Would you like to work as a dog trainer and help dogs and their families? Turn your love for dogs into a dog training career with Animal Behavior College!
Our on-campus Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program is a five-month dog training course held at our campus in Santa Clarita, CA. At our dog trainer school, you will learn in a one-on-one classroom environment, work with dogs at an animal shelter and apply your dog training skills in real life.
We are currently taking enrollments for our April 4th, 2022 class. Call 800-795-3294 today or submit the contact form to request more information.
Are you a U.S. Veteran or eligible person under Title 38, United States Code? Use your GI Bill® benefits!
GI Bill® Dog Trainer Overview
Do you learn better in a classroom environment? Would you like face-to-face interaction with your instructor and other dog training students? As a dog trainer school, we strive to accommodate students wanting an on-site 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 2022 class in Santa Clarita, CA by calling 800-795-3294 today or submitting our request information form. Next class starts on April 4th, 2022
Become a Certified Dog Trainer in 5 Months
Our on-campus dog trainer program is located in Santa Clarita, CA. That means our classroom is only about 40 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.
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 September, 2018, ABC dog trainer students have volunteered more than 146,000 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!
JulyGI-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 Outside Classroom Hours: Receive hands-on experience training dogs at a local animal shelter. 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.
Meet Your Instructors
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 maintains a “do what you love, love what you do” attitude as he continues to enrich the lives of animals and people.
Tami Kearney, ABCDT
Ms. Tami Kearney is the Assistant Instructor for ABC’s on-campus Dog Obedience Training Program. She owns her own dog training business and has been professionally training dogs since 2008. Tami’s employment background also includes working as a veterinary technician for 15 years. In addition, Ms. Kearney is an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer, graduating in 2015.
In addition to working with animals, Ms. Kearney also volunteers her time and expertise at the Shelter on the Hill since 2015. She is often called upon to evaluate incoming dogs and do “meet and greets” with potential adopters. We are proud of the work she does and believe her contributions at the shelter will help many dogs find their forever homes.
Continuing education is another thing that Tami feels strongly about. She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and attends their annual conferences regularly.
Ms. Kearney’s diversity in the animal industry adds to the well-rounded learning experience each student will receive. In her own words, she “loves teaching dogs new things, and believes the dogs love to learn as well”.
