The Apprenticeship At AGDT
“I don’t know if I’ve ever done something that felt so right... This program has reawakened my brain (and heart) and given me a challenge and a passion I have not felt in quite a while.”
Dog Training Foundations
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2024!
Completion time: 6-8 months
Cost: $4500 (Payment programs are available. Inquire.)
Pre-requisite: Application, interview, and acceptance into the program.
No experience necessary, but applicants with some higher education, excellent verbal and written skills, and a strong interest in humans and dogs are given priority.
What to expect:
Regular classroom instruction with head trainer Amanda Gagnon and other AGDT trainers, both in-facility and online.
Extensive hands-on practice time with dogs at our training facility.
Hands-on assisting with playgroups, and other community events.
Attendance at regular trainer summits.
Extensive individual study from books and scientific articles on provided reading list.
Periodic written, oral, and practical testing.
Dog-walking and other dog care opportunities to increase your experience with dog-handling.
A minimum of 4-hours of in-person work and 4-hours of online/written work each week.
What you will learn:
Dog Handling.
Dog-human Communication.
Dog-Dog Communication.
Dog husbandry and development.
Breed behavior patterns and issues.
How to install, proof, and maintain basic obedience Training.
Principles of behavior modification.
Trick Training, Concepts of freestyle, agility, etc.
Puppy development and Puppy raising.
Solving behavior problems from the benign to the serious.
Coaching humans and dogs together. (people skills and public speaking)
Dealing with complex ethical concerns as a dog trainer.
Current scientific research.
Industry standards, practices, and opportunities.
An introduction to anthrozoological perspectives on dog training, dog-related professions, and dog-human cultures.
“It was incredible, rewarding and ultimately totally transformative.
Even more, the entire AGDT apprenticeship program has been a phenomenal experience, deeply informative, amazingly organized and the exact challenge I needed most.”
The Career Track
2018 AGDT trainers at a trainer summit with Amanda's mentor, Dr Ian Dunbar.
Pre-Requisite: By invitation only.
Cost: $1500
Completion Time: Varies.
Apprentices for the career track are hand-picked from The Foundations apprenticeship or through special vetting in the field. This track is by invitation only. To date, every trainer who has entered the career track has gone on to have a successful career as a full-time professional dog trainer.
What to expect:
Intensive one-on-one time with a mentor trainer.
Intensive one-on-one time with Amanda Gagnon.
Shadowing and assisting with private sessions.
Shadowing and assisting with group classes, and other community events.
Drafting of training plans with review by Amanda Gagnon.
Begin taking cases for a low rate with guidance and consultation of seasoned trainers.
Opportunity to build your experience hours in preparation for your certification exam.
Preparation and support for your certification exam.
We will ease you through the transition from student to professional trainer.
“Best of all are the in-person classes with Amanda. She has an incredible gift for knowing how to impart her vast knowledge in a way that is fun, interesting and inspiring.”