CAHS Canine Behaviour, Handling Skills & Instructor Certificate

Program Requirements: 

• Minimum of 18 years of age

• Completion of the CAHS PACE application form, interview, and program acceptance
• Ability to attend monthly Saturday afternoon workshops at the CAHS for duration of the program
• Applicants must be prepared to fully complete the hours, duties, quizzes and sessions as described in the Program Outline
• Achieve a minimum of 70% on all program exams including final skill and knowledge exams
• Complete program contract
• $4500 plus gst Program Fee (includes books and classroom materials)

Workshops (minimum total 48 hours) & Course Content:
Monthly workshops will set the stage for group discussions pertaining to learning theory, training techniques and training challenges. Workshops will include live demonstrations, example, and participation opportunities in various program topics including, but not limited to;

• Breed Development Stages
• Canine Body Language & Calming Signals
• Dog Evaluations and Assessments
• Dog Training Tools and Equipment Demonstrations
• The Power of Clicker Training & Brain Games
• Modifying Food Aggression & Resource Guarding Behaviours
• Canine Handling Sensitivities
• Dog to Dog Introductions
• Private Behaviour Consults
• Training a Species Other Than a Dog
• Classroom Management & Training Techniques
• Canine First Aid
• Basic Grooming
• Low Stress Handling and restraining Methods and Techniques
• Tellington Touch Techniques

Course Content Includes:

• Breeds, Development Stages & Canine History & Evolution
• Canine Body Language
• Learning Theory
• Basic Dog Training
• Dogs in the Shelter Environment & Dog Assessments
• Dog to Dog Interactions
• Instructing Group Classes
• Common Behaviour Problems
• Complex Behaviour Problems
• Fear & Anxiety
• Reactivity & Aggression
• Private Training
• Canine Health & Nutrition
• Grooming & Canine First Aid

Mentor Meets
Students are paired with a CPDT-KA Professional dog Trainer as their personal mentor to practice, hone and test skills weekly! Click to Learn About Our Instructors.

Practical Hours (minimum total of 225 hours):

• Minimum 96 hours group class observation/assisting
• Minimum 24 hours group Co–teaching with a CPDT Certified Instructor
• Minimum 6 hours observing/assisting/participating in Private Behaviour Consults with a CPDT Certified Instructor
• Minimum 6 hours of dog training classes with your own dog
• Minimum 75 hours working with shelter dogs under the mentorship of a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (we provide a variety of breeds & behaviour issues)
• Minimum 4 hours participating in CAHS’s popular Canine Boot Camp handling and training a shelter dog
• Minimum 10 hours observation/assistance dog interactions and introductions
• Minimum 10 hours shelter dog evaluations and assessments

Note: Program graduates with a final overall grade of 90% plus will have the opportunity to earn their head instructor hours required by the Certification Council for Professional Trainers through the CAHS (some restrictions apply).

Program Fees and What’s Included: 

• $4500 + gst, includes all program books, dvd’s and materials valued at approximately $1000. Program fees are non – refundable.
• Payment plans are available as follows; 
• $4500 + gst at registration
• $2284 + gst at registration and at 6 months
• $1153 + gst at registration and at 3, 6 & 9 months
• $ 386 + gst at registration and monthly for a total of 12 payments.
• A credit card is required with payment plans to be kept on file.
• Free  - access to the CAHS extensive library of books on Dog and Cat Training and Behaviour, Dog Body Language and Communication, Pet Health and Nutrition, Rally O, Agility, Starting a Daycare, Humane Education, working with Blind, Deaf or Amputee Dogs, and much more.

• Free - enrollment in one of our Obedience Classes with your own dog and 40% off all our classes with your own dog for the one year.
• Discount - of 10% at Norm's Nook - Saving Lives Pet Supplies while you are enrolled in the program.
• Click here to see if you may be eligible for our $1000 Program Scholarship.

Click Here to Complete Program Application. 

If you have any questions please contact Tracy Keith at executive.director@cochranehumane.ca