs Learn
How dogs learn; identifying and employing scientific theories of psychologists and behaviorists; using a dog's learning abilities to teach and motivate
Conditioning
Conditioning and how it relates to dog obedience training; the difference between classical and operant conditioning; drive theory and its application
Housetraining and Crate Training
Proper housetraining techniques; training a dog to go on command, in a litter box, or in one place; how to choose and use a crate
Dog Training, Part 2
Commands
Basic obedience training
Teaching Tricks
Instructing clients to teach tricks to their dogs; positive reinforcement techniques for the dog and handler; fun and useful tricks
Training through Play
Understanding play behavior; play in the context of obedience training; increasing the dog's motivation for training
Learning Aid: DVD: Basic Obedience
Behavior and Veterinary Issues
Behavior Problems
Common behavior problems; strategies for prevention and treatment
Basic Veterinary Issues
Recognizing signs of illness or distress; how to respond in the case of an emergency; addressing behavioral problems; reproductive science; medications; care for dogs in old age
Reference:
The Dog Behavior Answer Book |
Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.