Reasons to Take Ben Kersen's Pro Dog Trainers Program - Part 2

Reasons to Take Ben Kersen's Professional Dog Trainers Program - PART 2

By Breeann Roberts

Techniques are straight forward and easy to apply once learned: This not only helps you, as it’s easier to retain and use, but it will help your future clients! The easier the techniques, the easier to teach, and the easier that the dogs will learn it! 

Video feedback: You’d be surprised what you might be doing without realizing it! With video feedback you can see yourself and your body language from an external point of view. This includes feedback on your technique from instructors about what you need improvement on, and how to achieve it.

Techniques work with all dogs: Regardless of breed or age! 

Multiple training techniques/methods are covered: This way you will have many different approaches that you can take towards one dog’s potential problems or obstacles in order to succeed.

Course covers many subjects: From business and marketing, to trick shows and special events, you’ll get info from some of the top dog trainers in the world about their live events and how they organize and run them. 

Guest speakers: During the course, you will be meeting different guest speakers from various different fields (all dog related) with in-person demonstrations and lots of time for Q & A.

Speak with past graduates: In person and via speakerphone to listen to lectures on varying topics and to ask any questions you may have. You will hear about their personal success and any obstacles they faced and how they got over them.

Program focuses on FUN and PRAISE: The whole training method revolves around engaging and motivating the dog to perform, with incredible results.

Run club: This concept, developed by Ben Kersen, is quite unique and has dramatic long lasting effects that take hold very quickly. The concept involves movement, pack, and covering distance. The dogs natural instincts to move with their pack takes hold and you will have a dog that is always looking at you for where you might want to go next. Every Saturday morning you will be welcomed to go along with Ben and some of his clients for run club to increase the bond you have with your dog.

Interactive games: Sometimes you will play interactive games including all classmates and your dogs. These games can be used in your future careers and definitely involve some laughter. Although these games are fun, they also hone the dog’s skills and boost their confidence. Whose dog can sit back down the fastest in ‘Duck, Duck, Goose!?’

Grad Facebook group: Once you have graduated you will be invited to the past graduate’s Facebook page, where you will be able to network with hundreds of past grads, now working in a variety of fields. If you ever have a training question, you can ask in this group and get advice from many extraordinary trainers about what you might try next. Sometimes there are unique training situations that are not covered in any course and this would be your opportunity to learn from those that have been working in the field for years about their personal technique or method to overcome whatever obstacle may be blocking the dog you are working with. You will feel the support of many who have been and are in your shoes!

Lots of video footage and literature: There are hundreds and hundreds of videos available to view, but not enough time to cover them all during course hours. These are always available to take home with you. There are also hundreds of books that you are welcome to borrow.

Make new friends! You will meet people with the same interest and passion for working with animals that you have. Some of these people will likely become your friends and you could form a long lasting friendship. Knowing other trainers is a huge advantage. You would have the opportunity to work together or to create a partnership of some kind as well if you decided to do that.

Bring your own dog(s) or a family member or friend’s dog: Go home with an incredibly trained dog or dogs! You dog will be your ambassador, and you will go home with a highly trained dog that you can show off to family, friends, and clients! Your dog and you will have a better, stronger relationship, and your dog will gain a lot of confidence and patience. Your dog will have the skills to potentially save its life in the future. Just going for a simple off leash walk could promote your business! When people see the fun that you are having they will want to talk to you :)

 

Free training: Work with other people’s dogs to get you hands-on experience working with new client’s dogs. From novice puppies to old dogs learning new tricks, you’ll get to play with them all! Afterwards, you’ll get to listen to the instructors answer any questions that the clients have about that day’s training (as they will be watching). Listening to the instructors and clients talking after the training gives you valuable insight on working with people.

Increase your self-confidence:  Speaking from self-experience, this course dramatically increased my self-confidence! I have heard the same thing from classmates and past graduates. During the course I witnessed other classmate’s self-confidence go up as well. Confidence makes a big difference when it comes to dog training! It also helps with marketing yourself and speaking with clients. 

