CAHS Canine Handling Skills and Behaviour Knowledge Certificate

Program Requirements: 

• Minimum of 18 years of age

• Completion of the CAHS PACE application form, interview, and program acceptance
• Ability to attend the program orientation session and monthly Saturday workshops at the CAHS for duration of the program
• Applicants must be prepared to fully complete the hours, duties, quizzes and sessions as described in the Program Outline
• Achieve a minimum of 70% on all program exams including final skill and knowledge exams
• Complete program contract
• $3500 plus gst Program Fee (includes books and classroom materials) 

Workshops (minimum total 44 hours) & Course Content: 
Monthly workshops will set the stage for group discussions pertaining to learning theory, training techniques and training challenges. Workshops will include live demonstrations, examples, and participation opportunities in various program topics including, but not limited to;

• Breed Development Stages
• Canine Body Language & Calming Signals
• Dog Evaluations and Assessments
• Dog Training Tools and Equipment Demonstrations
• The Power of Clicker Training & Brain Games
• Modifying Food Aggression & Resource Guarding Behaviours
• Canine Handling Sensitivities
• Dog to Dog Introductions
• Private Behaviour Consults
• Training a Species Other Than a Dog
• Canine First Aid
• Basic Grooming
• Low Stress Handling and Restraining Methods and Techniques
• Tellington Touch Techniques

Course Content Includes:

• Breeds, Development Stages & Canine History & Evolution
• Canine Body Language
• Learning Theory
• Dog Training
• Dogs in the Shelter Environment & Dog Assessments
• Dog to Dog Interactions
• Common Behaviour Problems
• Complex Behaviour Problems
• Fear & Anxiety
• Private Training
• Reactivity & Aggression
• Canine Health & Nutrition
• Grooming & Canine First Aid

Mentor Meets
Students are paired with a CPDT-KA Professional dog Trainer as their personal mentor to practice, hone and test skills weekly! Click to Learn About Our Instructors.

Practical Experience (minimum total of 161 hours):

• Minimum 36 hours group class observation
• Minimum of 6 hours training with your own dog
• Minimum 6 hours observing Reactive Dog Classes
• Minimum 75 hours working with shelter dogs under the mentorship of a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (we provide a variety of breeds & behaviour issues)
• Minimum 4 hours participating in CAHS’s popular Canine Boot Camp handling and training a shelter dog
• Minimum 10 hours observation/assistance dog interactions and introductions
• Minimum 10 hours working in the CAHS Animal Behaviour Department; includes shelter dog assessments and evaluations and observing and assisting with more complex behaviour issues and rehabilitation programs
• Minimum 20 hours in specialized area of your choice;
  • CAHS Animal Hospital
  • CAHS Animal Behaviour Department; includes shelter dog assessments and evaluations and observing and assisting with more complex behaviour issues and rehabilitation programs
  • CAHS Animal Care Department (observing & caring for incoming dogs that are typically in a more stressful state)
  • CAHS Adoption Department (preparing & showing dogs for adoption purposes)
  • Combination of above Departments for those interested in learning more about starting or operating a rescue or shelter (includes 5 hours with the CAHS Co Founder & Executive Director geared at starting your own rescue group)

Program Fees and What’s Included: 

• $3500 + gst, includes all program books, dvd’s and materials valued at approximately $1000. Program fees are non – refundable.
• Payment plans are available as follows; 
• $3500 + gst at registration
• $1776 + gst at registration and at 6 months
• $897 + gst at registration and at 3, 6 & 9 months
• $ 300 + gst at registration and monthly for a total of 12 payments

• A credit card is required with payment plans to be kept on file

• Free  - access to the CAHS extensive library of books on Dog and Cat Training and Behaviour, Dog Body Language and Communication, Pet Health and Nutrition, Rally O, Agility, Starting a Daycare, Humane Education, working with Blind, Deaf or Amputee Dogs, and much more.

• Free - enrollment in one of the CAHS Obedience Classes with your own dog and 40% off all our classes with your own dog for the one year.
• Discount - of 10% at Norm's Nook - Saving Lives Pet Supplies while you are enrolled in the program.
• Click here to see if you may be eligible for our $1000 Program Scholarship.

Click Here to Complete Program Application. 

If you have any questions please contact Tracy Keith at executive.director@cochranehumane.ca