pet dog trainer program
An 11-week program designed to prepare students for professional work as companion dog training instructors, covering canine behavior, client communication, and practical training skills.
Build a Career that Changes Lives
Every day, dog owners look for knowledgeable trainers who can help them build better relationships with their dogs. Whether it’s teaching a puppy the basics, solving behavior challenges, or helping families enjoy life with their pets, professional dog trainers make a lasting impact on both dogs and the people who love them.
The Pet Dog Trainer Program is designed to prepare you for that responsibility. Through immersive hands-on training, client interaction, and real-world experience, you’ll graduate with the confidence, technical skills, and professional communication abilities needed to begin your career in companion dog training.
Throughout the program, you'll learn to:
- Evaluate dogs and develop individualized training plans
- Coach owners with confidence and professionalism
- Train dogs using ethical, effective, science-based methods
- Solve common behavior challenges
- Navigate the sales process and gain trust from your clients
- Build the skills employers value in today's pet care industry
This program is ideal if you:
- Love working with dogs and people
- Want a rewarding career in the pet industry
- Enjoy teaching and coaching others
- Prefer hands-on learning
- Want to begin a new career in just 11 weeks
$9,999
Tuition due in full by program start date
Program length
11 weeks
Total hours
352 hrs
Schedule
Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm
Campus
Union, MO
Application fee
$60 (non-refundable)
Enrollment deposit
$650 (applied to tuition)
2027 cohort dates
Apr 12 to Jun 25, 2027
Jul 12 to Sep 24, 2027
Oct 11 to Dec 17, 2027
Course Curriculum
11 courses, 86 classroom hours / 266 lab hours. Click any course to expand.
dog training techniques
Length: 10 class hrs / 30 lab hrs
Description: Introduces a wide range of training theories, methods, and techniques including positive reinforcement, free shaping, luring, marker training, and appropriate use of compulsion. Emphasis on understanding canine learning processes and selecting appropriate methods for individual dogs and situations.
Dog and puppy selection
Length: 4 class hrs / 7 lab hrs
Description: Assessment techniques for determining suitability for companion dog homes and family environments. Covers breed identification, basic pedigree interpretation, and recognizing traits that influence future training success.
puppy imprinting and socialization
Length: 4 class hrs / 12 lab hrs
Description: Proper puppy raising, early training, and socialization practices. Students learn how early experiences impact long-term behavior in companion dogs, along with common pitfalls and strategies to promote stable, confident dogs.
animal behavior science and theory
Length: 4 class hrs / 8 lab hrs
Description: An introduction to the scientific principles underlying modern dog training: learning theory, behavior science, and commonly applied training models, with emphasis on translating theory into ethical practice.
animal health and care
Length: 10 class hrs / 5 lab hrs
Description: Prepares students to identify and respond to breed-specific and general health concerns, evaluate overall canine health and condition, understand basic nutrition, and recognize illnesses or injuries requiring veterinary attention.
Basic Pet obedience training
Length: 10 class hrs / 82 lab hrs
Description: An in-depth course for evaluating and training companion dogs and puppies in foundational obedience. Students apply multiple methods across a variety of breeds and temperaments, building practical skills that form the foundation for advanced training and behavior work.
behavior modification
Length: 8 class hrs / 60 lab hrs
Description: Teaches students to recognize and analyze canine body language and common behavior problems. Emphasis on identifying root causes, developing individualized training plans, and applying creative problem-solving to modify undesirable behaviors.
canine problem solving
Length: 10 class hrs / 10 lab hrs
Description: Building on prior coursework, students refine their ability to troubleshoot training challenges through collaborative exercises, analyzing training breakdowns, evaluating techniques, and developing systematic approaches to resolving errors.
Managing fear and aggression
Length: 8 class hrs / 10 lab hrs
Description: Students study the principles of fear and aggression through multimedia presentations and hands-on experience. Covers safe handling practices, counterconditioning strategies, management protocols, and the use of safety equipment to minimize risk to handlers and dogs.
Client instruction
Length: 10 class hrs / 20 lab hrs
Description: Develops professional communication and instructional skills including client phone calls, scheduling evaluations, explaining training processes, and setting expectations. Instruction includes group teaching, one-on-one coaching, lesson structure, and adapting plans based on client feedback.
sales and client relations
Length: 8 class hrs / 22 lab hrs
Description: Practical experience in building and retaining professional client relationships. Covers lead generation, consultation flow, ethical sales principles, pricing and package presentation, and handling common client questions. Emphasizes decision-making, time management, and long-term retention strategies.
Graduation Requirements
Performance Tests
- Stand
- Treadmill
- Wait at door
- 1-minute sit stay
- 3-minute down stay
- 5-minute climb stay
- Work with different dogs
- Pass Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Written Exam
- One written exam, minimum 70% to pass
- Up to 3 retake opportunities if below passing
Client Interaction
- Observe and conduct pet training evaluations
- Observe and conduct private lessons
- Observe and conduct difficult dog & client lessons and evaluations