APDT elearning Certificate Course Syllabus

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Victoria Stanley
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Course Overview Title: Dog Training 101: What Every Trainer Needs Know Course Dates: - Start: Thursday 10/26/2017, 12:00pm ET - End: Wednesday 12/6/2017, 12:00pm ET - No Class Thanksgiving week

Another very common question is I ve been training a little here and there and want to learn more about certifications.

1 Course Overview Title: Dog Training 101: What Every Trainer Needs Know Course Dates: - Start: Thursday 10/26/2017, 12:00pm ET - End: Wednesday 12/6/2017, 12:00pm ET - No Class Thanksgiving week Description: The most common question we receive at the APDT is I want to be a dog trainer, but where do I begin? Another very common question is I ve been training a little here and there and want to learn more about certifications. Well, as most trainers know, anyone can hand out business cards and start charging money to train dogs. There are no credentials or education required. Unfortunately, the general public often doesn t realize this. Additionally, more trainers means more competition so knowing your stuff can really help a trainer stand out from the crowd. In response to these issues and requests, the APDT has created this certificate course for anyone who is looking to become a dog trainer, as well as for those trainers who don t yet know this vital information. Rather than teach you how to train a solid recall, run a group class, or address dog aggression, this course will feature all of the information a good dog trainer should know before doing any of that stuff before starting to offer services. We'll go in-depth into the history of dog training, current training methods, dog behavior and body language, credentialing and how to approach our human clients' behavior. Level of Knowledge: 1. Anyone thinking of becoming a dog trainer 2. Any dog trainer just starting out 3. Any dog trainer who does not know this information Learning Outcomes: Attendees of this course can expect to: 1. Evaluate the evolution and behavior of wolves and the domestic dog 2. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of various dog training techniques and recognize when (and when not) to apply each 3. Analyze available education, membership, and credentialing resources and identify which is best for you 4. Identify what it means to be qualified and skilled, as well as your own limitations and abilities 5. Create a concrete course of action toward working as a dog trainer Instructor(s): Sarah Filipiak

2 Bio: Sarah Filipiak CDBC has been training dogs since age 8. A longtime volunteer with humane societies and dog rescue groups, Sarah began training professionally in Best Pets Dog Training LLC is the result of Sarah s obsession with dogs combined with her passion for teaching others how to relate to animals. Sarah served a five-year term on the board of and is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and has been a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers since She has raised and trained European-line German Shepherd Dogs for more than 15 years, and has competed in disc, agility, AKC and UKC obedience, conformation and Rally. Her current dog crew includes two Whippets, a German Shepherd Dog and a mixed breed Nelsonville Special. Course Evaluation & Completion: will be determined based on but not limited to: 1. On-time completion of all required homework assignments. 2. Participation, attitude, enthusiasm, and productivity. 3. Grammar, punctuation, clarity, and efficacy of written discussions and assignments. 4. Meeting assignment guidelines or criteria provided by instructor. CEUs: (partial CEUs not awarded) - 20 for successful completion of entire course from CCPDT, IAABC KPA, & IACP. Class Size: 20 full students / unlimited audit students Recommended Course Materials*: - How Dogs Learn by Mary Burch & Jon Bailey - Just Listen by Mark Goulston - The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson - Fetching the Perfect Dog Trainer by Katenna Jones *Additional reading resources are listed in each week s lecture.

3 Course Calendar & Deadlines Pre-Course Prep: (to be completed prior to course start date: 1. Explore Education Dashboard, Online Community, and live lecture formats 2. Review schedule and note all deadlines 3. Contact with any trouble 4. Obtain copies of recommended reading Day Date Time Event Thursday 10/26/ :00 pm ET Begin Week 1 Wednesday 11/1/ :59pm ET Week 1 ends - Deadline for ALL assignments Thursday 11/2/ :00pm ET Begin Week 2 Wednesday 11/8/ :59pm ET Week 2 ends - Deadline for ALL assignments Thursday 11/9/ :00pm ET Begin Week 3 Wednesday 11/15/ :59 pm ET Week 3 ends - Deadline for ALL assignments Thursday 11/16/ :00pm ET Begin Week 4 Wednesday 11/29/ :59pm ET Week 4 ends Deadline for ALL assignments Thursday 11/30/ :00pm ET Begin Week 5 Wednesday 12/6/ :59 pm ET Week 5 ends - Deadline for ALL assignments

