Welcome and Philosophy

No experience is necessary for this course. We only ask that you have a love of animals. We cover the simple basics of dogs and dog training in order to build a strong foundation upon which to build your new skills.

Smartk9 Academy has trained over 17,000+ dogs since 1976. Our training methods are based on the dog’s need for love and affection. A dog needs and even craves affection and approval from its owner. He wants to please you by responding to your commands. With training, he learns how . It is up to the owner and trainer to mold the dog’s behavior. Since every dog is as individual as every human being, we teach several different methods for all behavior problems and basic obedience. Voice tone and body language are two very important tools for dog training. A dog does not act out of spite or a desire to revenge. A dog can not understand the English language. They do not reason like a human being. Therefore, we use the proper tools to teach a dog what is expected of him/her.

Smartk9 Academy believes that the best place to teach a dog is at home where he can learn not to do the things that make life with the owner difficult. Things like climbing on the sofa, soiling the carpet, chewing shoes and upholstery, barking and disturbing the neighbors, are all unwanted behaviors. We believe that with training, these things can be dealt with properly. A Well-mannered dog who does what he is told is obviously more fun to live with than an untrained dog, and less likely to ever be given away. We also believe that a dog should be taught with love and affection, never hit., and that the owner should learn along with the dog.

At the end of the course you will receive a Certificate of Graduation to show your proficiency as a dog trainer. At this time, the State of Arizona does not require certification to train dogs. If you are going to work in another state, we suggest you check their requirements.

Attendance Requirements

Students are expected to finish the weekly assignments by the dates given at that time. If there is a situation that will keep you from these dates, please contact the Online Instructor.

Faculty

Nancy Herbert- Operations Manager/ online instructor 

Petra Griffis- Instructor 

Tuition Statement

Tuition for the Basic Obedience Course.............$1,899

(Pay plans are available, but a minimum of half down.)

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

You may cancel this contract for School without any penalty within 7 days of the start of the course. If you cancel, the amount used will be deducted from any refund. Any amount of money due to you will be returned to you within 6 weeks (six weeks) following the School’s receipt of your Cancellation Notice.

However, if the student has received supplies such as books, videos, etc., and cacels withing the 7-day period, the School may keep an amount equal to the cost of the supplies The School will still be required to refund any amount over that as provided above for the supplies, plus any unused portion of the tuition, and you may then keep the supplies.

2005 Schedule