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For more information on our school or our classes and to schedule an appointment please contact Dr. Robert Forto by phone at 303-752-2818 or by email at rforto@denverdogworks.com

Obedience Trainer Program

Our Obedience Trainer Program is a course designed to teach the novice dog trainer how to teach obedience classes and to train dogs in a Board and Train Program. The program will be taught through lecture, video presentation and one-on-one training with our highly qualified instructors. You will also be required to perform independent study. Areas of instruction will include:

Obedience

Each student is expected to bring one dog to work in obedience training. In addition to working their own dogs, students will be allowed to work kennel dogs. You will be taught basic obedience, dog psychology, and how to teach group and private obedience classes. You will be instructed in rules pertaining to AKC obedience as well as competition obedience, working dogs and canine sports. Each student will be required to attend all group obedience classes during their enrollment. Students will be required to demonstrate basic dog obedience skills with a dog that has not had any prior obedience training. A written and oral exam is also required to complete this portion of the course.

Behavior Problems

Knowing how to solve various types of behavior problems is a must for dog trainers. We will cover many types of behavior problems including the "Top 10 Behavior Questions".

Board and Train Programs

Each student will be taught how to train using our Board & Train Programs. These programs are designed to train dogs for those individuals whose lifestyle does not allow them to personally participate in the day-to-day training of their pet. You will be taught how to train dogs with the Basic Board and Train as well as more advanced board and train programs for working and sports prospects.

Kennel Management

Students will be taught proper feeding techniques, sanitizing and maintaining clean kennels, recognizing parasites, breeding and more. You will also learn various methods of how to start your own business, selling your product, advertising, and customer relations.

Health & First Aid

In this course students will be introduced to basic health care and first aid as well as canine CPR.  Students will learn about common illnesses in dogs as well as medication and vaccination schedules. Students will demonstrate how to give proper vaccinations and record keeping procedures.  Our Veterinarian is available to care for your dog during your stay.

Dog Law

In this course students will be introduced to the various aspects of laws, rules and ethics involving the dog training profession. Students will learn about liability, insurance requirements, independent contractors, and dealing with difficult clients.

Business Applications and Marketing

In this course students will be introduced to marketing, advertising and promoting their dog training business. Students will be instructed on the various contracts, agreements and other applications necessary to conduct a training school. Students will demonstrate their knowledge by drafting a business plan which they can later customize for their business.

Nutrition and Grooming

In this course students will be introduced to the proper care and nutrition of dogs. Students will be instructed on proper feeding and grooming procedures so that can better care for the dogs enrolled in their classes and programs. Students will be instructed on common feeding misconceptions and common standards in order to keep a dog healthy.

Learning Theory, Drives and Motivation

In this course students will be introduced to how dogs learn. Students will be taught learning theory, canine evolution, drive theory and motivation. Students will demonstrate different training techniques and begin to develop their own training philosophy.

Consultations

In this course students will be instructed on how to conduct a behavioral and intake evaluation for new clients. Students will learn how to deal with difficult clients and difficult situations arising from a consultation. Students will learn how to properly recommend and place dogs in appropriate training programs. Students will learn how to develop a training program.

2007-2008 Course Schedule

Obedience Trainer Program

Sessions will run five times yearly. Each session will run twice a week for two hours each day for eight weeks.  The program is academically rigorous, is fast-paced, and our expectations for excellence are significant.  Enrollees will be expected to not only attend scheduled classes, but also spend time outside of class studying, practicing handling and training techniques learned in class, observing classes, and otherwise committing  him or herself to completing the program successfully. After the class session, students are encouraged to attend a two-month apprenticeship. 

 A $500  deposit may be made to hold your spot once admitted.  If enrollment is cancelled within 30 days of the start date of the program, 50% will be refunded. Once the class is filled, or 30 days before the start date of the program, whichever is sooner, the balance of tuition is due in full.

Sample Curriculum