4 Course Details Week 1: Taming the Wolf - Lecture o Summary: We know dogs' and wolves' evolutionary histories intertwine. But when? How? And what, really, is the difference between the two? This session will review a brief history of the evolution (or was it breeding?!) of wolves and dogs. We will compare and contrast wolf and dog behavior, and how it applies and doesn t apply to dog training. We will also review the historical timeline of when and how dog training started first began, the key players in the history of our industry, and where dog training is today. 1) Understand the differences and similarities between dogs and wolves 2) Analyze the history of pack theory as it pertains to dog training 3) Understand the evolution of historic to current dog training 3. In three paragraphs or less, briefly and succinctly discuss WHY it is important for a dog trainer to know the information covered this week. Be sure to address how the information is relevant to your career and how it can apply to working with clients. You may wish to touch on U.S. cultural attitudes towards dogs. 4. Upload via your Education Dashboard 5. Reading: a. Read The Culture Clash Chapters 1 and 2 b. Read How Dogs Learn Chapters 1 and 2

5 Week 2: What's it all about, Alfie? - Lecture: o Summary: Now that you know when and where dogs and wolves diverge, it is time to dive deeper into the domestic dog. This session will walk attendees through wide array of normal dog behavior while demystifying commonly misunderstood behaviors such as growls, snaps, barks, humping, jumping up, etc. We will define, describe, and explain various forms of canid behavior, vocal communication, and more. We will also touch on comparing and contrasting which behaviors a trainer sees with those that a client sees. 1) Be able to identify and interpret common canine behavior and vocal communicative signals 2) Appreciate the value of understanding and being able to explain such behaviors to the dog owner (aka your client) 3. Visit a dog park or doggie daycare in your area. In one page, describe a dog-dog interaction you observe, and name all of the body language you see. If you do not have access to live interactions of dogs you do not know, you may use a video (YouTube). 4. Upload via your Education Dashboard. 5. Reading: a. Read: The Culture Clash Ch. 3 and 4 b. Read: How Dogs Learn Ch. 3 and 4

6 Week 3: Learning Theory from Scratch - Lecture: o Summary: You are now familiar with various methods of training that are used on animals but how, exactly, do animals actually learn? This session will overview of animal learning and cognition, how it applies to training, and the pros and cons of various theories and applications. We will discuss various styles and techniques of training, pros and cons of each, and how they related to how animals learn. Examples of scenarios with dogs and clients will be provided and applied to thoughtful consideration of how our clients are learning, too. 1) Become familiar with the pros and cons of multiple styles and techniques of training 2) Recognize how various techniques directly correlate to how we interact with our human clients. 3) Determine which techniques are most effective in which situations 3. Using Training Technique Assessment Form provided in your Education Dashboard, define and list one pro and one con for each of the various listed training techniques listed. Provide an example of a circumstance in which each tool or technique might be employed. 4. Upload via your Education Dashboard. 5. Reading: a. Read Culture Clash Ch. 5, b. How Dogs Learn Ch. 7-8 c. Just Listen Ch. 2, 4-5

7 Week 4: Assembling Your Education - Lecture: o Summary: Now that you know what you need to know where do you go to get it? This session will review the various organizations, schools, certifications, and other resources available to dog trainers. We will then overview the various services dog trainers might offer as well as the pros and cons of each. Finally, we will review what qualifications are required for various services and knowing when to know your limits. - Become familiar with the various education, membership, and credentialing resources available to dog trainers - Recognize the importance of identifying your own skills and limitations 3. In a single page, outline the education you have received and/or hope to pursue. Be sure to evaluate the areas in which you need additional education, are well rounded, etc. 4. Upload via your Education Dashboard. 5. Reading: a. Read The Culture Clash, Ch. 6 b. Read Just Listen, Ch. 29 c. Read How Dogs Learn, Ch. 9 d. Read Fetching the Perfect Dog Trainer, pp

8 Week 5: Stepping Out the Door - Lecture: o Summary: Now that you know what it takes to be a dog trainer, it s time to talk about becoming one. We will what all trainers need to consider before starting business, identifying which services to start out with, what long-term businesses look like, marketing tips, and the all important making money! 1) Identify what makes up a truly qualified and skilled dog trainer, and what sets you apart 2) Become prepared for taking the next step, whether it is starting to train or realizing you are not yet ready 3. In 2-3 paragraphs, draft a bio of yourself and an outline of your business that you can eventually use in brochures, on your website, etc. Things to address in this assignment: - How you can help your client - Your qualifications, skills, education, etc. - How you are different from the competition - Packages or bundled services you offer 4. Upload the document to your Education Dashboard. 5. ALSO respond to the case study from this week s lecture in the discussion community. 6. Reading: a. Read Just Listen Ch. 8, 27 b. Read Fetching the Perfect Dog Trainer, pp & c. Read How Dogs Learn, Ch. 10

Deconstructing the Growl:

North Coast Dogs Presents Deconstructing the Growl: Perspectives on Canine Aggression Dr. Sophia Yin, MS, DVM and Sarah Kalnajs, BA, CDBC, CPDT North Coast Dogs Presents Deconstructing the Growl: Perspectives