Dog Training Apprenticeship Program

I offer an apprenticeship program for people who are committed to force free training methods and who would like to become professional dog trainers. If you would like to become an apprentice and work with me to learn more about dog training, please email mardi@gooddogsantacruz.com.

One-Year Full Apprenticeship:

The one-year apprenticeship is a comprehensive program designed to help you grow your skill and knowledge set. The program is part observation, part hands on, and part guided study. We will customize this program to fit your goals and skill level. In general, it will include 3 to 4 hours a weeks of class observation and assistance with the goal of working into teaching portions of a class; 2 to 4 hours a week of reading, studying, and occasional writing assignments; and 3 to 4 hours a month of one-on-one coaching and discussion. You must have a dog you can work with regularly (your own dog is great). Topics covered will be customized depending on previous experience, but may include: body language; understanding behavior; clicker and lure and reward training skills; behavior modification techniques; teaching mechanical skills to others; motivating students; training and curriculum planning; getting started in business; and more.

The fee for this program is currently set at $400 a month, and a one-year commitment is required. Books and other study materials will be your responsibility, though I may have loaners for some materials. You will be evaluated through practical demonstration and/or occasional short writing assignments. As a bonus, students may bring their personal dog to a training class each session, as long as the dog is appropriate for the class.

If you are interested in my apprenticeship program, please send me an introductory email and tell me more about your experience and interest. If it seems that we will be a good fit to work together, I will send you an application to the program. Because this is a one-on-one intensive program, I am only able to work with a small number of people each year.