About our instructors
Most trainers have a Certificate IV in Behavioural Dog Training – this certificate is the highest qualification available for dog trainers and is government recognised.
Our instructors participate in various dog activities and sports and have extensive practical experience. They are well-read and keep their knowledge & skills up-to-date via discussion groups, hands-on workshops, conferences and seminars.
Could you be a trainer / instructor at BDAG?
Are you interested in taking your training to the next level? Enjoy helping people and working with dogs?
If this sounds like you, you might be interested in undertaking our training program to become an instructor.
What’s involved?
THE INSTRUCTOR’S COURSE: Theory plus practical component
Time frame: 4 theory lessons and up to 6 practical training lessons given at the home of Helen Read at a time suitable to yourself and Helen. Written assessment of theory component. Assisting with classes till you feel confident to take on a class yourself.
In return for training you are required to give the Club at least one year of your time as an instructor. It is with this understanding that the course commences.
1) Theory content (4 lessons) plus written assessment:
- Basis of dog behaviour
- Dogs are NOT wolves
- How dogs Learn – predictable interactions
- Motivation – achieving some control over outcomes
- Effective communication + control and predictability = happy dog
- Drives inherited – learn about the genetic inheritance of dogs
- Profile – drives understand the individual dog
- Request-Response-Reward protocol
- What the public expect
- Attributes of a good instructor
- Role of the instructor
- Training should be fun for both dog and handler
- Tools for training – control the outcomes
- Fight drill
- First Aid
- Equipment and how to use and when
- Planning lessons
- Keeping interest of class
- Show-Tell-Do method of training
- Aggression and anxiety
- Stress in the dog and handler.
2) Practical component (up to 6 lessons)