All of these points are the reasons that I would recommend thinking about taking Ben Kersen’s course. There are many other positive things to take away from the course, such as community service, and going out on the town with classmates! 

I very much enjoyed my time in Victoria and on the field with students, the instructors, and all of the dogs, and look forward to visiting soon!

If you have any questions about being a student in the course feel free to contact me at Breeanner@gmail.com and I would be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have!

Happy training!

Breeanne Roberts

Reasons to Take Ben Kersen's Professional Dog Trainers Course!

There are many reasons to consider taking Ben Kersen’s Professional Dog Trainers course!
By Breeanne Roberts

First of all, it’s offered by the only accredited school in Canada, which is huge, and gives you bragging rights!

I’ll mention some reasons I would recommend this course, and go into a bit of detail concerning each point in the following paragraphs.

Multiple locations/venues: This allows for exposure to different environments and keeps things fresh and exciting. It also allows you to see more of what beautiful Victoria has to offer, and exposes the dogs to different environments while keeping things exciting.

High distraction areas: The locations that the training takes place in are high traffic zones where many people and animals pass through every day. This allows your dog and the dogs you will be working with to be exposed to many different stimuli, such as horses, other dogs and people, squirrels, deer, rabbits, etc. This gives you the opportunity to increase the dog’s focus on you by learning how to gain the dog’s attention quickly and positively in these situations.

Fun Fridays: Every Friday, nearing the end of the course, you will be going to different locations that you had not previously visited. This strengthens the distraction work you will be working on, and gives the dogs even more experience in new environments. It usually includes a hiking and allows some beautiful sight-seeing.

Different instructors with different backgrounds and the same training techniques: different points of view and ways of explaining things, with the same consistent technique across all of the trainers. Each brings a different perspective and flair or style to their training while retaining the same concept and method that Ben Kersen himself uses.

More reasons to come...

If you have any questions about being a student in the course feel free to contact me at breeanner@gmail.com and I would be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have!

Happy training!

Breeanne Roberts (Fall 2012 Graduate)

Doggy-Do-Good Training

Sharon Toews - Graduate PTP Spring 2012

Sharon Toews, graduate of PTP Spring 2012 sent us an update, check out what she did to make her first puppy training job a success. Way to go Sharon!

Enjoy, Ben


Hi Nancy and Ben,

I have really been enjoying training dogs of all sizes - yes I finally did get the hang of working with a small dog. (You may remember how totally lost I was on the first free training day when I got a Yorkie mix, after only working with Scout and the big dogs in our class.) Soon after getting home my first puppy training opportunity was a 9 week old Havanese. I was very excited because I had done my class presentation project on the Havanese but had never even met one!

I didn't know where to start so I re-watched your puppy training video and couldn't sleep that night with doubts whirling in my head. However, you guys really do know your stuff and I should have trusted your encouragement when you said: "Remember you have more to offer your clients because there is no other method out there that compares to ours....".

Well, this little Havanese puppy responded exactly like your Border Collie did - "sit" to "stay" to "sit" to "down"... fortunately she was really food motivated! I can't even begin to describe my excitement! The owner was flabbergasted and sputtered, "Isn't that too much for her to learn?" I managed to hide my own incredulity and replied, "Well look at her! She's doing it all and I'm not even touching her."

Over the next 4-5 weeks I praised her for her puppy's progress and reassured her of being a good owner. The puppy is well on her way to being a dream dog but she still hires me for walking consultations and advice. I finally told her she no longer needs me because she has done a great job raising her pup. She admitted she just likes having me around for reassurance. Score one for holding my tongue!





Sharon Toews

"Toews Training Paws"

Graduate Update - PTP Fall 2010

Anthea is a graduate from Fall 2010 PTP, check out what she has been up to!

Enjoy,
Ben

Staying Connected with your Community

Always great to catch up with grads! Take a look at this update from graduate, Jeremy Leete, his experience is a great example of how keeping close connections with your canine community can really help the growth of your business.

