Become A Dog Trainer
Hands-On Dog Training Apprentice Program
DUE TO RELOCATION IN 2025, MY PROGRAM WILL NOT LONGER TAKE APPLICANTS AFTER JULY 1ST 2024
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Bella's Kanine Training is proud to offer a full Dog Training Apprenticeship Program. It is an intensive program designed for individuals who are serious about a career in dog training and dog behavior. This program must be completed within 12 months that includes worksheets, reading, test and practical hands on experience.
Successful completion of the program offers individuals the knowledge and skills required to safely manage and work with dogs, modify behavior, as well as how to effectively teach people how to train their dogs. The goal of this program is to prepare you as a dog trainer and work you towards gaining your hours for the CPDT-KA (Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed) designation.
BKT believes that an effective and successful professional dog trainer gains these skills through learning and experience. Our program is designed around this basis as we strongly believe that you cannot gain enough experience to be a qualified trainer in just a matter of weeks or months. Our program is committed to providing you with the theory and hands on skills to ensure you have the confidence and experience to succeed in this exciting career.
Potential Students: We are only interested in highly motivated people, who show up on time, are professional in their demeanor and appearance and genuinely care about dog training/ behavior in a humane and safe way.
Dog Trainer Apprenticeship 12 Month Program
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Bella's Kanine Training offers limited Dog Trainer Apprenticeships on the basis that the trainer will teach the Apprentice for a period of 12 months, in exchange for the Apprentice assisting with the Trainer, office duties, tasks, training, wellness and pet care services.
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Dog Trainer Apprenticeship fee is $3000.00 for 12 months.
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Apprentices must sign a NO COMPETE/LIABILITY RELEASE FORM
Curriculum Requirements:
Students will need to commit to a minimum of 5 hours a week on study sessions, reading, observation & practical application:
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1 hour of working with shelter/rescue dogs.
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1-2 hours of class study (weekly testing).
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1-5 hours assisting, observing and participating in group classes and/or private sessions per week.
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1-2 hours of reading per day.
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General Responsibilities & Requirements
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Assisting with the training of dogs
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Assisting with teaching class
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Assisting instructors working with clients
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Applicant must possess a valid drivers license and reliable transportation
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Applicants must have great communication skills and be good with people
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Applicants must be able to work around dogs and cats
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Applicants must be able to work outdoors in the heat
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Applicants must be able to lift dogs up to 50lbs, squat and stoop
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Applicants must be able to work well on their own
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Applicants must be able to work as part of a team
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Applicants must be dependable, punctual and very responsible
Required Experience
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Must own your own dog
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Must have some experience training dogs (your own or others) or working with dogs in some capacity
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Must have a genuine love for animals
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Must complete a personal interview with Nichole Petrie
Preferred Experience
The following factors are used to select Apprentices:
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Potential to become Professional Dog Trainer
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Level of interest in working with animals
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Experience with dog activities such as training and/or care
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Sales experience (even if unrelated to dogs)
Work Schedule
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Apprentice staff are expected to be available Monday through Sunday. I will work around your current work and/or class schedule
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Work days are from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM when scheduled
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Apprentices may be required to work certain evenings assisting in private/group sessions
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Work days vary based on schedules and seasons
Employment Contract
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Apprentice trainers are required to sign an Employment Contract at time of hire
Compensation
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Apprentice trainers receive no pay during the period of apprenticeship
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If the Apprentice completes Pet Care Services, compensation will be provided
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On completion, if hired into a full time position, starting pay is TBD
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Additional raises will be based on performance and longevity
Before you apply for our program, you will be asked more important questions to gage your commitment to becoming a dog trainer. My program is structured to include homework and hands on training. It is essential that you understand the foundation of dog training and dog behavior (dog psychology). Please take time to read and research the following BEFORE you apply for the program.
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