- Determine the form of organization that will allow you to meet your business objectives.
- Identify your niche market in dog training and/or other related businesses.
- Develop a marketing plan that includes a target audience and an analysis of your competition.
- Build a training program that includes group and private lessons, together with pricing.
- Create scripts as starting points for use in email and telephone campaigns.
- Build an effective website and use search engine optimization techniques to increase traffic.
- Establish a payment system for accepting payments from clients.
- Use Google, Facebook and other social media platforms to build a following and/or create ads to increase your brand’s exposure.
- Cultivate relationships with veterinarians and other professionals; build a professional referral network.
New course in Canine Aggression
This course will delve into a topic in dog training and consulting that most people have encountered either personally or professionally – aggression. Body language and learning theory will be reviewed, but with an emphasis on aggressive displays and counter conditioning. You will learn how to identify the different types of aggression and the legalities and liabilities that are involved in working such cases both as a consultant and for the owners.
Since working with aggressive dogs can pose a risk, safety precautions including how to prepare for the initial consult and how to break up a dog fight will be covered as well as management and how to effectively get optimum owner compliance. Numerous protocols and techniques will be discussed as well as when you may need to seek out more options or guidance from veterinarians and vet behaviorists.
New certificate in Advanced Equine Behavior
The Advanced Equine Behavior program provides an innovative, in-depth study of equine training and behavior. Students go far beyond training; you will learn how to incorporate principles of behavioral science to identify training goals and to develop and evaluate training programs.
The program tackles equine behavioral problems in a variety of settings; students are encouraged to share their personal training challenges as well. Additional coursework in equine business management will help you build a new equine business or take an existing one to the next level. For more information, see the full program description or download the brochure.
AZA Conference Discount
The Animal Behavior Institute is proud to announce our students are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the conference registration for the upcoming annual meeting of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) this September. Registrations can be submitted through their Annual Conference sign-up page found here: http://annual.aza.org/register.cfm.
Please contact our office at 866-755-0448 for more information.
New Certificate Program in Equine Behavior & Management
The Animal Behavior Institute is proud to announce our new program in Equine Behavior & Management.
This program is designed for horse trainers, owners and enthusiasts
that would like to develop a deeper understanding of equine behavior -
including training, cognition, emotions, health and nutrition. Our
comprehensive program will improve the management of the horses in your
care, enhancing their welfare and producing a stronger human-equine
bond.
Click here for a brochure describing the program.
New course in Carnivore Training & Behavior
This fall the Animal Behavior Institute will begin offering a new
behavioral course, ABI 291 Carnivore Training & Behavior. This class
will serve as an elective in both the Zoo & Aquarium Science
program and our new certificate program in Exotic Animal Training.
Carnivore Training & Behavior was developed in response to numerous
requests for a course that would specifically address the behavioral
needs of large carnivores, such as wild canids and big cats.
Carnivore Training & Behavior will introduce the
student to the training, management and behavior of carnivores in
captivity. The course will cover a wide range of training applications,
including husbandry, educational programming, and weight management.
Students will learn how to train new behaviors and to manage undesirable
behaviors such as inter and intra-specific aggression.
ABI Named to Victory Media’s 2017 Military Friendly® Schools
List
Animal Behavior Institute is proud to announce that it has earned the 2017 Military Friendly® School designation by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs SM , and Military Spouse. First published in 2009, Military Friendly® Schools is the most comprehensive, powerful resource for veterans today. Each year, the list of Military Friendly® Schools is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.
New - Avian Training Course!
Are
you interested in training birds, reading their body language and
managing their behavior? If your answer is yes, we have the perfect
class for you. This winter Professor Andrea Bogle will be offering a new course in Avian Training.
This course will introduce students to the training, management and
behavior of birds in captivity, with an emphasis on parrots and raptors.
The course will cover a wide range of training applications, including
husbandry, flight training, vocalizations, and educational programming.
Students will learn how to train new behaviors and to manage undesirable
behaviors such as aggression, plucking and screaming.
Professor Bogle began her animal training career over 12 years ago.
Since then she has worked with a wide variety of species at zoos around
the world. Her experience has included training animals for television
and movie production, research training, training animals for use in
animal assisted therapy, and work with private clients to resolve
behavioral problems. She is currently a senior trainer at the Texas
State Aquarium.
IWRC Provides Credit for ABI Courses
The Animal Behavior Institute is pleased to announce that we have been approved to provide continuing education units (CEU) for the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC). Wildlife rehabilitators certified by the IWRC may receive CEU credits for any of the courses listed in our Wildlife Rehabilitation program.
LearnZIMS Teaching Partner
The Animal Behavior Institute is proud to announce that we have recently become a ZIMS Teaching Partner. ZIMS is the state of the art system employed by zoos all over the world. We incorporate the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) into our courses to ensure that our students learn the world standard in animal records management. The Animal Behavior Institute is one of just twelve institutions globally to enjoy this exclusive teaching partnership. You’ll be graduating from ABI with a unique skill set that will set you apart from your competition.
Tuition Increase
The Animal Behavior Institute has strived to maintain affordable tuition since we opened in 2004; tuition has not changed in over ten years. However, due to rising costs, we will be increasing our tuition from $1,110 to $1,185 per course effective February 1, 2016. Courses may be purchased at the current tuition rate anytime prior to February 1, 2016, to be used in subsequent semesters.
