And All For One
California Service Dog Academy is proud to present a brand new program available to Veterans in the Central Valley.
CSDA's Veteran Apprentice Program is open to all Veterans with a passion for dogs and the desire to learn more about them. This program offers the unique opportunity to shadow experienced trainers and get a look at what it really takes to train service dogs. If you are a Veteran and looking for a way to help others, email us about joining the program today!
The program includes observation of certified dog trainers, participation in classes and training sessions, completion of hands-on assessments, and out-of-class research requirements. It is designed to provide participants with a well-rounded foundation of skills and knowledge in positive reinforcement training.
Graduates from CSDA’s full Veteran Apprentice Program will be able to:
Requirements
In order to participate in CSDA’s Veteran Apprentice Program, you must meet the following requirements:
Interested in Applying?
CSDA's Veteran Apprentice Program is open to all Veterans with a passion for dogs and the desire to learn more about them. This program offers the unique opportunity to shadow experienced trainers and get a look at what it really takes to train service dogs. If you are a Veteran and looking for a way to help others, email us about joining the program today!
The program includes observation of certified dog trainers, participation in classes and training sessions, completion of hands-on assessments, and out-of-class research requirements. It is designed to provide participants with a well-rounded foundation of skills and knowledge in positive reinforcement training.
Graduates from CSDA’s full Veteran Apprentice Program will be able to:
- Use positive reinforcement training in a variety of situations
- Employ advanced training techniques
- Have knowledge of different training techniques and styles
- Have knowledge of training equipment and how to use it properly
- Have a thorough understanding of canine body language and communication
- Be confident handling a variety of dogs in different situations
- Be more knowledgeable about their own dogs
- Be able to recognize certain behavior issues in dogs
- Understand the tools and techniques required to evaluate and train service dogs
- Have hands-on experience in line with that required to take the test to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Note: a minimum of 300 hours of experience over 3 years is required to take the CPDT examination.
- DISCLAIMER: Successfully attending and completing CSDA’s Veteran Apprentice Program does not signify that this person is a service/assistance dog trainer or qualified to train and/or place service/assistance dogs. Assistance Dogs International has specific standards that an individual must meet in order to be a certified assistance dog trainer – and taking part in this class does not meet these requirements.
Requirements
In order to participate in CSDA’s Veteran Apprentice Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Veteran
- Provide a copy of your DD-214
- Have an interest in working with dogs
- Be able to comply with CSDA’s positive reinforcement training policy
Interested in Applying?
