We recognize the importance of your career decision and hope the following will
assist you with your evaluation of National K-9's programs and their potential benefits
The following are answers to questions most commonly asked by prospective students
trying to determine whether to pursue a career in dog training. If your questions
are not answered here, please call us toll free at 1-888-927-1991, locally at 614-864-0213
or email us at info@nk9.com. We look forward to
the opportunity to further assist you.
• Is National K-9 a recognized school?
• What exactly is a professional dog trainer?
• Is dog training a respected profession?
• Can I make a good living at this profession?
• Why is the demand for dog trainers growing?
• Is dog training for everyone?
• Are there jobs within the field of dog training available and
how will I find out about them?
• What methods are taught at the school?
• What experience must I have before starting school?
• Are there any age requirements?
• How does the grading system work?
• Is student counseling available?
• Can I learn enough in six weeks to become a professional dog
trainer?
• How can I start my own training business?
• Will I have the knowledge to solve a dog's bad habits?
• Will I be taught customer relations?
• Will I have the knowledge to start my own business?
• Can I bring a dog with me?
• What if I do not have a dog that meets the requirements of the
course? Do I need to go out and get one?
• Does National K-9 have any financial aid programs?
• Can I take the 3-week Obedience Course and complete the final
3 weeks to receive the Master Course Certification at a later date?
• What standards does a prospective student have to meet?
• Do you offer a correspondence course?
• Do you have any other locations?
• Do you offer night classes?
• When does instruction take place?
• What is the size of the average class?
• What is the average age of students that attend National K-9?
• How far is National K9 from the airport?
• Does tuition include housing in National K-9's on-site residency
hall?
• Can I visit National K-9 before making my decision to attend?
• Do students have access to the Internet?
Yes, National K-9 is approved by The Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools
(reg. # 82-02-0753T) and as such, must comply with all the rules and regulations
established by the State of Ohio.
The State of Ohio recognizes both the Professional Obedience/Behavior (3-weeks)
and the Master Trainer(6-weeks) Courses, thereby granting National K-9 the
authority to issue certificates to graduates. These certificates allow our graduates
to use the title of Certified Professional Trainer (CPT). These certificates are
accepted throughout the United States and around the world.
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A professional dog trainer is an individual who:
- Understands the major personalities of the dog
- Knows how to evaluate, read, and understand dog behavior
- Applies appropriate humane techniques to reliably train various breeds or mixed
breeds of dogs
- Educates dog owners in proper dog handling and communication skills
- Assists dog owners with behavior modification and the solving of a dog's and owner’s
bad habits
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To some, dog training is considered more of a hobby than a career. However, the
growth of the overall dog population has created a demand for better-behaved dogs.
This has led to an increased need for qualified professional dog trainers. The need
for individuals that possess the knowledge and skills to humanely and successfully
train a dog so that it becomes a more enjoyable pet are in high demand. Respect,
however, is something that one must earn. At National K-9 students are taught a
professional code of ethics and advised to conduct their business dealings with
honesty and integrity.
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If you are sincere, eager to learn, and enjoy working with people as well as dogs,
a good living can be made. Like most any profession, success is based on the individual.
The National K-9 School for Dog Trainers will give you the education and the assistance
required to successfully pursue a career in dog training.
Graduates of our courses pursue a wide variety of interests within the fields of
dog training, behavior, handling, and care. The success of each individual is dependent
on the individual’s desire, skill, and motivation. While no school can guarantee
a graduate success or a particular salary, we find that with dedication and hard
work you can make an above average income. Like any other profession, personal drive
will establish your income level.
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Recent statistics show a continuous worldwide growth in the dog population. America
leads the list with an estimated 60,000,000 pet dogs at present and continual evidence
that the number will continue to increase. More than 50% of American families own
one or more dogs. These are just a few reasons qualified dog trainers are in demand.
Here are some of the other reasons:
- While everyone wants one of "man's best friends", few owners have the time, patience
or knowledge to train their own pet.
- When dog owners become frustrated with their dog's bad habits, they frequently call
their veterinarians for advice. Veterinarians often don't know whom they can recommend
nor have the time to adequately help each client.
- While breed clubs serve a good purpose in promoting breeds and maintaining the breed
standards, their training sessions are generalized and classes often have 10-30
dogs at one time. Since very little individual attention is possible, the dog often
remains untrained and the owner is left feeling frustrated.
- While there are some novice trainers who train a few dogs as a hobby, the average
dog owner needs much more help than today's novice trainer is capable of giving.
- Because a family’s security is a concern in some parts of the United States and
the world, many families choose large breeds of dogs for their protective instincts.
These dogs need to be properly trained by a professional so they do not become a
liability.
- Improper breeding and lack of training cause many behavioral problems in dogs. Since
there are no laws in America governing the genetics of breeding, individuals are
free to breed anything they care to and due to this, many undesirable traits surface
in the breeds. These undesirable traits may lead to behavior problems and these
must be understood and modified by the professional dog trainer.
