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Assistance Dog Training

Earn your certification in Fundamentals of Assistance Dog Training (FADT), in partnership with paws4people®.

This comprehensive training program is designed for individuals who are passionate about working with Assistance Dogs and aspire to become Assistance Dog Trainers and Instructors. Students will be fully equipped to train, evaluate, and support both Assistance Dogs and their handlers in a variety of settings. Training an Assistance Dog involves a combination of specialized skills, behavior modification, and building a strong partnership between the dog and handler. The fundamentals of Assistance Dog training are rooted in positive reinforcement, consistency, and understanding the specific needs of the handler.

Program Details

Students will take the following courses in order. Courses are held at paws4people ®:

  1. Intro to Assistance Dogs (Open to the Public)
  2. Puppy Development (Pre-requisite: Intro to Assistance Dogs)
  3. Advanced Puppy Development (Selective Admissions)*
  4. Assistance Dog Task Training (Selective Admissions)
  5. Assistance Dog Client Training (Selective Admissions)

*In semester 3, students will begin at-home hours with paws4people® puppies-in-training. To ensure animal safety and well-being, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Earn a satisfactory grade for Semester 2
  • Have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and valid auto insurance
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screening
  • Pass the paws4people® Home Visit Checklist
  • If applicable, other canines in the home must pass the paws4people® Temperament Test
Click here for detailed program information and further requirements .

Job Outlook

BLS predicts a 15% job growth, much faster than average, a significant growth driven by increased pet ownership and demand for pet services. Demand for service dogs has increased in recent years as the range of covered disabilities expands. According to ONET, in North Carolina, Animal Trainer workers on average earn $40,860.

The 927-hour Fundamentals of Assistance Dog Training (FADT) program will aim to prepare students for a career as an Assistance Dog Trainer. Students will also be prepared for other animal training and handling careers, such as Kennel Technician, Animal Trainer (non-service), Vet Office staff, Boarding Attendants, Groomer staff, Pet Care specialist, or Assistance Dog Client service coordinator/training manager.

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