HOW IT WORKS

Here's how all levels of our certification program works. 

Step 1) Pre-Homework

First, you'll receive an email with your pre-homework. It will summarize what you'll learn in the course, what to bring and explain what to expect. This will help you to feel more comfortable and make the most out of your training.

You'll get some optional reading you can dive into if you want to learn more. It's up to you. 

Step 2) Intensive Hands-on Workshop in Calgary

Next, you'll bring an inexperienced dog with you to attend a 2-day intensive workshop in Calgary. The demonstrations will show you exactly what to do to. You'll practice training your demo dog. And you'll learn a lot about scent detection by watching other dogs and handlers searching and training. 

You'll receive feedback in debriefings after each of your training exercises. If there are any suggestions for improvement, you'll get a chance to implement the changes, and build confidence through repetition. At the end of the weekend, students who have attended the entire Workshop will receive their Certificate of Participation. 

Step 3) The Final Assigment

When you get home, it's time to apply what you learned to complete your assessment with your demo dog in a final assignment.

We recommend you complete the assignment as soon as possible, since the material is freshest in your mind when you just took the course. But the timing is up to you. You will have 6 months from the completion of the hands-on workshop to submit your final assignment. You can train the demo dog you brought to the workshop (recommended) or start with a new dog. 

When you're ready, submit a video of the dog you trained independently completing the assigned skills for assessment. If you fail the first attempt, you'll receive feedback with concrete suggestions on where to improve so you can resubmit your assignment. Don't worry; we expect you to pass on your first attempt. But you can resubmit once, at no additional cost. And you can resubmit a second time for a fee of $50. Once you successfully pass the Final Assignment, you'll receive your Scent Detection Trainer Certification. 

The Fine Print

All participants must sign a waiver in order to participate.

You can stop participating at any stage, but the fees are not refundable. 

Please note that this course uses a rewards-based, motivational training approach. We need your help making  this to be a safe and fun learning experience for everyone! Mistreatment, harsh corrections, and verbal abuse of dogs or people are not acceptable. Infractions may result in a warning by the instructor. Repeated inappropriate behavior may result in being immediately excused from the training program and the site, entirely at the discretion of the instructor, with no refund. If you have concerns about keeping your training positive, this program might not be a good fit. 

If you complete the Certificate of Participation and you're in good standing, but life events prevent you from completing the final exam, we understand. You can keep your Certificate of Participation, but can not become a Certified Trainer without passing the final assignment. Talk to us about options if you'd like to pause your course and resume at a later time. 

Our certificates do not expire and we do not require continuing education reports. But for you and your dog to maintain your skills, you will need to continue maintenance training at least one day a week for the duration of your working career. We recommend training for 5-minutes before every deployment, debriefing and filling any holes you notice in your training. Ask us about private coaching if problems arise.