In-person & Virtual Intensives

These modules are named Intensives because they are intense! These powerful interactive learning experiences, led by Victoria and other VSA faculty, include classroom study, hands-on experience and activities, field trips, and more.

Optimized for your success using the latest in the science of adult learning , the variety of activities during the Intensives keep you engaged with your teachers and fellow classmates while you’re learning and practicing your training and teaching skills.

There’s nothing else like it.

Travel just once during the course:

• VIRTUAL Intensive #1: Meets for two days 3 months into the In-Person Track
  
• VIRTUAL Intensive #2: Meets for two days 5 months into the In-Person Track
• IN-PERSON INTENSIVE: Meets for six days 8 months into the In-Person Track
  

See a partial list of classesCanine Ethology
History of Dog Training
Canine Cognition
Learning Theory Overview
Building Trust and Positive Relationships with Dogs
The ‘Positively’ Philosophy
Self-Care & Burnout Prevention
Canine Emotion and Behavior
Canine Communication
Canine Body Language
Behavior Observation & Discussion
Positive Training Tools & Methods
Demonstrations & Hands-on Practice of Tools
Human Communication
Living with Dogs
Preventing and Addressing Canine Fear and Stress
Mock Group Classes
Interpersonal Skills – Working with the Client
Dog Trainer as Agent of Human Change
Dog Bite Prevention
Aggression
Working Dogs
Positive Training with Other Species
Teaching Group Classes
Teaching Private lessons
Veterinarian Relationships
Behavioral Medicine
Medical Handling Lab
When to Refer/Ethics
Dog Law
Business Marketing for Dog Trainers
And more…
taught during the intensives.

Field Units working with your Faculty Advisor and Mentor

When you register in the Dog Trainer Course you’ll be paired with a dedicated VSA Faculty Advisor – a professional trainer who will be your guide and touchstone via weekly online meetings throughout the course. During the last 4 months of the course you’ll also be provided with a local professional mentor to shadow and learn from during your two Field Units.

 FIELD STUDY: 60 days

• Conduct multiple dog training skills assessments live or via recorded video with your Faculty Advisor via videoconference.
• Turn your focus to learning how to teach canine life skills and solve common behavior problems.
• Learn about canine behavior and how to interpret canine body language while putting what you’ve studied online and during intensives into real-world practice.
• Participate in additional Cyber Classes, class meetups, and connection-oriented industry events.

FIELD TRAINING: 60 days

• Continue your learning by shadowing professional mentors virtually through their real-world interactions with clients in both group training classes and in-home private sessions.
• Deepen your understanding of canine behavior, body language and advanced training methods.
• Sharpen your problem solving skills via training assessments with your Faculty Advisor
• Practice business skills you’ll need when you launch your own dog training business.
• You experience all this through the eyes of a qualified and experienced Faculty Advisor, who is there to explain what you’re seeing and doing.

Cyber Classes

Approximately every two weeks you will meet up with your fellow classmates online for live Cyber Classes led by a variety of VSA faculty, including Victoria. These interactive lessons provide a powerful opportunity to engage with your classmates and conduct live Q&A with VSA faculty in real-time while you deepen your understanding of course topics and concepts. Featuring pre-work assignments designed to complement your online and real-world learning, active engagement in VSA Cyber Classes is a key to your overall success as a VSA student.

See a partial list of Cyber ClassesPositively Philosophy Introduction
Puppy Master Class
Reinforcement Master Class
Case Studies from It’s Me or the Dog
Working With Clients Master Class
Teaching Private Lessons
Teaching Group Classes
Arousal, Difficult Cases & Referring
Market Research Lab
Q&A With VSA Faculty taught during the Dog Trainer Course In-Person Track.

Enhanced Assessments

In addition to the comprehensive quizzes, tests, and exams throughout the Dog Trainer Course, In-Person Track students have the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge via enhanced learning checks. These written tests are hand-graded by VSA faculty with customized learning solutions provided for each student’s submissions.