Apprenticeship Program

                                          Updated December 22, 2022                                                      

Apprentice Trainer/Behavior Counselor Program

Please contact CF Behavior Counseling at [email protected] or by phone at 303-378-5987 for our Apprentice Application!

Description of Program:

This program is designed to educate future dog trainers and behavior consultants in various aspects of training and behavior modification. A variety of training techniques and supportive methodologies will be utilized and explained. Upon completion, the student will be familiar with a wide range of techniques, supportive methodologies, and legal/ethical considerations.

Application Requirements

  • Completed written application including $25 fee (refunded only if application not accepted)
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Signed Medical release and copy of medical insurance information
  • Signed Conduct Agreement
  • Payment of $650 (includes $25 application fee)-payment plans are available 

 Program Requirements

Coursework (23 hours)

 (Correspondence/Self Study format unless otherwise noted)

  • Speaking Dog (Zoom) – 3 hours
  • Dog’s Perception of the World (Zoom)-2 hours
  • Dog Breeds-1 hour
  • Therapy and Service Dogs – 1 hour
  • LearningTherory-3 hours
  • Inter-Dog Relationships – 1 hour
  • Professional Ethics/business -1 hour
  • Aggressive Dog – 3 hours
  • Aggression evaluations-2 hours
  • Fear/Anxiety – 2 hours
  • Animal Restraint /Safety (in person class) – 2 hours
  • Introduction to Behavior Pharmacology -1 hour
  • Introduction to Alternative/Herbal Therapy-1 hour

Each Class will require completion of 2-4 written assignments.

A grade of 75% is required to complete the course.       

Note: Credit may be given for classes taken elsewhere at CF Behavior discretion.                                             

                                 Group Classes (15 hours)

  • Puppy Class -6 hours
  • Socialization-2 hours
  • Reactive Dog Class-3 hours
  • Therapy Dog -4 hours- Therapy Dog Academy (2 hours),
    • Therapy dog evaluation (1 hour) facility visit (1 hour)   

                                    Hands on (42 hours)

  • Working with clients/dogs
    • Anxiety
      • Separation/General
    • Fear
    • Dog integration/inter-relationships
    • Leash etiquette
    • Medical Issues affecting behavior
    • Pre-selection/Adoption Assessments
    • Office/Records
    • Course Development
    • Aggression-
      • Including 2 court evaluations beginning to end

Specifics will depend on client needs and scheduling

Total Hours=80

  • Grade of at least 80% on practical/staff evaluation.

If less than 70% on the practical/staff evaluation, student will be issued a failing grade and NOT be eligible to retake or re-enroll in the program.

  Upon successful completion you will receive:

  • Certificate of completion
  • Letter of recommendation/reference
  • Option of being added on Canine Behavior Counseling list of approved contractors.

For more information, please contact

CF Behavior Counseling
11652 East Ada Place
Aurora CO 80012
303-378-5987
[email protected]