A hard copy of the catalog will be provided to each student upon arrival.
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INTRODUCTION

History

The Dog Trainer College is under the auspices of Conifer Canine LLC, a professional and premier dog training venue. Conifer Canine LLC was established in 2008 as a leading dog training facility in Indiana. Conifer Canine LLC is recognized by the State of Indiana and by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

Instructors

Courses at the Dog Trainer College are taught by our Training Director and Lead Instructor, Tim Miller, CMDT. As a Master Trainer, he is certified in many fields, including Basic and Advanced Obedience, a Certified Protection Dog Trainer, a Certified Police K9 Instructor, including detection dog training, Search and Rescue work and Human Remains Detection work, and a certified Service Dog Trainer. Tim has officially been training dogs since 1992 and unofficially for as far back as he can remember. His love for dogs and their training has been a lifelong mission.

Tim is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the American Police Canine Association.

Jeremiah Johnson, CMDT is also a Master Trainer and Instructor at the Dog Trainer College. He served in the US Marines and later sought to fulfil his passion to train dogs. Jeremiah graduated with honors in the 2016 class here at DTC.

Nathan Martz, CMDT is a certified Master Trainer and Instructor at DTC. Nathan has a background in law enforcement and served in the US Navy in various capacities including as a handler with military working dogs.

Raven Aydt, CMDT, is an instructor at DTC. She is a K9 handler for the Vigo County Search and Rescue team as well as a certified HRD handler.

Accreditation

The Dog Trainer College has been reviewed by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and has been declared exempt from regulation by the Office for Career and Technical Schools under Indiana code 22-4.1-21.

Comprehensive Programs

The Dog Trainer College’s comprehensive programs instruct the skills that the student will need to know to become a professional dog trainer. Our programs use innovative training methods, employ humane means, and will be resourceful to the beginning trainer as well as enhance a current career.

One of the invaluable strengths of the Dog Trainer College is that the student receives the opportunity to view a premier facility in its day-to-day operation. Additionally, the College cooperates with local Shelters by bettering a dog’s chances of being adopted.

Mission Statement

Our goal is produce professional canine trainers of the highest quality through an excellent education and practical experience.

ENROLLMENT and ATTENDANCE

Applying for Admission

Application requirements to any of our courses are:

1) Must be at least 18 years of age.

2) Must complete an application form. Applicants may be rejected if the application is found to be misrepresentative of the applicant, or contains false information, or if any information on the application is incomplete.

3) Proof of high school graduation, such as high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

4) Must be able to communicate in the English language.

Contact us for an application or apply online. Applications for both enrollment and financial aid must be received in our office no later than two weeks before the start date of the semester applying for.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Dog Trainer College does not discriminate, in its application and educational process, against any individual on the ground of race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, or age.

Semester Dates

Due to varying start dates, DTC operates on the following enrollment dates: Any course starting in March – June is considered the Spring semester. Any course starting in July – September is considered the Summer semester. The Fall semester is from October – December. Applications are due in our office two weeks prior to the start date of the course applied for.

Payment for Courses

Students are required to make a payment towards their tuition on the first day of class. Students in courses 12 weeks or less must pay 100% of student housing on the first day of class. Students in classes over 12 weeks can divide housing into two payments. The balance of tuition can be made in payments every three weeks until paid in full. Tuition must be paid in full prior to graduation unless other financial aid arrangements have been made. Payments can be made by check, cash, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express and PayPal. Payment shall be in US Dollars.

Refunds

Refund of the application deposit will be made only in the event an application is rejected.

If a student terminates an application prior to the commencement of the course, the student will receive a refund of all tuition monies paid, minus the application deposit, and any housing fees.

A student is eligible for a 100% refund if the class(es) in which the student is officially registered is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.

Students who elect to withdraw from a course or are dismissed from a course will be refunded on a daily prorated basis of tuition, excluding housing and application deposit, plus a $50 withdrawal fee.

There are no refunds or credits for late attendance, and/or missed classes, and these will affect the student’s grade. Additionally, students will be responsible for all make-up work.

Obedience and Behavior Course$49006 week course
Protection Dog Trainer Course$53006 week course
Detection Dog Trainer Course$38004 week course
Cadaver Detection Trainer Course$49006 week course
Police K9 Instructor Course$57006 week course
Service Dog Trainer Course$10,50012 week course
Master Trainer Course$15,90020 week course
Obedience & Behavior Online$3000length varies
K9 Instructor course ONLINE$3500length varies
Service Dog Trainer ONLINE$3000length varies

Registration Fee:

A non-refundable $200 registration fee is due no later than 2 weeks prior to the program. Upon acceptance of enrollment, this will reserve your spot in the course desired. If the applicant is not able to attend the course during the semester you have reserved, the deposit will not be refunded. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

Each course has a base price which includes course materials, tuition, and application deposit. Books used during the course will remain the property of the Dog Trainer College. Students will be responsible for the replacement costs of any unreturned materials. Certificates will not be awarded to students that have an outstanding balance for book or equipment replacement costs. Books and other educational items may be available for optional student purchase, the afore-mentioned not included in the tuition.

Veterans Affairs Education Benefits

This sections includes individuals entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Voc Rehab, or Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits regarding title 38 of the VBT Act of 2018.

