Course Overview
The most critical work of a professional dog trainer often happens behind closed doors. At Fetch and More, our House Trainer Certification is a high-level vocational course designed for those who want to master the complexities of domestic behavior. This isn’t just about “basic manners”—it is a deep dive into the biology, psychology, and environmental factors that dictate how a dog interacts with its human household.
Led by John Bellocchio, M. Phil., Ed. S., this program provides 100 hours of direct instructor interaction, ensuring you graduate with the competency to solve even the most challenging behavioral cases.
Experience The Benefits
A Rigorous, Competency-Based Curriculum
Our House Trainer program is divided into seven intensive chapters, utilizing evidence-based research and modern behavioral science. Unlike standard “obedience” classes, we focus on the “Why” behind the behavior.
- Chapter I: The Professional Standard. An introduction to the ethics and mechanics of professional dog training and client management.
- Chapters II-IV: Specialized Psychology. Advanced techniques for identifying and rehabilitating fearful, nervous, and anxious dogs.
- Chapter V: Aggression Management. Learning the triggers and safety protocols for working with aggressive behaviors in a home setting.
- Chapter VI: The Shelter Dog Transition. Special protocols for adopted and rescue dogs, focusing on environmental stabilization.
- Chapter VII: Client Advocacy. Strategies for managing human expectations, teaching the “Unbreakable Bond,” and building a sustainable training business.
Vocational Training Built for the Modern World
We utilize a Virtual Concierge model that bridges the gap between digital convenience and hands-on mastery. We bring the academy to you, wherever you are.
- 100 Hours of FaceTime Interaction: You are never learning in a vacuum. You will work directly with a certified instructor to refine your handling skills.
- Required Reading & Academic Rigor: Students utilize core texts, including “How to Train a Puppy You Can Live With” and “Fetching the Perfect Dog Trainer,” to build a theoretical foundation.
- The Capstone Project: To graduate, every student must complete a mutually developed capstone project that demonstrates their ability to transform a dog’s behavior in a real-world scenario.
- Direct Messaging & Portal Access: Our students have 24/7 access to our learning portal and a direct line to instructors for rapid feedback.
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.
