Searching for an affordable school to learn dog training in Los Angeles? Animal Behavior College offers an on-campus dog obedience training program in Southern California. Enrolling in a dog training academy will prepare you for a job you’ll love, and as Confucius famously said, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” If you have a passion for dogs, ABC can put you on a path to a career where you can make a difference.
Whether you are fresh out of high school looking for a lifelong career, or looking for a career change midlife, becoming a dog trainer gives you the opportunity to make the world a better place for dogs and the people who love them. Is this your passion? If you answered a resounding, “yes!” why not turn your love for dogs into an obedience training career with Animal Behavior College!
Over the course of five months, students will learn dog training fundamentals at our Santa Clarita, CA campus. Centrally located approximately 35 miles from warm and sunny Los Angeles, students learn in a one-on-one, fully immersive in person classroom environment. As part of the program, students also get to work with dogs at a local animal shelter and apply their training skills in real life. Our students benefit from the hands-on experience but so do the dogs! By socializing with them and teaching them to respond to basic obedience cues, students help make the dogs more adoptable. In this way, ABC students have saved countless lives since 2004.
We are currently taking enrollments, call 800-795-3294 today or submit the contact form to request more information.
Shelter Partners
Animal Behavior College’s On-Campus Dog Obedience Training Program is proud to be in collaboration with local shelters and rescues as well as with Best Friends Lifesaving Center in Los Angeles, California. These working relationships with Best Friends Los Angeles and local shelters allows ABC to give our On-Campus Dog Obedience Training Program students the opportunity to volunteer their time during class and actively improve the lives of shelter dogs while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 347,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs all across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 3,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®.
By volunteering with their classmates at Best Friends and other local shelters and rescues, our students are able to practice what they learn in the classroom. Basic obedience training can help shelter dogs become more adoptable. Best Friends as well as with our other partnerships, our students work with some of the best in the animal rescue industry. Best Friends Animal Society is a champion for offering humane shelter options to dogs in need.
Affordable Dog Training School Near Me
The opportunity to master dog obedience training in person comes with many advantages, especially if you are someone who works better in a classroom setting. Watching professionals at work and asking questions in real time, learning from your fellow students, and having immediate feedback are just some of the perks of in person versus online learning.
Join our next class in Santa Clarita, CA by calling 800-795-3294 today or submitting our request information form.
Become a Certified Dog Trainer in 5 Months!
You can change your life forever in as little as 5 months! 
Our in person dog trainer course is perfect for the serious student looking to fast track their education by attending our fully immersive, in person, hands on class held in a traditional brick and mortar setting. Class is approximately 22 weeks long and consists of 11 education packed stages. Decades of dog training experience has been poured into our extremely comprehensive curriculum which includes LIMA (least invasive minimally aversive) compliant training techniques.
In a face-to-face instructor-to-student setting you will study everything from dog behavior and posturing to effective problem behavior solving. Knowing that many students are either looking to start their life long careers or even change their career direction mid-life, included in our curriculum are classes on public speaking and business building, designed to help you launch your dog trainer career upon graduation.
While many online dog trainer schools may take approximately a year to complete, because our in person dog trainer class is fully immersive and students get to interact personally with their instructor, other students, and physically work with dogs, you are fast tracked on your educational path. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you will graduate in just five months!
Graduates from our on-site dog trainer program will be certified as an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT) and this certification will never expire! Students also receive a Pet CPR and First Aid certificate that is good for 2 years.
Certified Dog Trainer Curriculum
In ABC’s Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program you will learn how to effectively and humanely train dogs and teach dog owners. Our curriculum was professionally developed by training industry professionals with decades of experience and focuses on science-based, positive reinforcement dog training methods. Our course includes LIMA (least invasive minimally aversive) compliant training techniques and emphasizes the need to understand the motivations behind a dog’s behavior problems. Students who complete our course will have a myriad of behavioral solutions at their disposal, as well as the tools necessary to be an effective communicator and teacher.Our on-campus dog training program curriculum includes:
- Stage 1 Basic Study of Canines: Learn the basics about canines, including breed characteristics, developmental stages, socialization, communication, health and nutrition.
- Stage 2 Learning Theory: Explains the scientific principles of dog training, such as operant and classical conditioning, and numerous other animal behavior training strategies.
- Stage 3 A Trainer’s Toolbox: Describes various dog training items and equipment. Instructs you on how to properly use these items.
- Stage 4 Training Fundamentals: Covers the evolution of dog training techniques. This stage also discusses therapy dogs, service dogs and emotional support animals.