A covered individual will be permitted to attend and participate in the course on the beginning date stated on the Certificate of Eligibility and ending on the earlier of the following dates

1) The date on which payment from VA is made to the College.

2) 90 days after the date the College certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the Certificate of Eligibility.

Furthermore, the College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, because of the student’s inability to meet his/her financial obligations to the College due to the delayed payment from VA under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33.

Any refund of the unused portion of the tuition, fees, and other charges will be made to the veteran who fails to enter or fails to complete the course. The refund will be within 10% of an exact pro rata refund. No more than $10 of the registration fee will be retained if a veteran fails to enter or complete the course.

Tools and Equipment

Students will be provided basic tools and equipment for use during the course. Students will be responsible for replacement cost of tools and equipment that is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Student Dogs

Students are permitted to bring up to two dogs of their own with them during a course. Students will be responsible for the actions of their dogs, and damages to property, other dogs or humans while on the campus or other activities sanctioned by Conifer Canine LLC and/or the Dog Trainer College. Those who elect not to bring their own dogs will be given opportunity to train with dogs that are on hand at the College.

Graduation Documents

Conifer Canine LLC awards certificates upon successful completion (80% or above) of our courses. Those graduating with 97% or higher will receive Honor status. Those graduating with 94% – 96% will receive Merit status. Certificates will not be awarded until tuition and housing is paid in full. Students will be responsible for the replacement costs of any unreturned or damaged materials. Certificates will not be awarded to students that have an outstanding balance for book or equipment replacement costs.

Transfer Credits

The College may consider transfer credits from outside dog training programs, including military canine training. Written, verbal, and/or practical testing may be required to receive a transfer of credits. Enrollees must provide written documentation of previous training. However, due to the unique nature of our programs, the Dog Trainer College may elect not to recognize or credit any transferred programs from other educational facilities or institutions and the amount of credit given rests solely at the discretion of the Dog Trainer College.

Standards of Progress

Due to the professional nature of our canine training courses and the needs of the graduate’s future clientele, student grades are geared towards the client’s point of view. For example,

  • Does this trainer possess sufficient knowledge to effectively train my dog?
  • Can I depend upon him/her to meet me at an appointed time?
  • What is this trainer’s attitude towards me and my dog?

Therefore, grading is based upon the student’s test results, attendance, promptness, enthusiasm, participation, assignment completion, willingness to learn (teachability), as well as the attitude towards both staff and canines, and the hands-on practical testing of training a dog. Tardiness and missed classes will negatively affect the student’s grade.

Students graduating with a 97% or higher will graduate with Honors. Those graduating with a 93%-96% will graduate with Merit. All grade reports will be given near the end of the course.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet an overall grade of 80% to pass the course and receive certification. Students who do not pass the course will not receive their certificate and must reapply to the school and retake the course with a passing grade to receive a certificate.

Students who are failing a course may continue the course and receive a Certificate of Attendance as long as the minimum attendance requirements are met.

Any student who is absent from class for a total of 10% or more of the total hours of the course shall be considered unsatisfactory in attendance and be grounds for failure in the course.

Student Records

After successful completion of a certificate program, students will receive a copy of their grades and certificate as long as their account is paid in full. Student records are kept in file by the College. Additional transcripts can be obtained by submitting a written request and paying a cost of $25.00.

Incompletes

Students who do not fulfill the requirements of a course will be given an incomplete. A grade may replace an incomplete if the student successfully completes the unfinished work within one calendar year.

Withdrawal

If students withdraw from a course, the student must adhere to the following procedures:

Submit a formal notice of withdrawal in writing to the college Director.

Review the Refund Policy. There is a $50 withdrawal fee.

Inherent Risks

In applying for enrollment in the Conifer Canine Dog Trainer College, the applicant must understand that this type of training can be both mentally and physically intensive and demanding. The applicant should be confident in his/her mental and physical condition to attend the course in which he/she has applied for and understand that if he/she is not physically able to perform the tasks that are required to complete the course, this may affect his/her overall grade, may hinder his/her ability to complete the course, and may receive injury during training.

Physical Requirements

A student enrolling in our courses must be able to, and hereby agrees that he or she can:

-Attach and detach animal training collars and leashes.

-Grasp and hold a leash, controlling small, medium and large dogs.

-Be able to reach above and below shoulder height with both hands.

-Be outdoors in various weather conditions.

-Operate at brisk pace.

-Lift up to 40 lbs.

-Carry up to 20 lbs.

-Physically restrain large dogs.

-Hear normal conversation up to 100 feet away and in close proximity to others.

-Students in courses that include decoy/helper skills must be able to take bites from a dog in various settings.

Student Housing

Housing is available for students attending the College for $150 per week, based on double occupancy. Private rooms are available on a limited basis. There are separate rooms for men and women. In order to secure housing for the course/semester in which you want to attend, the housing fee must be paid in full on the first day of class. Due to the limited space in the school, housing payments will not be refunded if you are unable to attend the school during the semester in which you register, withdraw, or are dismissed. Students must leave the room clean and in good repair when moving out. Students are expected to vacate student housing no later than 2 days after graduation.

Dress Code policy

Students are encouraged to wear clothing that does not confine movement yet is not so loose it could get caught in gates or easily grabbed by a dog. