Would you like to start a career as a dog trainer or pick up skills to have a side hustle? Do you love dogs but don’t know where to start? Woofs of Wisdom’s “Trainer Academy” is that place! Our program educates students in all aspects of dog training from puppy to adult and provides a certificate upon completion. How are we different from other trainer schools? Not every method will work with every owner or dog and we feel the same about trainers. We do not subscribe to one single training methodology but feel it is important to teach prospective trainers many and to let them formulate their own combination or work with the one that suits them best. Students are never tied into one method.
The best part about our virtual program? Not only can you work at your own pace and sometimes from the comfort of your own home, but you can connect with other trainers in your area and gain the knowledge of even more trainers! Most people complete the program in 8-10 months and there is a time limit of 2 years. Structure of the virtual program includes:
Participate in 3 rounds of both Puppy Class and Basic Obedience. The first round will be as a participant in the class. The second and third rounds will be as an assistant or observer. It is up to you to locate local trainers to work with although we are happy to help. WOW must approve the trainer before you register with them. Payment for this is the responsibility of the student. (Approx. 36 hours total)
Complete 12 study modules which include written, visual and hands on education. Each module includes 2 hours of one on one facetime/virtual with WOW owner and certified trainer Nicole McBride, 24 (hours) total. Very flexible scheduling. Please see module subject below; purchase of books and videos may be required.
Participate and assist in ten private sessions with a trainer local to you. Again we can help you locate trainers and WOW must approve before you begin working with them. (10 hours total)
Volunteer with a local rescue or shelter 4 hours per month handling or working with dogs. WOW must receive written confirmation from the non-profit. (24 hours total)
You will receive full support through the program and you are always welcome to observe or assist with more classes and private sessions than required. **Please note that you can be local to WOW and take the virtual course however your in person training will need to be with a local trainer, not Woofs of Wisdom. This course only includes virtual private sessions with a WOW trainer.
Cost: $4000 Payment plans available!
*No refunds once program is started. 90% refund if withdraw before program begins.
Study Modules: 1. Methodologies and Training Theories: Explore theories such as Operant Conditioning, Clicker Training, Classical Conditioning and 5 other training methods, how to apply them to different commands and behaviors. 2. Obedience and Commands: What each command means, how they can be used and how to teach people using the different methods. 3. Behavior Modification and Common Behavior Issues: Learn how different factors can affect behavior, how to address the situation with the client and create a client training plan. 4. Body Language, Vocalizations and Emotions: Become knowledgeable in dog communications and how they link to emotions and behavior. 5. Toubleshooting Behavior and Commands: Not just for the owner and dog but for the trainer as well! Learn how to proof commands and behaviors as well as methods within the training process. 6. Development Stages and Breed Influences: An often overlooked facet of training, this module explains the main development stages and their effect on training. Also includes potential breed influences within the training process. 7. Dog/Dog and Human/Dog Interaction: This puts Modules 4 and 6 together to offer a greater picture of how genetics and environment can effect on training to decode interactions with human and other dogs. 8. Training Aids: While we don't always use or want to use everything in our tool kit, knowing the pros and cons and how each work can go a long way to being a knowledgeable trainer. 9. How to Run a Class and Teach People: Of course you can work with dogs, but what about people? Learn how to create your own operation plan for classes and private sessions, communication, and how to deal with different issues that may arise. 10. Professionalism, Liabilities and Assistance/Therapy/ESA Information: The business side of business! Learn how to make yourself stand out and about business/trainer responsibilities. Also includes a section on laws and training surrounding different types of "helper" dogs. 11. Types of Classes and Sessions: Your services and classes you offer can set you apart from other trainers. Learn about different types of classes you can offer to dog owners and how they are structured. 12. Types of Aggression: While this doesn't dive into how to work with these dogs, as no two will ever be the same, it does explain different types of aggression and key points as to the why and how they can occur.
Quote from student now trainer! Woofs of Wisdom's Trainer Academy is a hidden gem that I am thrilled to have discovered. After researching numerous training programs, this one outshined them all with the vast amount of hands-on experience and one-on-one learning with the instructor. The immersive and comprehensive curriculum allowed me to discover and develop my personal training style and interests. I am deeply grateful to Woofs of Wisdom for empowering me with the skills and confidence to launch my own dog training business and make a meaningful impact in the lives of dogs and their owners. L.R.