Becoming a Trainer with e-learning

Darkpaladin · 08-31-2010, 02:23 AM

Hello everyone,

I would like to share something with you and get some opinions.

About 6 months ago I enrolled in a e-learning trainers course (from a trainers training school in the USA) to become a somewhat certified dog trainer. The courses I selected are for Dog Psychology, Animal Behavior and Basic Dog Training (they had many more courses for training work dogs but I didn't wan that). The courses are for 6-8 months via the internet (with trainers help, with e-books to read, with videos, etc..) and then for a month I have to go to the school to do my practice and get my certification. Here in Greece this thing does not exist and most people find it stupid. There is no e-learning here and most schools here are really horrible and that was why I chose to learn from a school in the USA via e-learning (since because of my work I can't take more than a month off from work) because I really wanted to learn and become (if I could) a trainer.

I'm almost done with the entire e-learning and will need to visit the US soon for a month (or find a US certified trainer here in Greece) to practice with him/her at his/her school.

I'm a real good study, I studied everything the school gave me, I have taken many tests and passed with flying colors and have even expanded my horizons of learning by purchasing many other books to help me expand what I know, have talked with several trainers in the US and UK so I can become in the future a good trainer. So far I have been working with many dogs at shelters (dogs with fear problems, dogs with separation anxiety and dogs with several other training problems) and also have trained 5 dogs of some of my friends (all for free of course) and all have gone pretty well.

Do you think that someone can become a good trainer via an e-learning school or do you think it's something stupid? If there are any trainers here I would love to hear their opinions.

**Criosphynx** · 08-31-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Do you think that someone can become a good trainer via an e-learning school or do you think it's something stupid?

depends on the "school". Som' of them are reputable, som' are not.

To me, the proof is in the pudding, I don't think one needs to take a course to become skilled. But if you are starting from scratch, it can't hurt (except your wallet)

pawzaddict · 08-31-2010, 02:29 PM

I agree with the above. It depends on what you are learning and IMO dog training is one of those things where there is such a broad spectrum of methods it turns into the clients personal thoughts and methods they prefer. For example I am all for positive reinforcement with negative punishment used sparingly and do not accept corrections or alpha roles. But the next person may like the opposite (unfortunately

). Some folks here have studied trainers and read books and have a great grasp on training and some people prefer to have a certificate. Some places also require certificates/degrees in order to practice/work.
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Darkpaladin · 09-01-2010, 01:16 AM

Yeah, I understand where you are getting at, that is why I wanted to start with a school and not just go buy many books and videos and start like that. I thought it would be nice to have a certificate, for me that is something, it is not recognized here in Greece but I wanted it for me, that I did pass and that I can make it somehow if I try hard since it's something I love and I want to pursue as a second career. So far 5-6 trainings I have done have been completed really good and the people seem very happy with the results. I don't know what the future will hold for me but I just wanted some opinions from you all.

opokki · 09-02-2010, 11:42 PM

Sounds like you are on the right path and are motivated to become a good trainer and I think you will accomplish just that. Hands-on experience is very important but I think education is equally important whether it be thru an online program or thru learning from reading and watching videos on your own. It all comes together in the end when you have not only mastered the mechanical skills, but you also have a solid understanding of how and why it works. I did my own reading but also ended up taking an online course thru Animal Behavior College. I also assisted classes for nearly 3yrs which gave me a great deal of hands-on experience. Best of luck to you!

Mikey · 09-03-2010, 01:45 AM

The certificate is a start-obviously you'll want to work hard at training-work with the trainer in the US and then start working with dogs! Start with whatever your comfortable with-perhaps rescue a dog yourself and 'fix' him or her, then start with friends pets, and then start charging.
Although animal training is not a regulated field-I'd say I'd be hesitant to hire someone without a certificate. I think if it were to be my career the certificate is the start-and the experience -well that's what you'll work on your whole career-the more you experience and learn -the better you'll be

Darkpaladin · 09-03-2010, 01:46 AM

opokki, thank you very much for your kind words. I really hope I can become a good trainer in the future because from the day I got my little Zeva I found out how much I like training her and wanted to continue and help train many other dogs and that was why I went to all the trouble to get an education from an e-school, also get a hands on experience with a certified trainer and also get involved with a Shelter in order to train some strays and help them find a good home.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikey

The certificate is a start-obviously you'll want to work hard at training-work with the trainer in the US and then start working with dogs! Start with whatever your comfortable with-perhaps rescue a dog yourself and 'fix' him or her, then start with friends pets, and then start charging.
Although animal training is not a regulated field-I'd say I'd be hesitant to hire someone without a certificate. I think if it were to be my career the certificate is the start-and the experience -well that's what you'll work on your whole career-the more you experience and learn -the better you'll be

Yes, the e-learning is the beginning only, not the end. I have finished the "reading material" and been tested and passed and what now remains is spend a month with a certified US trainer at his school helping out. I have already fostered 3 dogs who all where very scared and seemed abused so I took them in, rehabilitated them, trained them and are now in really good homes which I supervise once a month to see that all is well, also I work at 2 shelters where I take dogs for walk, for some training, etc.., also have trained so far 5 of my friends dogs (1 Sih Chu, 1 Labrador, 1 German Shepard Mix, 1 Border Collie & 1 Pitbul Mix) and they are all very pleased with the work we've done and am still continuing to buy more books to study on my own, speaking to various trainers in the US and UK and moving on.

Mikey · 09-03-2010, 01:53 AM

Honestly I wouldn't discredit the school because it's e-learning. MOST schools offer e programs now, and alot of dog training schools are only distant learning. The fact that this one requires you to train with a trainer-I think shows it's legitimate.

Darkpaladin · 09-03-2010, 01:57 AM

Well, you should listen what people over here think about this. They think it is crap and that I wasted my money and that I will never become a trainer.

Not that I care what they say, since everything that has to do with dogs here is like we are living in the dark ages.

Mikey · 09-03-2010, 02:03 AM

I think that's greece for ya

I don't live there, but have been there and my dad's side is from greece. I don't think they are quite 'on board' for keeping dogs as pets for the most part...well you know what I'm talking about...-so training one as a career, well I can see that being looked down on.

Not your fault-just where you are isn't on the same page as you are