Dog Training Instructor’s Course

 

Foundation Course: If you have had little or no experience of dog training instructing.

Advanced Course: For instructors with at least one years experience teaching classes.

The courses will be accredited by National Open College Network (NOCN)

 

Moulton College, Northampton

Dates: 8 - 11 April, 2 – 5 September 2010

(Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

Students must attend the April and September dates at Moulton College  

Cost £935 per student, including accommodation and meals

 

Foundation course to include:

• Class planning
• Learning Theory
• Presentation
• Communication
• Dealing with challenging dogs
• Equipment
• How to teach various exercises
• Problem solving

Click here for Foundation Registration Form

Advanced course to include:

• Learning Theory
• Progressing exercises
• Stress in dogs and owners
• Diet and effects on behaviour
• Health problems
• Training the assistance dog
• Breed specific problems
• Handouts, registration, evaluation
• These will be taught using both theory and practical sessions

Click here for Advanced Registration Form

 

 

FAQ’S

 

Who can attend the course?

The Foundation course is suitable for anyone who would like to become a Dog Training Instructor.  You do not need to have any prior experience of instructing.

 

Do I have to attend the college on all the dates given?

Yes, you will need to attend on all the dates to get a full understanding of the subject.

 

What times will we be working?

The course will start after registration and dinner on the Thursday evening.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday classes will be from 9.00am – 5.00pm each day.

 

Is the course residential?

Yes. We are holding the course at Moulton College, Northamptonshire and the cost of a room in the Halls of Residence (all en suite), dinner on the Thursday evening, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday are included in the cost of the course.  The meals are served cafeteria style, lunch is buffet in the learning area.  Vegetarian options are available. 

 

Is the course theory or practical?

The course is mainly theory but will include a practical session (about an hour and a half) on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  There is a lot to understand about dogs, people and planning that must be covered in theory sessions.

 

Can I bring my dog with me?

Yes, as long as (a) your dog is happy to stay in your vehicle during the day (b) you have facilities in your vehicle to keep the dog cool if the weather is hot and keep him warm if the weather is cold and (c) he is not aggressive towards people/other dogs you are welcome to bring him. 

You will be able to take your dog into your room at night, but please make sure he has his own bed.

You will be responsible for your dog whilst you are at the college and will need to bring dog food as that is not included in the cost. 

Your dog must be kept on lead while on the College grounds. 

We have scheduled generous breaks (half an hour mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and one hour lunch break) to allow you time to exercise your dog regularly through the day and still have time for a chat with your colleagues.

 

Is the course accredited?

The course is accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN). 

 

Do I need to read any books?

Yes, you will receive a reading list when we confirm your place on the course.  Reading the books is an important part of the course.

You may already have some of the books or may want to buy them, but your initial deposit will include the cost of membership of the APDT library until the end of September 2010, where they will be available to borrow.  (All the books are in the library but obviously the same book will not be available to everyone at the same time!)

 

 

Will there be homework?

Yes, you will have homework following each weekend which must be returned to the tutors by a set date.  

 

How much is the course?

The course costs £935 per student.

We require a £65 deposit to secure your place. This deposit is not refundable. 

Membership of the APDT library will start once we confirm your place on the course.

The balance of the course fee (£870) must be paid by 1 March 2010.

If you would prefer to pay the balance in three stages that will be fine. 

No fees can be refunded after 1 March 2010.

 

How will I know I have been accepted?

When we receive your deposit, and completed application form, we will send you a confirmation of your place. If all places have been taken we will contact you to see if you would like to go on a waiting list.  In this case we will not cash your deposit cheque until a place becomes available.

 

If I pass the course will I be a member of the APDT?

Passing our instructors course does not entitle students to membership of the APDT. To become a member an assessment must be passed. For more information about our assessment process click here. 

Do you take credit card payment?

Sorry, we cannot accept credit/debit cards.  We would appreciate payment by cheque.

 

 

Click here for Foundation Registration Form

Click here for Advanced Registration Form

Comments from 2009 students:

I thought the APDT Dog Instructors Foundation Course formed a very good basis for someone like me who is just starting out in dog training. There was a good mix of Theory and Practical sessions and a lot of subjects covered that I did not expect, but were very informative - such as: Diet, ttouchand health issues. This, with the reading list, has given me a thirst for more information. Hopefully from this better dog trainers will be created who look at the whole dog and not just what they see in a training class.

The course was also fun and the instructors approachable - no one was made to feel silly for asking questions and we all helped each other. Thank you!

 

Sue Spencer

 

This is a pretty intensive course which covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of dog training. It teaches not only the "what to do's" but also the "whys" and so gives would-be trainers confidence in teaching the APDT methods.

         The reading list is wide ranging and definitely provides food for thought and "robust discussion"!

         As a would-be dog trainer I believe I have increased my knowledge 100% and I've been inspired to continue to read and study.

 

Jean Queen

 

 

Thank you for all the support and encouragement to complete this course. It has been  very emotional but I have really enjoyed every minute and felt sad when it finished. I have learnt so much from the detailed lectures , lively practical's and the in depth homework.
I love dog training and hope to help people to understand their dogs and achieve their goals  in the  best  way and more and this course has certainly helped me to achieve this. I am still only assisting but in time hope to start doing more when opportunity comes along.

 

Julie