Dog Training Courses

[Pretty Miss Emma]

So becoming a dog trainer (well I sort of think of it as owner training!) - unregulated industry where qualification are not essential, however I'm of the belief that they're pretty important. Anyway, once I'm financially viable to be doing a course I'm considering it.

I know of NDTF and Delta and have thoroughly assessed the pros and cons of both with several people who have done one or the other.

But, are there other courses out there? Particularly that are held with some "esteem". Am happy with distance ed but otherwise looking at Melb based. Am interested to know what people interested in this area have done in terms of becoming qualified.

Probably also a question to ask - what do people think about becoming qualified? Is it essential? Would you deal with someone who didn't have a formal qualification?

Just interested!

[Staranais]

The training forum has some info on this, as well as some trainers that don't come into off topic, so you might get a more helpful response there.

As for the question, I'd happily deal with someone without formal qualifications, so long as they have proven experience at what I'm consulting them for and they appear competent & compassionate. I know several trainers who are truly excellent in their own field & who don't have formal qualifications in dog training.

On the other hand, you don't want to be the type of trainer that only knows one way of doing things, or can't communicate with other trainers since you don't know the technical terms they use, and getting a qualification can help with those things. I also know some trainers who are excellent at what they do but (IMO) would be so much better if they just opened their eyes and got a bit of an education in different methods, different tools, and even just in basic learning theory.

Edited April 26, 2011 by Staranais

[Jeff Jones]

I agree with Staranais you will probably get a better response having the thread moved to the training section. It would be worth looking at what courses Tafe in Victoria have available. Tafe in NSW have some pretty good short courses which are run by some well known dog trainers which are good to complete in addition to the NDTF or Delta course.

[Sidney181]

So becoming a dog trainer (well I sort of think of it as owner training!) - unregulated industry where qualification are not essential, however I'm of the belief that they're pretty important. Anyway, once I'm financially viable to be doing a course I'm considering it.

I know of NDTF and Delta and have thoroughly assessed the pros and cons of both with several people who have done one or the other.

But, are there other courses out there? Particularly that are held with some "esteem". Am happy with distance ed but otherwise looking at Melb based. Am interested to know what people interested in this area have done in terms of becoming qualified.

Probably also a question to ask - what do people think about becoming qualified? Is it essential? Would you deal with someone who didn't have a formal qualification?

Just interested!

I would recommend the NDTF as it is extremely well structured and has the most experienced and knowledgeable trainers in Aus lecturing on the course.

It will give you an excellent foundation which you can build upon.

Certification in dog training or behaviour is a fairly new thing and I have met some people that have a lot of ability and knowledge and have no qualifications yet I have also met some people who should not be in the business as they are dangerous to the reputation of hard working dog trainers and that also carry no qualification.

Be educated and then you can make the decision.

Best of luck.