Can
I really make a living playing with animals all day?
Yes,
and it can be a very lucrative profession! Whether you choose
to have a part-time job or a full-time career, when you put in
the time and energy, the rewards are not only financial but spiritual,
mental and physical as well. Imagine getting paid to play with
cuddly puppies while you conduct a Smart Start puppy class. Your
furry clientele will typically jump for joy as you walk through
their door, and their owners will happily compensate you, for
the skills you learn from ABA are priceless to them! The more
discerning and educated public seek our humane, fun training methods,
because their pets are precious members of their families.
What
kind of a job market is there for training companion animals?
The
market is growing rapidly. According to a US government survey
of animal care and service workers, employment in the industry
is forecasted to grow faster than the average of all occupations
through the year 2010. This is anticipated due to the trend of
increasing households owning companion animals, baby boomers filling
their ‘empty nests’ with four-legged friends, and
a growing number of couples opting out of childrearing, to lavish
their pets with their time and affection instead.
Is
animal training for everyone?
Only
those possessing the necessary patience, physical endurance and
communication skills will be highly successful within this industry.
What
if I don’t have a lot of experience; can I still become
a trainer?
Our
students need a big heart and compassion for our companions. The
loyalty of Lassie, the courage of Rin Tin Tin, the humor of Beethoven
and the problem solving skills of 101 Dalmatians will enable any
prospective trainer to succeed. If working for yourself is your
goal, then discipline and self-motivation are also a necessity.
What
training methods are taught at the academy?
We
use only modern, twenty-first century methods that are backed
and supported by scientific research. Mirroring methods used by
trainers with marine mammals, the Animal Behavior Academy uses
only painless, fear-free techniques. Clicker Training (Operant
Conditioning), Positive Reinforcement with a focus on Motivation,
Counter Conditioning, Psychology, Clear Communication, and Body
Language/Identification are just some of the methodologies ABA
adheres to.
WE
DO NOT use choke collars, shock collars, physical abuse and domination
or tranquilizers! Since 1986 our clients have found success, and
thoroughly enjoyed using our humane methods while nurturing their
loving relationship with their pets.
Will
I have time to work while enrolled at ABA?
Because
this is a full immersion course, it’s not advisable to attempt
to fit in much else other than a day full of fun and relaxation
once a week on the hiking trails, ski slopes, on the couch with
a good book, playing in the Colorado River, or whatever floats
your boat! The rest of the time you'll be working, learning, and
training.
What
is the typical class size at the ABA?
At
ABA, our focus is on quality rather than quantity, so our immersion
courses are one on one or one on two. This permits us to offer
personalized training, while also allowing us to provide individual
counseling and hands-on experience.
Will
I know how to answer client’s questions about their problem
dog?
Yes,
being an animal trainer requires more than just training dogs
that are already well behaved. Our graduates from ABA are skilled
at teaching effective techniques to remedy problems such as: chewing,
barking, digging, house training, jumping up, running away, counter
surfing, stealing, aggression, as well as others. If unusual situations
arise, our graduates have on-going support and counseling services
available for two full years. We want to be certain that you have
every opportunity to succeed!
Why
are your program lengths longer than most other schools?
We
believe that your education needs to be thorough and complete
in order to succeed! With the nearly 800 hours of training ABA
provides to you, you can be assured that your preparation for
a career in animal training is surpassed only by the confidence
that you will have in your abilities. We cover business administration
extensively, while also covering other behavior aspects such as
nutrition, genetics, breed characteristics and more. Having hands-on
experience and a set number of hours working in the field is required
for professional memberships, licensing and certificates in the
leading industry organizations. Most of the other schools will
only prepare you with the minimum requirements, while the Animal
Behavior Academy exceeds those expectations!
Will I be trained in other things besides dog training?
Our
academy is not limited to teaching only dog training techniques;
you’ll also learn handling and training skills with other
species such as horses, birds, cats, small animals and even an
occasional exotic critter. Pet CPR/ First Aid by the American
Red Cross, finding solutions for difficult animals with behavior
problems, exciting canine sports, breeding, stages of canine development,
history of training, conformation, showmanship, business skills,
obedience and agility are just some of the other courses you can
expect to enjoy while attending ABA.
Will
I have the knowledge to start my own business?
We
offer business planning, development and consulting. Assisting
you in every step of the process from choosing your business name
to writing your brochures, ABA provides you with every opportunity
for success.
Areas
also emphasized in our office administration training are: building
and maintaining a client base, book keeping, advertising, phone
skills and procuring business funding. Other vital pieces for
a healthy business include interpersonal communication and proficiency
in customer relations, both of which ABA helps to develop. When
you can make yourself clearly understood, the sky is the limit
with the potential of this field.
What
if I don’t want to go into business for myself?
There
are many facilities searching for qualified trainers including
Pets Mart, Petco, Sea World and many locally owned businesses.
Although our school primarily caters to those with entrepreneurial
spirit, you will leave ABA with a great business sense in addition
to training prowess.
Can
I bring my dog?
Although
we don't encourage people to bring along their canine companions,
we understand how important they are to you. Personal dogs are
welcome on an invitation only basis, and are required to be evaluated
by either a professional in the canine industry or via video by
the faculty of the academy.
What if I can't afford to attend your program?
Are there any options?
Work
Study Program
- Whether you need financial assistance or just want a little
spending money along the way, our full emersion work-study program
allows you to pay a minimal fee up front for your education while
also earning a nominal income throughout your study time. Working
within the animal industry for 30 hours per week will give you
an opportunity to apply what you're learning in the 20 hour per
week hands on training time. Lodging, phone, internet, and limited
other expenses are included and as a bonus you walk out with $100
in your pocket each week. Expect to commit between 6 months to
a year to the work study program.
Terena
Thomas, CPDT
Head Trainer
Animal Behavior Academy
14503 Colorado River Road
Gypsum, CO 81637
970.524.8724
terena@animaltrainer.biz
www.animaltrainer.biz
