Please note that throughout the different courses that comprise the DTC program - the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master levels - you will hear us talk about teaching 'tricks' and 'training games'. When we use the terms, we simply mean training 'skills'. So why would we refer to skills in this way?

• Calling a skill a trick or a game helps us put the fun into training! However, that does not mean the behaviors are not important!
• Referring to skills as tricks or games can help ensure the correct mindset. Training should be playful. Training should always be fun. 
• We think you will agree that the words trick and game sound more fun than the words skill or behavior, but that does not mean that skills taught in the Dog Trainer Program are in any way frivolous.
• All the skills are included to progressively improve both human and canine students' training skills and knowledge!
• Many of the behaviors you will learn are ones that are essential for 'Fostering Collaborative Care'. Some are ones that you might teach a service dog. Others provide physical and mental enrichment.
• The DTC program also includes the key skills needed in a Pet Dog Manners Class - The skills that facilitate a happy home for both pet and guardian! These skills are often called 'obedience' skills; however, we hope that you agree that 'manners', 'tricks', and 'games' are all better terms to use with our human clients.
• We do also include some behaviors that may seem like they are 'just for fun'. You may not ever teach many of your clients and their dogs some of the more advanced skills/tricks/games; however, teaching your own dog will improve your knowledge and your skills, and the methods that you learn will be ones that you can apply to teach lots of other skills in the future. We can't possibly include every skill in your program but we do want you to be prepared so that you can apply what you have learned and generalize your knowledge!