The Seattle Dogworks Canine Studies Program

Since its creation, Seattle Dogworks has been dedicated to promoting the smart evolution of the canine training and behavior modification field by offering various assisting, volunteer, internship, and teaching opportunities.  

The final 2008 session is filling very fast. Although the application deadline is July 15th, you are encouraged to apply early to avoid the class filling before your application is received.

To continue the mission of elevating the professional standard to which people in the canine behavior field are held, Seattle Dogworks has designed a formal education program for both those interested in, or currently part of, the canine behavior landscape.   The goal of the program is to  facilitate the evolution of the dog training profession, to empower those in the field with the knowledge necessary to elevate the level of education and talent required to effectively, compassionately, and successfully improve the canine and human bond through better understanding.

______________________________________________________________

Curriculum Requirements Program Calendar Graduates
FAQs Application Testimonials Cost

______________________________________________________________

Leaders in the field say this about Cristine Dahl, CTC:

"Cristine is a wonderful ambassador for the application of educational and scientifically-based behavior research. She has become a highly-prized colleague of mine here in the Pacific Northwest, a fellow professional with whom I can consult on cases and to whom I can refer cases in need of a high-quality trainer. In addition to her strong professional background, Cristine is an excellent teacher, which is probably the most important characteristic of a successful dog trainer.  She has a true genius for conveying difficult, and sometimes technical, information n a way the average dog owner can understand and she conveys not only the immediate concept, but the underlying principle as well.   " ~Dr. James Ha, Research Associate Professor, University of Washington, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

"Seattle is a city of thinking, sophisticated people and so it's very fitting that Cristine Dahl has given it Seattle Dogworks. Cristine's methods are science-based, on the cutting edge and completely dog and people friendly." ~Jean Donaldson, Director, The Academy for Dog Trainers. Author of The Culture Clash,  Dogs are From Neptune, and more.

"Every great city in the country needs a place like Seattle Dogworks, where cutting edge, scientifically grounded training methods are presented in a way that supports the needs of people and dogs alike, enhancing the bonds between them". ~ Janis Bradley, Author, Dogs Bite But Balloons and Bedroom Slippers Are More Dangerous.

______________________________________________________________

return to top 

CURRICULUM:

Taught by Seattle Dogworks founder and owner, Cristine Dahl, CTC, this program focuses heavily on the science of canine behavior and animal learning theory.  Subject matter will include:

  • classical and operant conditioning
  • understanding and interpreting canine behavior
  • basic and advanced behavior components
  • counseling practices
  • ethics
  • handling
  • course design & public teaching
  • critical thinking
  • career counseling

return to top

______________________________________________________________

 

REQUIREMENTS:

  • participants must have at least 2 years of college level education in any discipline. exceptions may be made to this requirement if the applicant displays exceptional strengths
  • participants must be in attendance for all scheduled classes unless special arrangements are made. lecture classes are held twice a week according to the posted schedule. students are highly encouraged to attend learning opportunities presented during the program which held outside of these scheduled class times including on and off-site activities. some class components will be fulfilled through these activities.
  • participants are required to make full payment before the program begins in order to secure a spot
  • participants are required to read all suggested materials before the beginning of class. a list will be provided upon receipt of paid tuition
  • the program will admit no more than 10 people per session
  • a one-on-one entrance interview is conducted before admission is granted

Successful completion of the program will be determined by various measures including a written exam. A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the program if all requirements are met.  Please note that because of the rigor of the program, not every application will be accepted and not every interview will result in admission.  Because of the academic rigor of the final exam, approximately 80% of test takers pass on their first attempt.

click here to see a list of graduates

return to top 

______________________________________________________________

 PROGRAM CALENDAR:

Sessions will run only once or twice yearly. Each session will run twice a week for roughly two hours each day for eight weeks.  The program is academically rigorous, is fast-paced, and our expectations for excellence are significant.  Enrollees will be expected to not only attend scheduled classes, but also spend time outside of class studying, practicing handling and training techniques learned in class, observing classes, and otherwise committing  him or herself to completing the program successfully. 

Payment & Cancellation: Cost of the program is $3000 which may be paid via check, Visa, or MasterCard.  Full payment is required to confirm enrollment. If enrollment is cancelled before 30 days prior to the start of the program, a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee will be returned. If enrollment is cancelled within 30 days of the start date of the program, 50% will be refunded.  A $500  deposit, subject to the refundable terms above, may be made to hold your spot once admitted.  Once the class is filled, or 30 days before the start date of the program, whichever is sooner, the balance of tuition is due in full.

NEW: a special 10% discount is available for current animal welfare staff and volunteers (e.g. Seattle Animal Shelter, Humane Society, etc).

______________________________________________________________

Year Session Dates Class Days Class Time Notes Status
2008 A March 6 - April 30 Wednesday and Thursdays 6:30pm to 9:30pm -- CLOSED
2008 B August 7 - October 1 Wednesday and Thursdays 6:30pm to 9:30pm Now taking applications. APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2008. 7 spots left
additional sessions will be added if demand exceeds current schedule

______________________________________________________________

If you would like to be considered for this program in 2008 please submit the form below. If your application meets the minimum requirements for entrance, you will be invited to a one-on-one interview.

Please provide your contact information (*indicates required fields):

*Today's Date 
*First Name 
*Last Name
*E-mail

*Street Address

*City
*State
*Zip Code
Which session are you applying for?

Please tell us about yourself:

*What is your experience with dogs?:

Why are you interested in the Learning Program at Seattle Dogworks?

What do you hope to learn from this program?

Anything else you would like us to know?: 

 

 

        Please indicate that you have read the above payment & cancellation policy. Your form will not be accepted without this.

 

 

After submitting this form, please wait for a confirmation page. You will be contacted via email by  within a few days of submitting your form. 

Thank You!

 

Professional Member:

Fully Licensed and Insured
206.919.8105

trainer@seattledogs.com

Certified in Dog Training and
Behavior Counseling by the
THE SF/SPCA
Academy for Dog Trainers
|   classes    |   about us    |    Capitol Hill training studio    |    services    |     testimonials     |
|    resources    |    gallery     |     faq     |    contact    |    1 - step enroll     |    resources    | 

© 2003 - 2006 Seattle Dogworks, LLC ®. dba SeattleDogs, Seattle Dog Training, Dog Training of Seattle. All rights reserved.