Dog Obedience Instructor Program
Flexible online dog trainer program with a local hands-on mentor externship, leading to ABCDT certification in 6-12 months.
25350 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Suite 346, Valencia, CA 91355
Open enrollment year-round; students can enroll and begin studying at any time (self-paced online).
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Animal Behavior College believes rewarding animal careers should be accessible to anyone willing to work hard. The Dog Obedience Instructor Program was built to remove the cost and access barriers that keep passionate animal lovers out of the field, pairing flexible, self-paced online study with real-world mentor externships. Grounded in animal behavior science and positive-reinforcement methods, it prepares beginners to train many kinds of dogs, strengthen the dog-owner bond, help prevent shelter surrenders, and build their own business.
Started in 2003
Visit program website
Animal lovers seeking a flexible, hands-on path to a dog training career
Self-paced online coursework studied on the student's own schedule (many balance full-time jobs). After the 11 online modules, ABC arranges a local mentor externship (roughly 7-24 weeks) scheduled around the mentor trainer's class times.
Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer certification, hands-on dog training experience, Pet CPR/First Aid, business skills
Cost & Outcomes
Tuition is $2,899, payable in full or over a monthly payment plan. Students pay out of pocket or through ABC’s financing, and eligible students can use WIOA funding, Veterans education grants, MyCAA, or Vocational Rehabilitation.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Flexible, self-paced online coursework (11 modules) students can complete while working
Local hands-on mentor externship with a professional dog trainer, arranged by Animal Behavior College
Includes Pet CPR & First Aid certification
Prepares graduates for the optional Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed credential and awards the recognized Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer certification
Dedicated Program Manager support throughout the program
Access to ABC's network of 10,000+ mentor/training locations across the U.S. and Canada
Day in the Life
- Self-paced online reading, videos, assignments, and module exams
- Ongoing guidance from a dedicated Program Manager
- 10 volunteer hours at a local shelter/rescue (honors requirement)
- Hands-on mentor externship observing and leading basic obedience training with real dogs
- Business-building coursework (marketing, budgeting, resumes) written by ABC's founder
Program led by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, with externship coordinators who are ABC-certified Dog Trainers; staff bring roughly 14–25 years of professional dog-training experience.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Staying self-motivated and finishing the self-paced coursework while balancing work and family, and scheduling/completing the mentor externship hours.
Working hands-on with real dogs during the mentor externship, the flexibility to study around life, and gaining the confidence and credential to launch a career or business.
Employment Support
Business Building module: marketing, budgeting, resume writing, and interview preparation
Hands-on mentor externship that builds professional connections
Dedicated Program Manager support
Access to ABC's 10,000+ mentor/training locations and the ABC job board
Alumni benefits and the public 'Find a Dog Trainer' directory listing
Hear From the Program
How It Works
Request program information or speak with an ABC Admissions Counselor (online form or 800-795-3294)
Submit an application for admission
Complete financial arrangements and choose a payment plan (financial aid application if applicable)
Verify a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent (or pass the Scholastic Level Exam) and complete the entrance exam if required
Sign the Enrollment Agreement and receive acceptance notification
Gain access to the online course materials and connect with your assigned Program Manager
Complete all online modules and pass Pet CPR & First Aid certification
Complete the ABC-arranged local externship/mentorship, then pass the final exam to earn your ABCDT certification
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.No. Most students begin with little or no professional experience; programs are designed for beginners.
Yes. The online coursework is self-paced so you can study around work, school, or family.
No. Externships are unpaid educational experiences that provide hands-on training before entering the workforce.
ABC is a California state-approved (BPPE) vocational school. It is not accredited by a USDE-recognized agency; the Veterinary Assistant Program is NAVTA-approved.
Programs prepare you for careers in the animal industry, though employment is not guaranteed.