Instruction Set 1
Learning Strategies
Identifying and implementing a successful study method; planning when, where, and how you’ll study; creating effective and efficient study tools; using study tools to improve chances for success.
Introduction to the Dog Training Profession
Structure of the dog; types of training; history and ethology of the dog.
DVD: Introduction to Dog Training and Instruction
Instruction Set 2
Sensory Abilities of the Dog
How dogs see, hear, taste, detect scents, and use touch; using knowledge of a dog’s senses in the training process.
Social Behavior and Communication
How and why dogs communicate; evaluating a dog’s demeanor by watching “from head to tail”; a dog’s relationship with its human “pack.”
Instruction Set 3
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; difference between classical and operant conditioning; drive theory and its application.
Applied Dog Behavior
Applied dog behavior; punishment versus reinforcement; nature versus nurture; effects of genetics; clicker training and the scientific principles behind it.
Instruction Set 4
Testing and Selection of Dogs
Temperament testing and using it to evaluate puppies; selecting the best dog for a particular client.
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 Selection (Graded Project)
Pairing the most suitable breed with a prospective owner.
Equipment: Dog poster
Supplement: Testing and Selection of Breeders
Instruction Set 5
Canine Equipment
Food bowls to leashes to safe toys
Commands
Basic obedience training
DVD: Educate Your Dog
Instruction Set 6
Puppies
Ensuring a positive human-dog bond at an early age; puppy house training; socialization and how to prevent problems in adult dogs.
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.
DVD: Puppy Love
Instruction Set 7
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.
Behavioral Analysis (Graded Project)
Analyzing scenarios to determine if there’s a behavioral problem involved.
Instruction Set 8
Dog Breeds
Origination of individual breeds; physical and temperamental characteristics; the AKC’s seven major groups of breeds.
Competition Obedience
Terminology and requirements of the various levels of competition obedience.
DVD: Open Obedience Training for Dogs
Reference: The Right Dog for You
Instruction Set 9
Hunting Training
Examine hunting breeds; different training methods; hunting and field tests.
Assistance Dogs
Guide, hearing, service, seizure alert, and therapy dogs; dogs in medical emergencies; legal aspects of working with an assistance dog.
Booklet: Field Training: A Guide for Hunting and Sporting Dogs
DVD: Field Training Your Dog
Instruction Set 10
Agility Training
Navigating agility courses as a sport; speed and accuracy in competition; communication between dog and master.
Search and Rescue Training
Techniques in ground and water searches; what dogs are suitable for a particular rescue mission; organizations involved in search and rescue around the world; certificates associated with this work.
Recreational Activities with Dogs
Sharing “down-time”; catch, flying disc, and walks in the park; organized activities for dog and owner.
Agility Handling and Courses (Graded Project)
Build an agility course using standard symbols of agility course design.
DVD's:
Competition Agility Training: Obstacles
Search Dog Training: How to Get Started
Instruction Set 11
The Dog Training Business, Parts 1 and 2
Demographics related to starting a business; developing a plan; obtaining funding; advertising and marketing issues; customer relations; legal issues relative to a small business.
Creating a Business Plan (Graded Project)
Developing a mock business plan using the information gathered from the preceding business units.
Supplement: Work Experience Option
Graduation Set
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)
Equipment:
• Leather leash
• Bait Pouch
• Voucher for National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) Certification Exam*
Textbooks:
• Starting Your Own Business (Textbook and CD-ROM)
• Don't Shoot the Dog (Textbook)
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