BADDogsInc Family Dog Training & Behavior

Dog Trainer Apprentice Program (DogTAP)

Program Overview

The DePaw University Dog Trainer Apprentice Program (DogTAP) has been designed for the individual who has the talent, drive and desire to become a professional dog trainer. Our staff is led by Barbara Davis, CPDT-KA, CDBC; she is the only trainer in the Inland Empire to hold both training and behavior credentials from internationally recognized, independent credentialling bodies (CCPDT and IAABC).  Our programs are conducted on the campus of Riverside County’s western  Riverside animal shelter, where apprentices will be working as volunteers,  gaining valuable hands-on experience from a wide variety of breeds. The program includes academic study, observation and participation in actual classes in session, practical dog training projects and a significant amount of practice teaching people how to successfully handle, train and relate to dogs.

The curriculum for DogTAP at is designed to provide the apprentice with a complete foundation of knowledge and skills in the most modern and efficacious methods of companion dog training available today. Although we recognize there still exists a wide variety of styles and approaches to dog training, our training philosophy is firmly grounded in “LIMA” (least invasive, minimally aversive) methods, and we do not teach training using any type of force, coercion or physical corrections.  Choke collars, prong/pinch collars and “shock” collars are not used, although the apprentices will receive sufficient information about these devices to be able to discuss them intelligently. Other types of aversives may be discussed academically throughout the program, but no instruction is provided in their use.  Apprentices who are observed to be using these methods or devices for the duration of the program, whether on or off campus, are subject to immediate expulsion without refund.

Graduates from the Apprentice A program will have sufficient skills and knowledge to assist at classes taught at DePaw University, possibly in a paid capacity. Apprentice A grads may be invited to move on to the Apprentice B program; graduates of Apprentice B will have demonstrated sufficient skills, ability and knowledge to begin instructing basic DePaw University classes as a paid instructor. Apprentice B graduates are also eligible to enroll in the Apprentice C program, upon completion of which, they will be able to teach classes at Basic, Intermediate and Speciality class levels and will also have enough academic knowledge to successfully pass the CPDT exam.

Requirements

To be admitted to the DogTAP program, a candidate must meet the following pre-requisites:

·         Be at least 18 years of age

·         Be approved through a faculty interview with DePaw University staff

·         Have your own driver’s license and transportation

·         Have your own health insurance

·         Have no felony convictions

·         Have the physical capability to handle any dog of any size, even large, unruly dogs

·         Have excellent people skills

·         Have a genuine love and respect  for dogs

Apprentice A  (140 hours) – Cost $900

Objective: Acquire foundation knowledge and skill required to be a successful professional dog trainer. Through academic study, observing and hands-on practice, the candidate will acquire knowledge and skill in canine behavior, modes of learning, dog handling and husbandry, breed characteristics, the evolution of dog training, the science and practice of non-aversive dog training and clicker training. Graduates of this level will be assessed to determine suitability for further advancement through the program, and those with aptitude for dog training and instruction will be invited to move onto Apprentice B. Apprentice A graduates should have the knowledge and skills necessary to act as paid assistants at DePaw University basic group training classes.

This program is expected to take a minimum of 4 months to complete.

Training plan includes:

40 hours minimum (two full sessions each Little Rascals and Citizen Canine) observing basic group classes, assisting as appropriate.

20 hours minimum observing advanced and/or speciality classes, assisting as appropriate.

10 hours minimum discussion and review of class observations, assigned reading and videos (weekly trainers’ meetings)

50 volunteer hours minimum working with shelter dogs, practicing skills.

10 shelter dog training projects (specific assignments will be provided/negotiated with instructors)

10 hours minimum observing/assisting in shelter dog behavior assessment sessions.

2-hour written final exam
2-hour practical exam

Ready to get started? Write us at apprentices@baddogsinc.com today!

Apprentice B  (150 hours) – Cost $900

Objective: Acquire more advanced knowledge and skill required to be a successful professional dog trainer. Through continued academic study, observing and hands-on practice, the candidate will acquire additional knowledge and skill in canine behavior, modes of learning, dog handling and husbandry, breed characteristics, the evolution of dog training, the science and practice of non-aversive dog training and clicker training. Graduates of this level will be assessed to determine suitability for further advancement through the program, and those with aptitude for dog training and instruction will be invited to move onto Apprentice C. Apprentice B graduates will qualified to work in a paid capacity teaching DePaw University basic dog training classes.

This program is expected to take a minimum of 4-5 months to complete.

Training plan includes:

40 hours minimum (four full sessions each Little Rascals and Citizen Canine) assisting and student teaching

20 hours minimum observing advanced/specialty training classes or behavior consultations, observing as appropriate.

10 hours minimum observation and assistance with weekly group behavior problem-solving sessions

10 hours minimum instructing basic classes

40 volunteer hours minimum working with shelter dogs, practicing skills.

10 hours minimum discussion and review of class observations, assigned reading and videos (weekly trainers’ meetings)

10 shelter dog training projects (specific assignments will be provided/negotiated with instructors)

10 hours minimum observing/assisting in shelter dog behavior assessment sessions.

2-hour written final exam
2-hour practical exam

Ready to get started? Write us at apprentices@baddogsinc.com today!

Apprentice C  (160 hours) – Cost $1200

Objective: Graduates of Apprentice C will be fully qualified to instruct basic and intermediate classes, and some specialty classes. Through continued academic study, observing and hands-on practice, the candidate will acquire advanced knowledge and skill in canine behavior, modes of learning, dog handling and husbandry, breed characteristics, the evolution of dog training, the science and practice of non-aversive dog training and clicker training.  Apprentice C graduates will be qualified to work in a paid capacity teaching DePaw University basic, intermediate and specialty dog training classes and will have sufficient academic background to pass the CPDT exam.

This program is expected to take a minimum of 5-6 months to complete.

Training plan includes:

40 hours minimum (four full sessions each Little Rascals and Citizen Canine) full-charge instruction

30 hours minimum observing advanced/specialty training classes or behavior consultations, observing as appropriate.

10 hours minimum observation and assistance with weekly group behavior problem-solving sessions

40 volunteer hours minimum working with shelter dogs, practicing skills.

10 hours minimum discussion and review of class observations, assigned reading and videos (weekly trainers’ meetings)

10 shelter dog training projects (specific assignments will be provided/negotiated with instructors)

20 hours minimum observing/assisting in shelter dog behavior assessment sessions.

2-hour written final exam
2-hour practical exam

Ready to get started? Write us at apprentices@baddogsinc.com today!