5-WEEK COURSE WITH CERTIFICATION
Basic Obedience trainer course
At Elevation K9, we believe great trainers are built through a balance of knowledge, experience, and mentorship.
- lecture
- hands-on training
- real-world
Our Train the Trainer Program is designed to develop confident, capable obedience trainers through a combination of lecture, hands-on training, and real-world application. Over the course of five immersive weeks, participants will learn to train, handle, and communicate effectively with dogs and their owners—building the foundation for a successful career in canine training.
Week One: Learning Theory & Foundations
Topics Covered:
- Understanding canine cognition and learning theory
- Classical vs. Operant Conditioning
- Reinforcement vs. Punishment
- Marker training
- Drive theory and motivation
- Engagement techniques
- Puppy learning stages and fear periods
- Building confidence in young dogs
- Luring, shaping, and capturing behaviors
- Introduction to leash pressure and handling
- Running structured puppy play sessions
- Kennel operations: Sanitation, feeding schedules
Assessments & Practical Work:
- Demonstrate basic engagement exercises with a dog
- Demonstrate a Puppy Class
- Demonstrate proper handling and confidence-building exercises
Week Two: Basic Obedience & Equipment
Topics Covered:
- Canine body language and communication
- Mechanics of the prong
- Proper fit / placement
- Safe and effective lead handling
- Timing
- Introducing a dog to equipment
- Hands-on: Teaching basic commands
- Health & Welfare
Assessments & Practical Work:
- Demonstrate basic obedience w/ a prong collar
- Demonstrate proper lead handling and confidence-building exercises
- Health & Welfare test
Week Three: E-Collar & Advanced Obedience
Topics Covered:
- E-collar fundamentals: Proper introduction and conditioning
- Understanding stimulation levels and avoidance vs. guidance
- Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- Advanced Obedience Overview
- Off-leash reliability
- E-collar recall, sit/down at a distance, heel, place work
- Working through distractions
Assessments & Practical Work:
- Demonstrate proper e-collar introduction on a green dog
- Demonstrate an advanced obedience routine
Week Four: Elite Obedience & Kennel Management
Topics Covered:
- Precision obedience and Elite-level handling
- Distraction proofing & duration training
- Tactical obedience for working dogs
- Running board & train programs
- Managing multiple dogs in training
- Kennel operations: Sanitation, feeding schedules, and structure
- Stress management in a kennel environment
- Client communication and record-keeping
Assessments & Practical Work:
- Work a dog through commands on & off-leash with multiple distractions
- Develop a kennel management plan for a 10-dog facility<br
Week Five: Demonstration & Career Development
Topics Covered:
- Preparing a dog for a public demo
- Teaching clients handling and reinforcement techniques
- Troubleshooting common obedience issues
- Communicating effectively with different types of owners
- Conducting private lessons and group classes
- The business of training: Marketing, pricing, and client retention
- Hands-on: Conduct a client han
doff session
- Present a fully trained dog in an on and off-leash demo
Assessments & Practical Work:
- Perform a full demonstration with an obedience-trained dog
- Conduct a transfer session with a client
- Submit a written training plan for a case study dog
1. Elevation K9 Professional Trainer
Selected individuals may be offered a position as a full-time trainer with Elevation K9, working directly with clients and their dogs across our established service areas. This role provides continued mentorship, advanced training opportunities, and a chance to represent the Elevation K9 standard of excellence in the field.
2. Elevation K9 Affiliate Location Owner
Outstanding graduates may be invited to open and operate an Elevation K9 affiliate location in their own region. This opportunity includes ongoing support from our leadership team, access to branded materials, training systems, and marketing resources, and annual certification to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with Elevation K9 standards.
Please note: These opportunities are not guaranteed and are offered at the discretion of Elevation K9 leadership based on program performance, professionalism, and overall fit with our company values and mission.
Graduation & Certification
Upon successful completion of the Elevation K9 Skillbridge Program, qualified graduates may be invited to pursue one of the following professional opportunities within the Elevation K9 network:
Graduates who demonstrate exceptional skill and professionalism may be invited to join the Elevation K9 network as a trainer or affiliate location owner.