Education Database Online

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

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.”

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.

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

Canine Equipment Food bowls to leashes to safe toys Commands Basic obedience training DVD: Educate Your Dog

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

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.

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

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

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

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