IMPORTANT CHANGE -- Starting September 2021, the Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship program will only be offered once a year instead of two. We are in the process of adding an ABA level 3 to the program (spring 2022); consequently, we needed more weeks in the year to offer a third level. 

The Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship (ABA) program is a unique opportunity for animal lovers to realize their dream of becoming a dog trainer or animal behaviour consultant. If you like working with dogs or other species of animals, this program is for you! 

The goal of the Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship program is to give future dog trainers and animal behaviour consultants the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to train and treat animals suffering from mild to severe behaviour problems. The program objectives designed by Gaby Dufresne-Cyr focus on physical and emotional language, Behaviourism, Social-cognition learning theory, training, behaviour modification protocols, and behaviour management.

This apprenticeship is a hands-on learning opportunity that puts students in direct contact with clients, dogs, and other animal species. The Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship program is open to trainers, health-care professionals, groomers, dog walkers, dog sitters, and animal lovers who want to deepen their knowledge. Scroll down and take a look at our summary course outline to discover the core content of the program. Each year, the program gets a makeover to adjust to the latest scientific discoveries. We also adapt and make changes based on your feedback. The Dogue Academy strives for excellence in its services and products. You can follow us on Facebook for updates.

Schedule
Thursday 18:00 - 21:00
Friday 18:00 - 21:00
Saturday 9:00 - 17:00

Program Details 
The Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship program is offered in two levels. Level 1 and 2 programs can be taken together or separately and are offered as part-time options.

Level 2 will focus on deepening your understanding of learning theory, perfecting your clicker training, shaping and behaviour modification skills, all the while focusing on developing effective training plans. Both levels are one hundred (100) hour-long programs, for a total of 200h. Below is a summary of the course content. Each group has unique supplemental content based on scientific discoveries, relevant topics from social media, and ethical discussions.

If you studied in another establishment and would like to deepen your skills at the Dogue Academy, you can skip level 1 and take level 2; however, you will need to take and pass the level 1 theoretical and practical exams with 80%. A 100$+tx fee is applicable for the exam. Should you pass both evaluations, the amount will be deducted from your tuition. Dogue Academy is a recognized school by Revenue Quebec and Employment and Social Development Canada which means you can deduct course fees on your income tax reports.

The Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship program is divided into three parts: theoretical, practical, and professional. Please note, we do not give prices over the phone or on the internet. We will discuss content, CEUs, price, and payments in person during our interview (see registration below). Registration is ongoing; therefore, we function on a first-come, first-served basis. The following schedules are updated each trimester to announce when the next classes begin. The ABA program is given twice a year at approximately the same time of year. 

Accommodation
Should you be travelling from outside the province or far enough that you would wish to stay in Montreal during classes, please visit Dogue's Accommodations page or mention your desire to stay in Montreal during your interview. Gaby will explain your options should you wish to stay in the city. Extra charges will apply.