A 6-Day Certificate Program at the San Francisco SPCA
John Buginas, CTC
September 14 - 19, 2009
Monday through Saturday
9 A.M. - 6 P.M.
This course is a six-day, full-time course designed to provide graduates of positive reinforcement dog training programs the skill and knowledge required to become an Intern at the San Francisco SPCA. Up until now, internships were only available for successful graduates of The SF/SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers.
Who should attend
- Dog trainers, groomers, walkers, veterinary technicians, shelter workers, or serious hobbyists needing more hands-on experience with a variety of dogs.
- People interested in learning what it's like to work in a busy shelter environment
- People who wish to understand a no-nonsense approach to training
- This workshop will be of value even if you don't participate in the internship after the workshop. You will leave understanding theory and hands-on application of science-based, objective, positive-reinforcement training.
About the Intern Prep Workshop
This is a six-day accelerated program, Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, requiring additional hours of training and homework. This accelerated program runs at an intense pace, which is not for everyone. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible to apply for an internship at the SF/SPCA. (See description below).
Workshop Modules
- Shelter Safety Protocols of The San Francisco SPCA
- Dog handling protocols of The San Francisco SPCA
- Animal Learning Theory & Application
- Development of training plans
- Typical shelter behavior problems
- Hands-on training of a shelter dog in basic impulse control exercises
- More details will be announced as the workshop approaches.
Evaluation of Performance
Evaluation is based on outcome of practical assignments and written exams. A passing grade is required in all modules in order to begin an internship.
Requirements for Attendance
To apply to this workshop, you must:
- Have completed a positive reinforcement dog training program or certification with a required minimum of 40 hours of attendance and instruction in learning theory and animal behavior. Acceptable programs or certifications are as follows:
- Animal Behavior College
- CAP2 or CAP3 certification with a grade of 2 or 3
- Certified Pet Dog Trainer ( CPDT) (ccpdt.org)
- Karen Pryor Academy
- Marin Humane Society Canine Behavior & Training Academy
- Two undergraduate college courses covering Applied Behavior Analysis that includes study of operant and classical conditioning.
- If you attended another program you think may qualify, please contact us.
- Have already read these 3 books (before applying):
- Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
- How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Ian Dunbar
- Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor.
- Be fluent in English (written as well a spoken).
- Be physically able to leash handle all sizes of dog including untrained dogs that jump up, mouth, pull on leash.
- Be physically able to lift 30 lbs. or more.
- Have sufficient dog handling experience. This requirement may be met with the completion of ONE (or more) of the following:
-
- CAP2 or CAP3 certification with a grade of 2 or 3
- CPDT certification
- 100 hours volunteering as a dog walker at a local shelter
- Experience as a full-time dog walker for at least 1 month
- Experience as a full-time vet-tech for at least 1 month or part-time for 3 months
- Experience as a full-time animal care attendant for at least 1 month or part-time for 3 months
- Experience as a full-time groomer for at least 1 month or part-time for 3 months
- Experience fostering at least 12 dogs
- Pet-sitting experience for 12 different dogs
- Experience teaching at least 6 obedience classes
- Professional dog trainer: experience teaching at least 6 obedience classes
- Professional dog trainer: experience working with at least 12 behavior problem clients
- Dog sports enthusiast and participant who has qualified at least one dog at the first level of the sport (agility, flyball, etc)
Tuition
$750.00 total for 6-day course (includes daily lecture & training by Academy and Shelter staff, access to shelter dogs and facilities, Academy literature andcertificate of completion. Meals and housing not provided.)
More information about this Workshop
For additional information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 415.554.3095.
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