- Stage 5 How to Teach Basic Obedience Cues: Provides step-by-step instructions for common dog obedience training cues.
- Stage 6 Learning the Art of Effective Problem Solving: Instructs you how to address common dog behavior problems.
- Stage 7 Safety: Teaches you how to keep your dog training classes safe and stress-free.
- Stage 8 Public Speaking & Teaching Group Courses: Learn different public speaking methods so you can lead successful dog training classes.
- Stage 9 Business Building: Contains coaching and business advice from ABC’s founder and president, Steven Appelbaum.
- Stage 10 Outside Classroom Hours: Receive hands-on experience training dogs at a local animal shelter. Students participate in at least 60 hours of dog training outside of the classroom.
- Stage 11 Graduation: Graduate alongside your classmates in ABC’s on-campus commencement ceremony.
Invest Today for a Rewarding Career
Our on-campus dog trainer program costs $9,717.82, when you pay in full, which covers tuition, registration, study materials and taxes. This program is also approved for GI Bill benefits and available to qualified persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code. Click here for information on GI Bill Benefits.
Payment Plans To Fit Every Need – NO DEBT Options Available!
Payment plans are available to those who qualify, allowing you to break out the total tuition cost into multiple payments. Animal Behavior College’s Payment Plan – No Debt Option allows you to conveniently pay off your program with ZERO interest. So, when you walk at graduation, you will be rocketed towards your career without the worry of repaying college loan debt!
Full Program Cost: $9,717.82
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*The Deposit can be adjusted to meet your financial needs and ability to pay. Subsequent monthly payments will be calculated by dividing the remaining balance by 5. Please speak with your Admission Counselor or the School Certifying Official for more information*
NOTE: Animal Behavior College may be able to accommodate other payment arrangements as well based on need.
Call to speak with us today at 800-795-3294.
Starting Your Career with a
Dog Trainer School In Person!
If you are fresh out of high school, or soon to be graduating, you are probably tired of hearing the question, “What are you going to do with your life?” or “What’s next for you?”. The seemingly benign quandary of what you want to be when you grow up is fun to fantasize about when you are a kid, but once you have taken that walk at your high school graduation, this question seems much more serious in nature. If you’re looking to start a life-long, fulfilling career, there are a few things you should think about in planning your future:
Do you want a job or a career?
This may seem like the same thing, but it’s not. A job is a means to an end. You go to your job, do your tasks, usually working for someone else, and collect your paycheck. You are not specifically inspired by your job and it wouldn’t really matter what company you work for as long as you are able to pay your bills. A career is something entirely different. A career is your chosen profession that you plan to work towards and be a part of for the majority of your life. It is a long term investment and therefore something you are passionate about. You enjoy your career. You are proud of it and you don’t dread going to work every single day.
What are you passionate about?
Understanding who you are and what makes you happy is the first step towards finding a passion that can lead to your long term career. If you enjoy computers and technology, you might want to pursue a degree in computer sciences or programming. If you are a very analytical person, you might want to consider becoming a statistician, data analyst or accountant. If you love to help and care for people, you might want to pursue a career in the healthcare field. But what if you love animals?
There are many careers in the animal and pet industry. One of the most rewarding is becoming a certified dog trainer. Not only do you get to work with dogs and make their lives better, but you also get to work with people and train them how to be better pet parents. You even have the opportunity to help save dogs’ lives every day by working with shelter pets and making them more adoptable.
How can you reach your career goal?
Career planning should start in high school, but it shouldn’t end with graduation. Most long term careers require some kind of training or education, as well as experience. Once you have decided what you are passionate about, do your research on various career options and the steps you should take to start on that path.
In understanding that high school graduates who are passionate about dedicating their lives to helping dogs need to have the educational background coupled with real world experience, Animal Behavior College has put together our on-site dog training school in California. Our in person, fully immersive class is designed for students fresh out of high school who learn better in a brick and mortar environment, versus online learning.
For 5 months you will attend class 5 days a week with ABC’s certified instructor. You will learn everything you need to know to become a certified dog trainer as well as get to work with dogs in real life for hands-on experience. During class you will also volunteer with your instructor and classmates at a local animal shelter where you will get to work with shelter dogs, not only gaining experience but helping to find these pets their forever homes.
What’s your first step?
Give us a call today at 800-795-3294 to find out when our next in person classroom session starts. Our admissions counselors are standing by to answer any questions you may have and help you with your career planning!
