Shelter Partners
Animal Behavior College’s On-Campus Dog Obedience Training Program is proud to be in collaboration with our local Best Friends Lifesaving Center in Los Angeles, California. This working relationship with Best Friends Los Angeles allows ABC to give our On-Campus Dog Obedience Training Program students the opportunity to volunteer their time during class and actively improve the lives of shelter dogs while gaining invaluable hands-on experience. By volunteering with their classmates at Best Friends, students are able to apply the skills and techniques they learn in the classroom by assisting shelter dogs in need of a home to become more adoptable. As a student of the classroom program, you will be working with some of the best in the animal rescue industry. Best Friends Animal Society is a champion for offering humane shelter options to dogs in need.
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 347,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs all across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 3,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®.
Dog Trainer Academy Overview
Do you learn better in a classroom environment? Would you like face-to-face interaction with your instructor and other students? We developed our on-campus dog training class to accommodate students wanting an in-person learning environment.
With our on-campus dog trainer program, students get the direct support they need from their teacher and their peers. Immerse yourself in an environment with other dog lovers pursuing their dog training careers. Join our April 2023 class in Santa Clarita, CA by calling 800-795-3294 today or submitting our request information form. Next class starts on October 2nd, 2023
Become a Certified Dog Trainer in 5 Months
Enrolling in our dog training classes in Southern California means you will only about 35 minutes from prime California tourist destinations such as Los Angeles and Hollywood! Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you will have plenty of free time to take advantage of all this area has to offer!
Approximately 22 weeks long and consisting of 11 stages, decades of dog training experience have been poured into our extremely comprehensive curriculum. You will learn everything from dog behavior to effective problem solving. Also included are classes on public speaking and business building designed to help you launch your dog trainer career upon graduation.
Graduates from our on-site dog trainer program will be certified as an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT) and this certification will never expire! Students also receive a Pet CPR and First Aid certificate that is good for 2 years.
ABC’s “Students Saving Lives” Campaign
The “Students Saving Lives” campaign is part of our Dog Trainer Program. As part of this program, ABC has forged relationships with local animal shelters, humane societies and rescue organizations. ABC dog training students will train and socialize dogs at these local facilities which will increase their chances of being adopted. Many of our students consider this part of the program the most rewarding. It is here you will put your newly acquired knowledge and skills to work and change many dog’s lives forever.
As of 2023, ABC dog trainer students have volunteered more than 185,000 hours of their time to train and socialize shelter dogs. As our student body grows, so does the number of volunteer hours. Be part of the solution!
GI-Bill Approved Dog Training Program Curriculum
In ABC’s Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program you will learn how to effectively and humanely train dogs and teach dog owners. Our curriculum focuses on science-based, positive reinforcement dog training methods. Our course is based on decades of dog training experience and emphasizes the need to understand motivation behind a dog’s behavior problems. Students who complete our course will have a myriad of behavioral solutions at their disposal, as well as the tools necessary to be an effective communicator and teacher. Here is a sneak peek at the different stages in our on-campus dog training program:- Stage 1 Basic Study of Canines: Learn the basics about canines, including breed characteristics, developmental stages, socialization, communication, health and nutrition.
- Stage 2 Learning Theory: Explains the scientific principles of dog training, such as operant and classical conditioning, and numerous other animal behavior training strategies.
- Stage 3 A Trainer’s Toolbox: Describes various dog training items and equipment. Instructs you on how to properly use these items.
- Stage 4 Training Fundamentals: Covers the evolution of dog training techniques. This stage also discusses therapy dogs, service dogs and emotional support animals.
- Stage 5 How to Teach Basic Obedience Cues: Provides step-by-step instructions for common dog obedience training cues.
- Stage 6 Learning the Art of Effective Problem Solving: Instructs you how to address common dog behavior problems.
- Stage 7 Safety: Teaches you how to keep your dog training classes safe and stress-free.
- Stage 8 Public Speaking & Teaching Group Courses: Learn different public speaking methods so you can lead successful dog training classes.
- Stage 9 Business Building: Contains coaching and business advice from ABC’s founder and president, Steven Appelbaum.
- Stage 10 Field Trips – Outside Classroom Hours: Through-out the program, the student will have a chance to observe, identify and discuss, in real-life settings, topics previously reviewed in class along with peers and the instructor. Students participate in at least 60 hours of dog training outside of the classroom.
- Stage 11 Graduation: Graduate alongside your classmates in ABC’s on-campus commencement ceremony.
Small Investment for a Rewarding Career
Our on-campus dog trainer program costs $9,717.82, which covers tuition, registration, study materials and taxes. This program is also approved for GI Bill benefits and available to qualified persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code. Click here for information on GI Bill Benefits
PAYMENT PLAN – NO DEBT OPTION!
Payment plans are available to those who qualify, allowing you to break out the cost into multiple payments. Animal Behavior College’s Payment Plan – No Debt Option allows you to conveniently pay off your program with ZERO interest. So, when you walk at graduation, you will be rocketed towards your career without the worry of college debt!
Program Cost: $9,717.82
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*The Deposit can be adjusted to meet your financial ability. Subsequent monthly payments will be calculated by dividing the remaining balance by 5. Please speak with your Admission Counselor or the School Certifying Official for more information*
NOTE: Animal Behavior College may be able to accommodate other payment arrangements. Call to speak with us today at 800-795-3294.
Need a More Flexible and Affordable Option?
If you need a more flexible and affordable option, consider ABC’s Online Dog Trainer Program. This program combines hands-on training in your local area with an online dog training course. If you lead a busy life and cannot travel to Los Angeles, California or if you simply need a more affordable option, this may be a perfect fit for you.