Kennel Pro Discounted Insurance
ABI students and alumni are now
eligible for a discounted rate at Kennel Pro, an insurance company for
dog and cat trainers. To get this rate, go to Kennel Pro's website,
click on Request a Quote Online, and check off the box “Are you a
student or alumnus of the Animal Behavior Institute, Inc?” Once your
status is verified, you will receive the discounted quote.
Loop Abroad Benefits for ABI Students
Students can now receive a 10% discount when applying for a program at Loop Abroad! Additionally, Loop Abroad in the process of hiring for summer 2015 and is considering ABI students for team leader positions in their veterinary service programs.
ABI classes can be used at IAABC
Select ABI Classes are now eligible to be used as Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Certified and Associate members of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Visit the IAABC to learn more.
New Benefits for Zoo & Aquarium Science Students
The Animal Behavior Institute is proud to announce that two new benefits are available to students in the Zoo & Aquarium Science program. Current students are eligible for Student Memberships in the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Membership provides many valuable benefits, such as an annual subscription to their publication, the Animal Keepers Forum, access to the Members Only portions of their website, and discounted rates on conferences, publications, and other products.
Students can also receive a 15% discount on the conference registration for the upcoming annual meeting of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums this September. Contact our office for more information on these exciting new benefits.
Advanced Canine Training and Advanced Feline Training
New Courses, New Programs, New Opportunities
The Animal Behavior Institute is excited to announce the launch of two new certificate programs, Advanced Canine Training and Advanced Feline Training. These new programs include an advanced course in training and build upon the material covered in prior courses.
The cornerstones of each new program are courses in Advanced Canine Training and Advanced Feline Training. These courses build upon the students’ fundamental skills, going far beyond basic training. You will learn how to incorporate the principles of behavioral science to identify training goals, develop treatment programs, and evaluate your progress.
Students that have completed the specialized certificates in Canine Training & Behavior or Feline Training & Behavior will need only two additional courses to complete the advanced certificate of their choice. This includes the Advanced Canine or Feline Training class and a behavioral elective of their choice.
Students that have completed their certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy or Animal Training & Enrichment may also be able to complete these additional certificates in as little as 2-3 courses. Contact your academic advisor or Laura Hoyt at (866) 755-0448, ext. 5 or hoytl@animaledu.com for more information.
ABI 238 Training Your Therapy Dog
This new course that emphasizes the specific training skills you'll need to train your dog to work in Animal Assisted Therapy and Activities. Learn from a veteran trainer how to best prepare you and your dog for this wonderful line of work. You'll learn everything from selecting dogs to preparing for national certification exams. Don't miss this exciting addition to our AAT and canine training programs.
ABI becomes a Learning Partner of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
The Animal Behavior Institute and the AZA share a common mission to provide professional, high quality training. Our new status as an official Learning Partner will allow students to use a number of ABI courses as electives in AZA Professional Development Certificate Programs. For more information, visit our ABI-AZA Learning Partners site or the AZA Professional Development Certificates site.
New Specialized Certificates
Beginning in the Fall of 2014 the Animal Behavior Institute will be offering two new specialized certificates in canine and feline training and behavior.
Canine Training & Behavior
Would you like to start a rewarding new career in dog training? Do you want an education in this field that goes beyond simple obedience training? If so, a specialized certificate in Canine Training & Behavior is for you! The specialized certificate program in Canine Training & Behavior requires the completion of three online courses (9 academic credits) and an extended 100 hour field requirement. The required courses for this specialized certificate are:
- ABI 234 Canine Training
- ABI 271 Canine Behavior and Enrichment
- ABI 312 Canine Health and Nutrition
Upon graduation, students will earn their certificate and may begin using the designation CCTBS, Certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist.
Feline Training & Behavior
Do you dream of becoming the next "Cat Whisperer?" Our specialized certificate in Feline Training and Behavior will help you develop a new career in feline behavior. This comprehensive program goes beyond simple problem solving; you will learn advanced training techniques that allow you to handle nearly any behavioral issue.
The specialized certificate in Feline Training and Behavior requires the completion of three online courses (9 academic credits) and an extended 100 hour field requirement. The required courses for this specialized certificate are:
- ABI 235 Feline Training
- ABI 272 Feline Behavior and Enrichment
- ABI 313 Feline Health and Nutrition
Upon graduation, students will earn their certificate and may begin using the designation CFTBS, Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist.
These new specialized certificates offer a shorter curriculum, consisting of three courses each. They provide more specialized programs, focusing on a single companion animal. Our traditional certificate programs, on the other hand, require five courses and adopt a more comprehensive approach to each discipline.
ABI accredited as an Authorized Provider for IACET
We are proud to announce that the Animal Behavior Institute has been re-approved by the International Association for Continuing Education & Training (IACET) as an Authorized Provider of Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Our continued partnership with IACET demonstrates our commitment to lifelong learning and high standards for all of our programs. We are very pleased to maintain our relationship with such a prestigious organization, as well as an elite group of organizations that offer excellent continuing education and training programs.
In order to achieve Authorized Provider status, ABI completed a rigorous review process addressing the design, development, administration, and evaluation of its programs. Students trust the IACET CEU because they know that the Authorized Provider's processes must follow the ANSI/IACET 1-2007 Standard for Continuing Education and Training and have been thoroughly assessed by a third party.
The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) is a non-profit association dedicated to quality continuing education and training programs. IACET is the only standard-setting organization approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for continuing education and training. The ANSI/IACET 1-2007 Standard is the core of thousands of educational programs worldwide.
What's new on Facebook?
Have you been to our Facebook site recently? Our newly revamped site is a great resource for trainers and behaviorists of all stripes. Check out this great source of tips, jobs, and other resources.