Changing Your Career with an Academy for Dog Trainers!
Just because you have spent a few years (or decades) in a particular profession, this does not mean that you can’t change your career path mid-stream (or mid-life)! Believe it or not, job burn out is a real thing and you don’t have to suffer through it. But how do you know if you should entertain the idea of a career change? Here are a few telltale signs:
- Do you get the Sunday night blues, dreading the start of the work week?
- Are you always exhausted and have difficulty concentrating on work tasks?
- Do you get muscle tension and migraines induced by high levels of work stress?
- Are you only at your current job for the money?
- Do you want to quit but keep making excuses and delays to change your life?
- Have you found yourself distracted at work day dreaming about a different career?
- Have you literally gone online to research other careers or even look at job want ads?
- Are you bored every day at work and don’t feel challenged?
- Have you grown to resent your co-workers, your boss, and your job in general?
If you answered yes to some of the questions above, this might be your body and heart alerting you to the fact that you are not happy with your current station in life. It seems frightening to consider a monumental life change. However, if your career change can land you in a profession that you are passionate about where you feel you are making an actual difference in the world, the risk is worth it!
Animal Behavior College Can Help
Animal Behavior College is here to help you change your career path and get on the road to doing what you love! Do you love dogs and want to help them live long and happy lives? Do you want to help dogs living in an animal shelter become more adoptable through proper training? Do you want to work with dog owners to help them better understand their pets and become better pet parents? Do you want to be your own boss and start your own successful business where you can set your own schedule?
ABC’s on-site classroom program can help you achieve all of those goals and more!
Our classroom program is an in person, fully immersive course where you will get to learn in a one-on-one, brick and mortar environment. You will interact with an in person instructor (versus online) for a more traditional learning experience. You will have the support of your fellow classmates and get to have real-world experience actually working with dogs! This course is perfect for adult learners looking to change their careers as you’ll be certified in just 5 months and ready to start your new career without delay. Plus, if you are interested in starting your own training business, you will greatly benefit from the business building portion of our curriculum which contains coaching and business advice from ABC’s founder and president, Steven Appelbaum.
Why Waste Another Moment?
Our admissions counselors are standing by ready to help you with planning your career change including financing options. Call 800-795-3294 today or submit the contact form to request more information.
Our Dog Training School Near Los Angeles
If becoming a certified dog trainer and starting your dream career in just 5 months wasn’t perfect enough, our on-campus dog trainer courses are held right in the middle of beautiful Southern California. Animal Behavior College’s on-site, brick and mortar classroom is located in Santa Clarita, CA. That means our classroom is only about a 35 minute drive from prime California tourist destinations. In less than an hour, you can find yourself at the beach, downtown Los Angeles, site seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or even visiting scenic natural sites for outdoor activities and hiking during your evenings and weekends.
Attractions within 50 miles of ABC:
- Six Flags Magic Mountain (5 miles from classroom)
- Balboa Park (18 miles from classroom)
- Universal Studios Hollywood (23 miles from classroom)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame (25 miles from classroom)
- Runyon Canyon Park (25 miles from classroom)
- The Grove (28 miles from classroom)
- Hollywood Sign (29 miles from classroom)
- Griffith Observatory (29 miles from classroom)
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (29 miles from classroom)
- Santa Monica Pier (32 miles from classroom)
- Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (35 miles from classroom)
- Malibu Wine Safari (43 miles from classroom)
Enjoy sunny Southern California while you start your future career!
Call 800-795-3294 today or submit the contact form to request more information.