Hi Ben,

Just wanted to let you know the website looks great. Much improved from the old site. As for dog training, my business has really taken off in the last little while. I have a close relationship with the local SPCA here in Prince George as well as my vet (whose dog I'm currently training) and they have both really helped to promote my training services. Anyways, hope all is well in Victoria. I'm planning to visit sometime in the near future.
Cheers,

Jeremy

On the Road to Success...

Checkout what former graduate Mary McCarthy has been up to, it is always great to hear about a graduate’s success. I hope this inspires others on their path to success. Way to go Mary!

Hi!

Thanks so much for that! I really appreciate that although I graduated over a year ago I still feel connected; updates, resources, facebook/support groups, refreshers... Nobody's being left out, nobody's being tossed to the wolves ;) Well... maybe we are, but darn it, we're prepared (and can go back to check our notes and ask questions if we forget something!).

I am now managing a PetValu store (same company as Bosley's and Paulmac's) here in Nova Scotia. There is a huge learning curve for me. It's great though! It's sort of like going back to school and getting paid for it. I am gaining excellent experience in a few areas that I know I need: management experience, sales experience, and more in depth pet nutrition knowledge. In addition, I can build my network in Nova Scotia; getting to know local animal rescues, becoming more familiar with dog/pet issues specific to NS (bylaws, parks, etc), and of course, simply talking to pet owners and learning their needs. (It's all part of a bigger plan I have for myself!)

Although I'm not training, I love when I can help advise customers on the best collar type for their dog, recommend a fun and safe toy, or help solve a behavioural problem. I'm learning a lot of new things, and I still get to help owners build a better relationship with their dog!

So thank you so much Ben! My supervisor was thrilled with the reference you gave me, so of course I am too! I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with him; that means a lot to me.

Please take care Ben, Nancy, and staff!

All the best,
Mary

The Power of the Pen

Received this email from David, a grad from a year and a half ago.  Thought I would share it as he really articulates how important good note taking is - even years later!

Hi Ben,

I was doing a little clean up of my office last week and came upon all of the 'stuff' from PTP Spring 2011. Naturally, I started to flip through various things - photos, keepsakes etc.; but as I began to reread the classroom notes I had taken, I rediscovered a veritable treasure chest of information. Having been in the dog business now for about 16 months, those old classroom notes almost started to speak. What had been frantically written down every afternoon now made so much more sense. There were some important things that I had either forgotten or let slide. (I'll have to blame that short-term memory loss on having grown up during the 60s and early 70s). I can't tell you how beneficial it was to reread the classroom material from a working perspective. I think that a review of the classroom material confirms the importance of some of the basic methods that were taught. I think this review also helped me to understand some of the changes or modifications that I have made in my training methods. Either way, rereading your classroom notes 10 to 12 months later is a great experience....a should do for everyone.

Hope all is well. Please send my best to everyone.

Cheers,

David Dussault

dpdussault@sympatico.ca

Wonderdogs Professional Dog Trainers Program Feedback

Here's some thoughts from Becky and Breeann after the first week of class.

Ben Kersen

Fall 2012 Professional Dog Trainers Program Feedback

Some feedback from Sara and Tina after completing the first week of the our fall 2012 Professional Dog Trainer's Program.

Ben Kersen

Fall 2012 Professional Dog Trainers Program Feedback

Another gorgeous day on the field!

Here's a clip from students Anette and Amber with their thoughts after 1 week.

Enjoy,
Ben Kersen
www.wonderdogs.ca

Graduate Highlight - Heather Patz

Graduated from Wonderdogs: 2005
Business Name:  Good Dog Ranch and Spa
Location: Coquitlam, BC
A Word From Heather: 

Taking Ben's professional trainers program laid the foundations for a career that I absolutely love. The program was not only informative with lecture material, but also had the emphasis on practical learning that I believe a program like this needs to be successful. The fact that Ben's school is accredited is also a major contributing factor to the legitimacy of the quality of learning. 

