Apprentice
Program Application
Apprentice
Program
What It Is.
At the Academy, our goal is to teach dogs and their owners how to better
communicate and live with each other through obedience training and
an understanding of canine behavior. The Apprentice Program is a 20-hour
per week, 14-week volunteer opportunity to learn more about dog training
and behavior via observation of, and personalized tutoring from, the
experienced behaviorists and training staff of the Academy of Canine
Behavior.
How
It Works...
Approximately
twice per year, one or two applicants are chosen to participate in this
program, which consists of four areas:
Behavior
and training sessions. In classes, behavior consultations, and private
lessons, apprentices learn by watching academy clients discover how
to improve their relationship with their dogs. Select Readings
and Videos. Apprentices gain on-premise access to the Academy's vast
library of books and videos authored by the worlds greatest trainers
and behaviorists. Participation in group discussions. Dog behavior,
problem solving, training techniques, and much more are discussed on
a daily basis with the experienced, knowledgeable Academy staff trainers.
Hands-on Experience. Working fully supervised, apprentices are given
the opportunity to handle dogs, building up to more independent learning
as their skills and understanding develop.
Why
Do It?
A
thorough foundation in behavior is vital when entering the world of
dogs, whether your interest is in training the family pet or something
more specialized. Careers range from training dogs to assisting the
disabled, to police work, narcotics detection, show dog handling, field
training, herding, competition obedience, protection training, agility,
and much more. In each of these disciplines, understanding dog behavior
increases your opportunity for true success.
The
Apprentice Program gives you a hands-on opportunity to apply the dog
behavior information you learn. Since we train dogs of all ages, breeds,
temperaments, and problems, this could be a first step toward deciding
if a career in dog training is for you. Others who benefit from the
Apprentice Program include shelter personnel, pre-veterinarian students,
veterinary technicians and assistants, groomers, and any pet owners
with a desire to know more.
Why
we offer the Program?
We
feel the time invested to train apprentices benefits us in two main
ways:
A
large part of dog training is teaching owners how to use obedience and
behavioral concepts to get acceptable behavior from their dogs. Teaching
similar concepts to apprentices on a day-to-day basis keeps trainers
on top of the most effective techniques for teaching people. The program
allows us to screen for potential trainers. The occasional openings
for trainers that occur are filled from the very best of our current
or former apprentices.
What Are We Looking For?
The
Academy looks at all Apprentice Program applicants as they would look
at all future employees. Good communication skills, a strong desire
to learn, ability to function well in a busy environment, initiative,
and ingenuity are all important.
If
You Are Interested
If
the Academy's Apprentice Program sounds like it may fit your needs and
abilities, please fill out an Apprentice
Application (must have Microsoft Word) and return it to our main
office. Applicants are reviewed twice per year, and you will be contacted
regarding an interview appointment. If you have any questions in the
meantime, please contact us and ask for the Apprentice Program Coordinator.
