Our six-day week school for dog trainers will teach you the basics of owning and/or operating a Professional Dog Training Business.

We use positive motivational training methods, and you will discover it is a joy to work with animals in this way. You will work individually with an assigned rescued dog the entire week. You will spend six days learning the scientific concepts of classical and operant conditioning how these principles affect behavior, and how we use these tools to train behavior.

You will learn the basics of conducting a Basic Manners Class, while training your assigned shelter dog yourself. Your dedication to the process will allow you to come away with an adequate beginning level knowledgebase of the science of dog training.

This is one of the best vocational school experiences you can have. During this six-day week we will include basic handling, in addition to your other training. This professional dog trainers school will cover many of the aspects of instruction for dog trainers that others don't.

Upon arrival at school on Monday morning each student will be assigned the care and training of a local shelter dog. This dog will be the responsibility of the student the entire week. You will be instructed in and practice the skills of training this dog in basic manners behaviors. You will learn how to train a dog that doesn't know you, plus work at times with an additional student's dog.

Each evening, you will study the lecture materials covered during the day in preparation for a written exam the next morning. The exams are primarily multiple choice questions. With a few questions answered in hand written paragraphs constructed by you. We deem it essential that you understand training theory if you anticipate going on to become certified through the CCPDT - Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers.

To show our appreciation for your dedication to learning dog training the positive way, on Friday evening you will be treated to dinner out with your trainer, her husband, the rest of the class, and any attending dog trainer apprentices. This will also serve as a respite evening before your final. Look forward to this evening with the same anticipation you looked forward to participating in this academy. We are already proud of you for your dedication and efforts on behalf of animals.

On Saturday morning there will be a written final exam, and then on Saturday afternoon beginning at 1:00pm there will be a Practical Skills Demonstration exam of you as the handler and the dog you have trained during this week. After which you will be given an exit interview and your pass/fail. Understand that it is my strongest wish that each and every student pass this course, so if you feel during the week that you are dropping behind, do not wait until the end of the week to address your concerns.

Due to the intense nature of this program, it must be understood that this week you as the student will be totally immersed in the learning process. It is strongly suggested that you do not bring anyone with you or even a pet. You will be intensely learning terms and skills in one week that many people take a great many months or years to learn.

When we receive your deposit, you will be issued a list of required reading materials. It is strongly recommended that you read these materials at least twice prior to attending the class week you have reserved. You will also receive a packet of information that will be the basis for Monday's classroom lecture. It is expected that you know this material prior to class on that date. Attending this Academy without prior serious preparation will almost certainly result in failure of the final written exam.

Cost of the Level I Intern course is $1,050.00, interns are responsible for their meals and lodging. Lodging may be available at Kennel Lane House at our town kennel(space available), please inquire if you would prefer to stay here. A non-refundable $400 deposit holds a space in the class for you. Balance due 45 days prior to start of class.

Please contact us for a reservation form or if you have any questions.

Please email: Kat's K9 Cadets or phone 423-552-1416.

2009 List of Academies:

• LEVEL I Academy - Dog Behavior and Training Cost: $1,050.00
• October 19-24
• November 16-21
• December none
• 2010
• January 18-23
• February 15-20
• March 15-20
• April 19-24
• May 17-22
• June 21-26
• July 19-24
• August 16-21
• September 20-25

LEVEL 2 Academies - Behavior Modification Cost: $1,300.00

• 2010
• January 11-16
• March 8-13
• May 10-15
• July 12-17
• September 13-18

LEVEL 2 Academies - Instructors Course Cost: $1,300.00

• 2010
• February 8-13
• Aprl 12-17
• June 14-19
• August 9-14

LEVEL 3 Academies - Advanced Instructors Behavior Course Cost: $1,300.00

• 2010
• May 24-27
• November 22-27