Above all that, the experience of the program is one that I will always think of with fond memories. My dog that I brought as my learner dog, Jetta, was a recent adoption with very high drive and aggression issues with both people and dogs. Ben had the confidence to take her from me and let her run with the other dogs, which was incredibly emotional for me to see, as I wouldn't have done it on my own. Ben and his team also kept the learning experience fun - we were constantly going on new trips and adventures with our dogs, which really demonstrated the freedoms you can have with your dog if they are properly trained. 

My company, Good Dog, is a growing company that offers dog training, boarding and daycare. I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life! Being a business owner is not for everyone, but for me, the diversity and flexibility it provides keeps me interested and challenged. The added benefit is that I get to not only work with my own dogs but get constant exposure to new dogs that I can help along the way.  

Without Ben's program, I wouldn't have had the certification and skill set to do what I love doing. I highly recommend this program. 

Heather has 2 locations, more than 15 staff working under her, and cares for 30-40 dogs per day.  


For more information on Heather Patz and Good Dog Ranch & Spa visit www.gooddog.ca.

Another Testimonial

To Who It May Concern

    I own a 2 ½ year old Rottweiler. I went through obedience training with three other trainers. Even with all this time and money spent on training, the dog was still totally out of control. He would jump up on people and was aggressive toward other dogs. It was to the point where I would only walk the dog early in the morning or late at night when no one was around. This was no fun for me or the dog. I was at my wits end. It was try another trainer or do something more drastic. Then I read an article on Ben Kersen and the Wonderdogs. I decided to give him a try.

After talking to Ben he said it would take about ten sessions to fix the problems.  We started working on the dogs problems of jumping on people and his aggression towards other dogs. Within two sessions the dog was no longer jumping on people. Ben would bring his dogs out so we could fix aggression problems.  Ben told me how to correct the dog when he showed aggression, then he would work his dog around mine until mine was no longer aggressive. Within a few short sessions the dogs were playing together. We also worked on basic obedience. Ben helped me get rid of bad habits I had when doing obedience work with the dog. In the end Ben’s method of training worked where all others didn’t.

You can save yourself a lot of time, money, frustration my going to Ben to have your dog trained. I know I would have done it in the first place. I went from not being able to take the dog around people or other dogs to being able to take him anywhere. This method of training gave me back a piece of mind and saved the dog’s life.

John Boehler

Victoria. B.C

June 2012 Group Session Feedback

Smile!  Got some good feedback on our Group Session we held in June we thought we would share.

Our summer class is now running and our next intake begins September 7th.  Visit our website for more info: www.wonderdogs.ca.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE PROGRAM?

"The intensity!" 

"The bonding with my dog"

"The one on one time with the trainers"

"The consistency of the approach"

"The fast pace of the class"

"The concentrated work and expertise from staff"

WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR TRAINER?

"Personable; you cared about my dog and the progress of all the dogs"

"Clear and decisive information" 

"The amount of attention we were given in a large group"

"Clear instructions and energy"

"Obviously know your subject well"  

Training Can Save Your Dog's Life!

Just received this fantastic testimonial from a client who trained their dog with us many years ago and is now training their new pup with us again.

My husband and I were travelling to the interior of BC, when we stopped at a gas station in Princeton. The gas station is right next to the highway and a bridge, and there is a trail running along the river under the bridge. Our 1 year old Australian Shepherd, Fawn, got out of the car with us. We each thought she was on the other side of the car, and when we realized that she was not with us, I began calling her.  As I walked up the bank toward the highway, I saw her. She was obeying me exactly as I had trained her and was running toward me– right toward the highway.  I yelled "down!" as loudly as I could, and she dropped right along the edge of the pavement as a pickup truck flew past. I have no doubt that if she had not been trained, and had not dropped instantly, that she would have been hit and likely killed. She lived a happy life to the age of almost 13. I am now training my second Aussie, Ghillie, who is now just a year old. I am very confident that her training with Ben will be equally important as she travels with us everywhere we go. I highly recommend Ben Kersen and the Wonderdogs training, for dogs and their people. 

Cori Barraclough
            Victoria, BC
            clbarraclough@shaw.ca

It is testimonials like this that remind me of the importance of what we as trainers do.