Course Overview
As mental health awareness grows, so does the demand for professionally trained dogs that provide more than just companionship. At Fetch and More, our Emotional Support Trainer Course is a rigorous, vocational program designed to turn passionate handlers into certified experts. We specialize in the science of “Canine Proxemics”—the study of how a dog’s physical presence and specific task-work can mitigate the symptoms of PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression.
Led by John Bellocchio, a behavioral scientist with 20+ years of experience, this course provides you with the credentials and clinical knowledge to lead the next generation of psychiatric service dog teams.
Experience The Benefits
A Comprehensive Curriculum Rooted in Science
Becoming a professional trainer in this field requires a deep understanding of both human psychology and canine behavior. Our evidence-based curriculum includes:
- Task-Specific Training: Master the mechanics of training “Grounding” techniques, “Deep Pressure Therapy” (DPT), and “Boundary Blocking” to assist clients in public spaces.
- Behavioral Modification: Learn advanced techniques for training fearful, nervous, or rescue dogs to become stable, reliable support partners.
- Canine Ethics & Welfare: Understanding the “3-3-3 Rule” for adopted dogs and ensuring the animal’s mental well-being is prioritized alongside the handler’s needs.
- The Science of Connection: Explore how to build the “Unbreakable Bond” that allows a dog to instinctively recognize and respond to human cortisol spikes and emotional triggers.
The Virtual Concierge Learning Experience
Unlike static online courses, Fetch and More offers a high-touch, interactive educational model. We bring the classroom to your home, wherever you are on the Eastern Seaboard or beyond.
Direct Access to Instructors: Use our secure portal to message John Bellocchio and our staff for personalized feedback on your training progress.
Weekly Live Zoom Coaching: Every student participates in weekly video sessions to troubleshoot complex behaviors and demonstrate mastery of training tasks.
Lifetime Guarantee & Support: We provide a lifetime of support for our certified trainers, ensuring you have a mentor as you grow your professional practice.
As our society advances in both technology and accessibility, the tools and skills related to effective remote and online training have made tremendous strides. Through the utilization of online course structure and remote communication systems, the team at Fetch and More has successfully navigated the challenges initially posed for providing the highest quality and professionalism for successful dog training. Our online course approach allows you to experience all of the incredible benefits of our staff and knowledge to train your dog in ways you never deemed possible.