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It definitely takes more than just a love of dogs to become a dog trainer. The professional
dog trainer must be able to communicate with the dog owner in order to teach proper
owner handling and problem solving. In order to train dogs of all sizes and personalities,
men and women must also be in good general health.
The National K-9 School for Dog Trainers prepares students to handle and educate
dog owners through classroom instruction and proper customer relation skills. In
short, if you enjoy dogs, feel you can communicate with the owners, and are in good
general health, then a career in dog training could be for you.
Yes, there are jobs available for qualified and dedicated individuals. Although most of our graduates do decide to go into business for themselves, National K-9 does provide a listing of jobs available to our graduates. These job listings come to us from businesses around the United States and the world. Interested students will receive counseling to help them in establishing their goals and pursuing their career interests.
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National K-9 is a school that is dedicated to advancing the field and profession of dog training. We encourage each student to approach dog training as you would any other educational endeavor. If you start by having preconceived notions about dog training, there is a possibility that you will not be able to broaden your knowledge base.
At National K-9 we do not encourage a single "method" or training "tool". Our function is to educate individuals on the theory and proper use of as many training tools or methods as we possibly can. Training tools in and of themselves are not good or bad. It is how they are used that makes them effective in training or harmful to dogs. We have graduates that practice their trade using a multitude of different tools and methods. These graduates in turn have successful business practices and very satisfied clients.
We try to instill in all our graduates the ability to evaluate each individual situation and then choose the appropriate or best-suited approach for that particular situation. Each dog is an individual and must be approached in that way. We should let the dog show the trainer how to train based on the dog’s personality, social development, past and present behavior, aptitude for learning, and the dog owner’s goals for that particular dog. In most situations, there is often more than one possible approach or method to training an individual dog. We should not try to make the dog fit into a singular "method" of training.
Our ultimate priority is the education and care of interested students, dog owners, and their dogs. There are thousands of dog owners now enjoying their dogs due to our various methods of instruction. Students are also taught business ethics, practical business theory, customer relations and basic advertising skills in relation to professional training.
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No experience is necessary, but our students must care for animals and have a genuine interest in improving the relationship between people and dogs. National K-9 has had graduates complete our courses that had never previously owned or cared for a dog. National K-9 does not provide advanced standing for students that have previous related experience, credit, or have attended another course or school.
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At National K-9, a student must be at least 17 years of age and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. You are never too old to learn, but good health is necessary. We are proud to point out that our graduates range in age from 17 to 69 years old. If you have additional questions regarding the physical requirements of the course, please feel free to contact one of our instructors.
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Students are evaluated individually and informed of their progress by our instructors. Student strengths and weaknesses are discussed and the student receives suggestions for improvement of skills. Written tests are given at the end of the third and sixth weeks on all subject matter covered in the classroom and workshops. In order to graduate, a student must pass these written tests and also pass a series of hands on handling tests in each area of study in order to receive certification.
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National K-9 realizes that some students need additional help due to a variety of reasons. These students receive additional tutoring and counseling free of charge while in attendance and once a student graduates, he or she may call or email our instructors for advice on any problem that they may encounter. Our low pupil-teacher ratio allows close monitoring of student progress and students experiencing difficulty may ask for and receive additional assistance. Because of this, National K-9 enjoys a near-perfect graduation record.
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At National K-9, our program of instruction is extremely intensive. We also encourage students to spend additional hours studying, practicing and perfecting their techniques through independent study. All studies at National K-9 relate directly to professional dog training. Graduates of our school agree that they must work hard to cover all phases of training and are eager at the end of six weeks to go out and apply what they have learned.
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Many of our graduates who choose not to work for another dog training company or do not have the capital to open their own boarding or training center, begin by going into people's homes to work with the dog and the owner together. National K-9 will teach you how to go about starting your own business. Some of our graduate students prefer this low overhead, in home training to any other set-up, while many prefer to continue further and establish their own training studio or center.
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One of the main reasons professional, knowledgeable dog trainers are in such demand today, is because the average dog owner does not have the ability to remedy bad habits such as chewing, excessive barking, digging, running away, etc. This is usually the first time most dog owners seek professional help. At National K-9, your education would not be complete without this form of instruction. National K-9 reveals multiple remedies to solve and prevent bad habits in addition to practical application of obedience training and theory.
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We at National K-9 feel it takes much more than the ability to train dogs to be a great success. Since 1975 we have been developing techniques to better educate dog owners and prevent misunderstandings and friction between dog owner and dog trainer. Teaching such techniques as customer evaluation and customer instruction is an integral part of our curriculum.
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Yes, because dog training is such a specialized field, the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers teaches much more than sound fundamentals of dog training. We offer a basic business program, which stresses the skills necessary for public relations and the basic structure of a successful dog training business.
