Animal Behavior College Fall 2017 Certified Dog Trainer In-Classroom Program Open for Enrollment

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Animal Behavior College (ABC) announced it is accepting applications for enrollment in the college’s fall 2017 Certified Dog Trainer In-Classroom Program. The five-month program, which begins on September 18, 2017, and concludes on February 23, 2018, will be held at the school’s headquarters, located at 25104 Rye Canyon Loop, Santa Clarita, California.

Enrollment is open to all military veterans, their spouses or dependent children. Enrollment is also open to students with no military affiliation or experience who prefer a classroom environment as opposed to an online course.

“Our popular in-classroom program is an excellent option for dog trainer students who prefer a traditional classroom setting and face-to-face instruction with their teachers,” said Candace Mason, director of admissions for ABC. “Students benefit from lively classroom discussions and receive invaluable feedback that enhances their learning experience.

“If you’re looking for an immersive educational experience in which you spend all day learning about and training dogs for five full months, this program is for you,” she added.

The 11-stage program teaches positive-reinforcement training techniques and covers an array of relevant topics, including learning theories, basic dog obedience cues, effective problem-solving, group class training, business building and pet first aid and CPR. Students use what they’ve learned in the classroom during their hands-on experience working with dogs at Best Friends Animal Society of Los Angeles.

“The hands-on portion of the program gives students practical experience in real-life situations,” Mason said. “Once they meet all program requirements and graduate, they become ABC Certified Professional Dog Trainers [ABCDT], who go on to make a difference in the lives of many owners and their canine companions.”

The course is taught by Beth Harrison and her assistant, Chris Gant. Both are distinguished ABC Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Level 2 (ABCDT-Level 2) professionals, which is the school’s highest certification level. Dog trainers who achieve Level 2 status have demonstrated professional prowess and a mastery of canine behavior and learning theory. Harrison has been a professional dog trainer for more than 15 years and specializes in helping canine rescues who have obsessive-compulsive disorders or who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Gant, a former Marine, has been a professional dog trainer for more than five years and specializes in canine sheepherding, socialization and agility training.

ABC’s Certified Dog Training In-Classroom Program is approved for veterans and eligible individuals under the provisions of Title 38 of the United States Code under the following programs:

The Montgomery GI Bill – Chapter 30

Post 9/11 GI Bill – Chapter 33

Selected Reserve – Chapter 1606

Reserve Educational Assistance – Chapter 1607

Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment – Chapter 30

Individuals with no military experience or affiliation may qualify for a variety of finance programs ABC offers.

The jobs forecast for dog trainers and other animal care and service workers in the U.S. appears promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. With 47.1 million U.S. households owning a dog, which equates to 89.7 million dogs, according to the 2017-2018 American Pet Product National Pet Owners Survey, ABC certified dog trainers have the option of working for an established company or building their own successful dog training business.

In addition to the Dog Obedience Program, ABC offers certifications through three other core programs, including the Grooming Instruction Program, the Cat Training Program and the Veterinary Assistant Program. ABC offers specialized certificates of completion in five Short-Term Programs on subjects including pet massage, pet nutrition, pet sitting, training shelter dogs, and selling and teaching private lessons.

Military veterans may qualify for financial assistance. To learn more, call 800-795-3294 or visit ABC’s website at www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/gi-bill-approved-dog-trainer-program/.