Santa Clarita, Calif., June 16, 2014 – Animal Behavior College (ABC) held its third program commencement ceremony on June 13, 2014, honoring the achievements of its Dog Trainer In-Classroom Program students. The event took place on the grounds of the school’s headquarters located at 25104 Rye Canyon Loop in Mann Biomedical Park, Santa Clarita, Calif.
The graduating class, mostly comprised of former military personnel, received certification for mastering various dog training tools and techniques using positive reinforcement for handling canine behaviors.
“You are professional dog trainers who will continue to make a difference in many lives,” said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College, to an audience of family, friends and employees of the college. “The road ahead is paved with many challenges. Challenges you are equipped and ready to handle. However, readiness is dependent on your willingness to keep an open mind by expanding beyond your comfort level and maintaining a passion for learning and aspiring to continue to grow professionally.”
Debbie Kendrick, vice president of operations for ABC, also praised the graduates’ accomplishments and joined Appelbaum in presenting award certificates giving special mention to students who graduated from the program with honors. Those students include, Brian Hastings, Irma “Toni” Medina Leitneberg, Breanna Rappleya and Angel Samano Jr.
Beth Harrison, the program’s course instructor, provided remarks encouraging graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge and skills to strive for excellence with the goal of “being the best dog trainer they could be.” Amanda Yocom of Best Friends’ Animal Society and Chris Gant, a former graduate of the college and professional dog trainer, thanked graduates for volunteering in the shelter and inspired them to stay compassionate about helping dogs and working with their owners to ensure a positive owner-to-dog relationship.
“I have more knowledge and tools at my disposal to continue to serve people in a new way,” Angel Samano Jr. said. With his dog, Bosco, at his side, the former Marine lance corporal credits the program with helping him embark on a new and exciting career. “If you had asked me a year ago what I would do (after the military), being a dog trainer wouldn’t have been on the list. ABC has not only helped to change my life, but has helped to change Bosco’s life.”
The jobs forecast for dog trainers and other animal care and service workers in the U.S. appear 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 more people in the U.S. owning dogs (35.5 percent or 43,346,000), ABC certified dog trainers have the option of working for an established company or building their own successful dog training business.
ABC’s Dog Trainer In-Classroom Program teaches training techniques using positive reinforcement. Students learn various behavioral principles and practical ways to incorporate them into their training regimen. The program covers everything from training basics and safety to effective problem solving and pet first aid. The hands-on portion of the program provides students with an opportunity to participate in an internship at shelters like Best Friends’ Animal Society with a mentor, giving them invaluable practical experience in real life situations.
The next Dog Trainer In-Classroom Program will begin on Monday, June 23, 2014. To learn more about the program visit Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program or call 800-795-3294. For more information about Animal Behavior College’s Dog Obedience Program (DOP), Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP), Grooming Instruction Program (GIP) and continuing education programs (CEPs), visit our website at www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com or call 1-800-795-3294.
###
About Animal Behavior College
Animal Behavior College is the premier international vocational school specializing in certified animal career training programs. ABC has created a powerful team of skilled advocates who are devoted to nurturing the human-animal bond through dog training, veterinary assisting and pet grooming. The founders of ABC have spent years developing and perfecting affordable career programs, which combine home learning with hands-on training externships with professional mentors. To date, more than 28,000 students have enrolled in ABC programs and the alumni group boasts the largest number of certified dog trainers in the United States.
Our classroom Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program is now approved for the training of Veterans and other eligible persons / dependents under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code.