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Yes, we encourage each student to bring a dog to take through the course. The recommended age range is from 8 months to 3 years, but can be as young as 4 months, or as old as 4 years. We recommend a medium to large sized dog that has not had formal training. All students’ dogs are provided with grooming facilities and an individual kennel and food bin. Students at National K-9 have access to their dogs at all times. If you have any questions about whether your dog would be a good candidate, you can contact National K-9 for guidance.
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If you are unable to bring your own dog, we suggest that you consider asking a friend, relative, or neighbor about the possibility of using their dog during the course. We recommend a medium to large sized dog that has not had formal training.
If you are unable to find a dog for the course, National K-9 will provide one for you at no additional charge. Dogs that we provide have been evaluated by our trainers and are often dogs in need of training from local families in the Columbus area. This dog will be used for all your hands-on workshops and testing. The training and the care of the dog that we provide will be your responsibility for the entire three or six weeks you are at National K-9. Students that are provided with a dog are required to live in National K-9’s onsite Residence Hall for the entire three or six weeks. This ensures that the student is available to properly care for the dog. National K-9 will not provide a dog to a student that commutes on a daily basis.
As soon as you know that you will not be able to bring a dog with you, contact the National K-9 school administrator to make arrangements. In order for National K-9 to provide a dog you must notify National K-9 at least 45 days in advance of your scheduled course start date. If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our instructors.
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No, students must provide their own funding. Full tuition payment is due the first day of the course.
Although the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers does not provide financial aid, we will gladly accept most types of financial aid a prospective student is able to obtain. Check with your local library, they usually have information on financial aid such as grants or scholarships. You will need to contact financial aid agencies and sources to determine their requirements and restrictions. Please note that the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers chooses not to participate in the Federal Title IV Program. National K-9 also does not offer scholarships, payment plans, internships, exchange services, or give discounts to prospective students. The Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools regulates our school and the state requires that we have the same policy for each student that wishes to attend National K-9.
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Yes. Students can split up the Master Trainer Course into two separate 3-week courses if needed due to scheduling or financial reasons. For example, a student may take the 3-week Professional Obedience/Behavior Course and at a later date take the additional or final 3 weeks to complete the Master Trainer Course (for a total of 6 weeks). Contact our school administrator for more information regarding requirements and costs.
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To attend National K-9, a student must have a high school diploma or its equivalent,
and be physically capable of the rigorous demands. If you have questions regarding
the physical demands please contact one of our instructors.
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No. If you are serious about dog training as a career, we recommend hands-on instruction from experienced trainers that are qualified instructors. No internet/correspondence course, videotape/DVD, CD-ROM, or book can replace the immediate feedback an experienced instructor/trainer can provide.
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No. National K-9 is a one-of-a-kind school, which is located in Columbus, Ohio. We have had students attend from all 50 states and more than 40 different foreign countries.
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No. Our curriculum is extremely concentrated and we can provide full time instruction only (Monday through Saturday for three or six full weeks).
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National K-9’s classroom instruction and practical workshops take place Monday through Friday from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for three or six full weeks (depending on the course). Students usually have an hour for lunch along with two 10 to 15 minute breaks daily. Students are required to attend observations of our client lessons, new client evaluations, training follow–up lessons, and our puppy preschool program on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Students must also continue independent study in the evenings and on Sundays.
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We average 12 to 16 students per class so we can maintain quality instruction. The average student to instructor ratio is 1 instructor for every 3 to 4 students (depending on the overall class size).
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The average age is 27 to 33 years old. National K-9 has had students participate in our courses between the ages of 17 to 69.
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For those students that need to fly to Columbus, the trip from the Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) to National K-9 is only 5-10 minutes. National K-9 will provide pick-up and drop-off service for you and your dog (if needed). Contact our business office for more details.
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No. Tuition does not include the cost of housing or meals. Students may choose to live on-site in student housing, commute from somewhere in the Columbus area, or may opt to stay off site in a local hotel. You can contact our school administrator for a listing of area hotels that are dog friendly. Students are responsible for their own meals throughout their course. See the course scheduling information for more information on tuition and applicable housing fees. In addition to the housing fee, students staying the residence hall are required to submit a $10.00 key deposit. All students should also be prepared to bring at least $25.00 for additional training equipment.
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Yes, we encourage all prospective students to visit National K-9 for a tour and to have an opportunity to meet with one of our instructors. This is an excellent opportunity to see National K-9 for yourself and to have any of your questions answered. If you would like to set up a time to meet with an instructor and take a school tour, contact our school administrator at the phone number below to set up a time.
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Students that bring a computer with them will have access to a high-speed wireless Internet service (Wi-Fi) in the classroom and residence hall. National K-9 does not provide a computer or printer for usage by students.
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If you have any further questions, call:
Local Phone: 614-864-0213 or Toll Free Phone: 1-888-927-1991
Contact hours: Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST
E-mail us anytime at: info@nk9.com
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