Use Your GI Bill Benefits to Become an ABC Certified Dog Trainer
We’re proud to be one of the schools that accept the GI Bill. Our dog trainer school is approved to educate veterans and other eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code. Financial assistance programs available to qualified persons include:- The Montgomery GI Bill – Chapter 30
- Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation – Chapter 31
- Post 9/11 GI Bill – Chapter 33
- The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance – Chapter 35
- Selected Reserve – Chapter 1606
- Reserve Educational Assistance – Chapter 1607
- And more
Can you help me apply for this benefit?
Our experienced team at Animal Behavior College is more than happy to help you through the application process and answer your questions. Call us at 800-795-3294 and we will help you get started.Our Dog Training School Near Los Angeles
If becoming a certified dog trainer and starting your dream career in just 5 months wasn’t perfect enough, our on-campus dog trainer courses are held right in the middle of beautiful Southern California. Animal Behavior College’s on-site, brick and mortar classroom is located in Santa Clarita, CA. That means our classroom is only about a 35 minute drive from prime California tourist destinations. In less than an hour, you can find yourself at the beach, downtown Los Angeles, site seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or even visiting scenic natural sites for outdoor activities and hiking during your evenings and weekends.Attractions within 50 miles of ABC:
- Six Flags Magic Mountain (5 miles from classroom)
- Balboa Park (18 miles from classroom)
- Universal Studios Hollywood (23 miles from classroom)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame (25 miles from classroom)
- Runyon Canyon Park (25 miles from classroom)
- The Grove (28 miles from classroom)
- Hollywood Sign (29 miles from classroom)
- Griffith Observatory (29 miles from classroom)
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (29 miles from classroom)
- Santa Monica Pier (32 miles from classroom)
- Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (35 miles from classroom)
- Malibu Wine Safari (43 miles from classroom)
Perks for Our On-Site Dog Obedience Program Students
Everyone loves a good doggie bag of treats! Because Animal Behavior College recognizes the time commitment and dedication of our students who come on-site to study in pursuit of their future, we are happy to offer a few perks for our classroom students. Check out the amazing perks that come with enrolling in our Southern California on campus dog trainer school:
$25 Gift Card to Lazy Dogs
To help fuel your brain power while studying, grab a bite to eat! You will receive a $25 gift card to the local pet friendly restaurant Lazy Dogs.
$25 Gift Card for Transportation
Whether you don’t have a car, locally, or you just want to take a break from driving, ABC is there to help you out. You will receive a $25 gift card to Uber or Lyft (your choice) to use for local transportation.
Student Welcome “Goodie Bag”
As a welcome gift, you will receive a “swag bag” (or box) with various items and tools that you can use as you pursue your career as a dog trainer.
Special Guest Lecturers
Our in person classroom students get treated to visits from special guest lecturers who share their experience and knowledge from years in the pet industry. Guest lecturers may include (but are not limited to):
- Working Dog Trainers
- Doggie Day Care/Board and Training Business Owners
- Working Veterinary Technicians
- Best Friends Behavioral Team Reps
- Previous class graduates
- Various pet product/training tool manufacturers
- Steve Appelbaum (ABC CEO)
Field Trips
Our on-site classroom is a fully immersive, face-to-face, traditional classroom setting, but that does not mean you’ll spend every waking minute inside the classroom studying the curriculum. You will get to enjoy field trips with your fellow classmates and classroom instructor which may include (but are not limited to):
- Nature Walks
- Working Shelter Visits
- Working Ranch Visits
- Visits to Animal Sanctuaries
Classroom Program Refer a Friend Bonus
Classroom graduates who refer someone to ABC’s on-site dog obedience program will receive $400 for every enrolling student they referred. Graduates who refer more than 3 enrolling students in 18 months will receive $500 for every enrolling student and graduates who refer more than 6 enrolling students in 18 months will receive $650 for every enrolling student they referred.
Free Short Term Program for Continuing Education
ABC believes knowledge is power and the more skills you have as a part of your trainer’s toolbox, the more in demand you will be for clients! All classroom graduates are awarded one free short term program, of their choice, upon graduation to help them in continuing their learning for a successful future.
Discounted Additional Short Term Programs for Continuing Education
All classroom students and graduates are offered a standing discount of $150 off each and every ABC Short Term Program they would like to take in order to help them continue their learning for a successful future.
Discounted Living Arrangements
While in Southern California during the duration of your studies with us, all students who opt to stay at the local hotel ABC has partnered with will receive a discounted housing rate. If interested, please make sure to ask about this upon enrollment.
There are so many reasons to start your new career today… and so many fun perks to help you on your journey! Call 800-795-3294 today to speak with one of our Admissions Counselors or to request more information.
Meet Your Instructor
Seth Hutson, ABCDT
Mr. Seth Hutson, teaches our on-campus Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program.
Mr. Hutson has an extensive background working with dogs. He has 22 years of combined service between Law Enforcement and the Army/National Guard where he assisted the K-9 unit with the training of their military police dogs. During his time in the Army, he was also a Weapons Specialist, Enemy Prisoner of War Expert, Company Training Sergeant and Company Retention Sergeant.
Keeping with his history of service to others, Mr. Hutson then went on to work for various animal rescue organizations as both Executive Director and Certified Animal Trainer/Behaviorist Specialist. It was during this time that he pursued further education with Animal Behavior College and became an ABC Certified Dog Trainer.
Mr. Hutson not only is an ABC Certified Dog Trainer, but he has parlayed his knowledge into his own business which he runs in addition to being a full time ABC instructor. He owns and operates the successful dog training company Pawsitively Great Dog Training located in the Santa Clarita Valley where he works to help dogs in need.
Mr. Hutson maintains a “do what you love, love what you do” attitude as he continues to enrich the lives of animals and people.