Perks for Our On-Site Dog Obedience Program Students
Everyone loves a good doggie bag of treats! Because Animal Behavior College recognizes the time commitment and dedication of our students who come on-site to study in pursuit of their future, we are happy to offer a few perks for our classroom students. Check out the amazing perks that come with enrolling in our Southern California on campus dog trainer school:$25 Gift Card to Lazy Dogs
To help fuel your brain power while studying, grab a bite to eat! You will receive a $25 gift card to the local pet friendly restaurant Lazy Dogs.$25 Gift Card for Transportation
Whether you don’t have a car, locally, or you just want to take a break from driving, ABC is there to help you out. You will receive a $25 gift card to Uber or Lyft (your choice) to use for local transportation.Student Welcome “Goodie Bag”
As a welcome gift, you will receive a “swag bag” (or box) with various items and tools that you can use as you pursue your career as a dog trainer.Special Guest Lecturers
Our in person classroom students get treated to visits from special guest lecturers who share their experience and knowledge from years in the pet industry. Guest lecturers may include (but are not limited to):
- Working Dog Trainers
- Doggie Day Care/Board and Training Business Owners
- Working Veterinary Technicians
- Best Friends Behavioral Team Reps
- Previous class graduates
- Various pet product/training tool manufacturers
- Steve Appelbaum (ABC CEO)
Field Trips
Our on-site classroom is a fully immersive, face-to-face, traditional classroom setting, but that does not mean you’ll spend every waking minute inside the classroom studying the curriculum. You will get to enjoy field trips with your fellow classmates and classroom instructor which may include (but are not limited to):- Nature Walks
- Working Shelter Visits
- Working Ranch Visits
- Visits to Animal Sanctuaries
Classroom Program Refer a Friend Bonus
Classroom graduates who refer someone to ABC’s on-site dog obedience program will receive $400 for every enrolling student they referred. Graduates who refer more than 3 enrolling students in 18 months will receive $500 for every enrolling student and graduates who refer more than 6 enrolling students in 18 months will receive $650 for every enrolling student they referred.Free Short Term Program for Continuing Education
ABC believes knowledge is power and the more skills you have as a part of your trainer’s toolbox, the more in demand you will be for clients! All classroom graduates are awarded one free short term program, of their choice, upon graduation to help them in continuing their learning for a successful future.Discounted Additional Short Term Programs for Continuing Education
All classroom students and graduates are offered a standing discount of $150 off each and every ABC Short Term Program they would like to take in order to help them continue their learning for a successful future.Discounted Living Arrangements
While in Southern California during the duration of your studies with us, all students who opt to stay at the local hotel ABC has partnered with will receive a discounted housing rate of $87 a day (instead of $105 a day) plus tax and fees. There are so many reasons to start your new career today… and so many fun perks to help you on your journey! Call 800-795-3294 today to speak with one of our Admissions Counselors or to request more information.Give Back with ABC’s “Students Saving Lives” Campaign!
For over 19 years, ABC’s “Students Saving Lives” campaign has been an integral piece of our dog training educational courses. As part of this program, ABC has forged relationships with local animal shelters, humane societies and rescue organizations. ABC dog training students will train and socialize dogs at these local facilities which will increase the dogs’ chances of being adopted. Many of our students consider this part of the program the most rewarding. In this stage, you will put your newly acquired knowledge and skills to work and change many dogs’ lives forever.
Since 2004, ABC dog trainer students have volunteered more than 185,000 hours of their time to train and socialize shelter dogs. As our student body grows, so does the number of volunteer hours. Be part of the solution and help dogs find their forever homes!
Meet Your Instructor
Seth Hutson, ABCDT
Mr. Seth Hutson, teaches our on-campus Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program.
Mr. Hutson has an extensive background working with dogs. He has 22 years of combined service between Law Enforcement and the Army/National Guard where he assisted the K-9 unit with the training of their military police dogs. During his time in the Army, he was also a Weapons Specialist, Enemy Prisoner of War Expert, Company Training Sergeant and Company Retention Sergeant.
Keeping with his history of service to others, Mr. Hutson then went on to work for various animal rescue organizations as both Executive Director and Certified Animal Trainer/Behaviorist Specialist. It was during this time that he pursued further education with Animal Behavior College and became an ABC Certified Dog Trainer.
Mr. Hutson not only is an ABC Certified Dog Trainer, but he has parlayed his knowledge into his own business which he runs in addition to being a full time ABC instructor. He owns and operates the successful dog training company Pawsitively Great Dog Training located in the Santa Clarita Valley where he works to help dogs in need.
Mr. Hutson maintains a “do what you love, love what you do” attitude as he continues to enrich the lives of animals and people.
Animal Behavior College’s On-Campus Dog Obedience Training Program is proud to be in collaboration with our local Best Friends Lifesaving Center in Los Angeles, California. This working relationship with Best Friends Los Angeles allows ABC to give our On-Campus Dog Obedience Training Program students the opportunity to volunteer their time during class and actively improve the lives of shelter dogs while gaining invaluable hands-on experience. By volunteering with their classmates at Best Friends, students are able to apply the skills and techniques they learn in the classroom by assisting shelter dogs in need of a home to become more adoptable. As a student of the classroom program, you will be working with some of the best in the animal rescue industry. Best Friends Animal Society is a champion for offering humane shelter options to dogs in need.
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 347,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs all across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 3,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®
