DTIA Program

Get A World-Class Education In Pet Dog Training & Behavior Counseling Remotely or On-Site

DTIA provides a thorough foundation in science-based dog training through hands-on experience with real-life behavior intervention cases, and individual coaching in both training techniques and client counseling. Fulfill your dreams of becoming a certified dog trainer.

DTIA Facts At A Glance

  • 5-month program running two times a year:  Spring Session from January through May and Fall Session from August through December.
  • Part-time study (approx. 15 hours/week, evenings & Saturday).
  • Weekly, real-time guidance in a small group setting.
  • Taught in San Francisco Bay Area – remote learning available.
  • Combines coaching sessions, video, and lecture.
  • Emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis and behavior in the context of the environment.

What You Get From DTIA

  • A science-based program of advanced study and practice.
  • Experience planning, executing, and trouble-shooting behavior modification cases.
  • The chance to observe a variety of client consultations, participate in mock consultations, and conduct your own with feedback and guidance.
  • Instruction, guidance, and feedback from master trainers.
  • Weekly, real-time guidance in a small group setting.
  • A Certificate in Training and Behavior Consultation (CTBC).

What The Curriculum Covers

  • Dog behavior.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis.
  • Animal learning and motivation.
  • Behavior issues: assessing, managing, modifying.
  • Cue training.
  • Client consultation techniques.
  • Business Basics and career guidance.
  • Ethics and best practices.

We prepare you for professional success in the dog training field.

Click Here to see the DTIA Difference


From the Grads

"The wonderful trainers in the Dog Training Internship Academy (DTIA) helped make my dreams a reality. Not only do I have a greater understanding about how animals learn best and many hours of practice under my belt, but I also was given the skills to start my own dog training business right after graduation!" --Alyssa Hosbach, Owner of Dancing Tails Dog Training

From the Grads

"DTIA gave me a real understanding of the how and why of science-based, positive reinforcement training. I now come into new training situations with the ability to pinpoint all the necessary information and make a plan with confidence." --Sathid Pankaew, Behavior & Training Coordinator, East Bay SPCA

From the Grads

"Dog industry business consultant Veronica Boutelle recommended the DTIA program to me when I asked about apprenticeship programs. She is familiar with every program in the country and unequivocally pronounced the DTIA the best one available. Well, she didn’t oversell it." --Erik Grendahl, Canine Behavior Consultant

From the Grads

"Attending the DTIA program was a wonderful decision. Not only will it advance my career but it has also opened the door to so many other professional possibilities." --Luba Podolsky, Mutt Manager, Muttville