INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

The ThinkingPets instructor training program is suitable for anyone wishing to become either a puppy or an adult dog trainer. There are two theory workshops students need to attend, as well as a comprehensive practical training period. These training workshops are ideal for someone who has always dreamed of working with dogs and will provide you with all the information necessary to start your own puppy school, as well as all the relevant behavioural information you will require. The Puppy Instructor's workshop is held in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.


Lecture Topics:

- Introduction to Learning Theory
- Thorndike's law of effect
- The four quadrants of learning
- Operant and Classical Conditioning
- To punish or not to punish
- Domestication of the dog
- Behavioural aspects to puppy development
- Motor Patterns
- Hazard Avoidance Behaviours
- One Trial Learning
- Displacement behaviours/calming signals
- Difference between Socialization and habituation
- Socialization vs. bullying
- Problem solving
- Frustration tolerance
- Time Alone
- Toys
- Handling and grooming
- Household Hazards
- How to Structure a Puppy class
- Equipment and Venue Requirements
- Puppy Class Course Content
- Clicker Training

Students must obtain 60% or more in order to pass the exam and obtain the certificate.

Students who pass the exam with 85% or more may apply to join ThinkingPets, at which time they will be required to attend a second weekend workshop and further extensive training to qualify as one of our prestigious ThinkingPets Instructors. Further information about the ThinkingPets Puppy Instructor's System will be made available upon successful application to join ThinkingPets.