First Post, Appreciate Advice On Becoming A Trainer

[Cosmolo]

Think its around $3,000?

[Ravyk]

The course costs $3300 plus $340 if you do the extra two electives

They add $50 on if you pay in 5 monthly installments and add $150 on if you pay in 10 monthly installments.

[Lollipup]

Which electives would you recommend, if any?

[Miss BeRidgierent]

The course costs $3300 plus $340 if you do the extra two electives

They add $50 on if you pay in 5 monthly installments and add $150 on if you pay in 10 monthly installments.

Thanks Ravyk

[GSD FAN]

I did the course, liked some of it but other parts I didnt

Edited July 30, 2010 by GSD FAN

[GSD FAN]

I thought the course was a good introduction to dog training but don't feel as though I could start my own dog training business tomorrow though. I think further practical experience with a dog training group would be the best way to go. It is good for those who work in professions such as grooming or vet nursing as you can put some of the practical skills to use, inform clients of the basics of training, and can understand better why dogs do what they do.

I was less than impressed when I took my dog to the 2nd training block, as I was humiliated by more than one instructor (wont mention names) when they used me and my timid dog as a 'what not to do' example. I took my dog to the course to better understand her and how to help her but it didnt work that way. I also rarely got to bring her out of the kennels for practical work.

[Lollipup]

I thought the course was a good introduction to dog training but don't feel as though I could start my own dog training business tomorrow though. I think further practical experience with a dog training group would be the best way to go. It is good for those who work in professions such as grooming or vet nursing as you can put some of the practical skills to use, inform clients of the basics of training, and can understand better why dogs do what they do.

I was less than impressed when I took my dog to the 2nd training block, as I was humiliated by more than one instructor (wont mention names) when they used me and my timid dog as a 'what not to do' example. I took my dog to the course to better understand her and how to help her but it didnt work that way. I also rarely got to bring her out of the kennels for practical work.

Thanks for the that. I'm leaning towards not taking my dog. So would you say the course is fairly basic information then?

[W Sibs]

I don't think I'll be bringing Emmy for the prac work... I heard that you don't get to work with your own dog in practical work and it's mostly in a kennel. I don't think I can put Emmy through that... my brother lives in Melbourne too, so I'll just use his Beagle. That would be a challenge itself

[Ravyk]

Which electives would you recommend, if any?

After chatting to the lady via email, this is what she had to say about the specialist electives 'Train dogs for basic assistance roles' and 'Train dogs for basic substance detection roles'. These two electives aren't covered in the course costs and cost $170 each unlike 'Conduct companion animal training classes' and 'Provide food and water for animals' which are covered by the course costs.

As for the Specialist Electives; some people can do all the electives at

once but we generally do not recommend it as it is a fair bit more work

(given the specialist electives are advanced level skills and require much

more time commitment than most of the other assessments).

We suggest students do the standard course first and then take on the

specialist electives afterwards.

I was less than impressed when I took my dog to the 2nd training block, as I was humiliated by more than one instructor (wont mention names) when they used me and my timid dog as a 'what not to do' example. I took my dog to the course to better understand her and how to help her but it didnt work that way. I also rarely got to bring her out of the kennels for practical work.

I'm curious, did they actually single you out as not doing the right things, or were they using you to demonstrate what not to do with a shy dog? I know it can be humiliating to be called out when doing something wrong [i've had it happen a few times at obedience] but could it have been that you had a shy dog and it was a dog perfect to be used as an example to teach other people how to do things and how not to do things with a shy dog?

Edited July 30, 2010 by Ravyk

[Lollipup]

New information: having trouble with their admin already. They seem to have communication problems internally. I have been told two completely different stories on the Qld blocks being available and now the latest is that it is booked out already for August so I will have to wait until October. And even though its booked out already for August, they still say they haven't finalised the details yet to be able to give me the info. I'm disappointed, I was so eager to start.

[Ravyk]

I got told in one of the latest emails I got there were only a few places left in the August ones, which were only available for people who could find their own transport and accommodation in Melbourne to and from the training place.

[Teebs]

Did you already know it because you had a lot of experience and learning with dogs already? I have experience with my own dogs I've had over the years and I do a lot of reading but I still hope to gain a lot from this course, I am paying for it myself which is a lot of money so I don't want to be disappointed. Most of what I have heard about it on DOL is positive.

Honestly, I didnt have that much experience, I had worked in kennels for a while, and had done training with my own dogs, but that is about all.

New information: having trouble with their admin already. They seem to have communication problems internally. I have been told two completely different stories on the Qld blocks being available and now the latest is that it is booked out already for August so I will have to wait until October. And even though its booked out already for August, they still say they haven't finalised the details yet to be able to give me the info. I'm disappointed, I was so eager to start.

Get used to it, they are shocking