FAQs

Yes, we invite 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 your questions answered. If you would like to set up a time to meet with an instructor and take a school tour, contact our business office at 614-864-0213 or toll free at 1-888-927-1991 to set up a tour by appointment.

National K-9 has had students from over 40 foreign countries. All students must be able to adequately comprehend and apply the English language. This includes the ability to speak clearly and confidently when working with people. Each student must also be capable of expressing the concepts covered throughout the course in various essay exams to receive certification. International students may be subject to a phone interview to confirm their English comprehension level.

National K-9 cannot assist in obtaining a Visa to enter the United States. National K-9 is not a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school and cannot issue a Form I-20 for initial attendance. Only a SEVP-certified school can issue a Form I-20 to obtain a Student Visa. International students who have attended National K-9 in the past have received a Visitor’s Visa. This is because our courses are less than 90 days (three or six weeks).

International students are responsible for providing a dog that is capable of participating in the training covered in the course. See the course catalog for more information about the schools’ recommendations for a dog to participate. National K-9 does not provide a dog for students to use during the course.

If you are an international student, do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions by email at info@nk9.com or phone: 1-614-864-0213.

At National K-9, a student must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. We are proud to point out that our graduates range in age from 18 to 79 years old.

You are never too old to learn, but an open mind and good health is necessary. If you have additional questions regarding the physical requirements of the course, please feel free to contact one of our instructors.

No experience is necessary. Students must not only care for animals but have a genuine interest in improving the relationship between people and dogs. National K-9 has had students that have no previous experience owning or caring for a dog. National K-9 has also had students that have had only personal experience with their own pets. Other students have had previous professional experience with dogs (veterinarians, trainers, groomers, kennel owners, breeders, and more). National K-9 does not provide advanced standing for students that have previous related experience, credit, or have attended another course or school.

To attend National K-9, an applicant must be in good physical health and be physically capable of the rigorous demands. National K-9 reserves the right to require a doctor’s written permission prior to attendance or to decline an application for health reasons. National K-9 may require testing of an applicant’s physical abilities. If you have questions regarding the physical requirements of National K-9’s courses, please contact one of our instructors.

Applicants should also have a working knowledge of the English language (verbal and written). This includes the ability to speak clearly and confidently when working with people. Each student must also be capable of expressing the concepts covered throughout the course orally and in various written tests to receive certification. 

Individuals seeking enrollment are required to submit a “National K-9 School for Dog Trainers Application for Admittance” completed in its entirety and $75.00 application fee (in United States dollars). Applicants must also provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) to be accepted into a course.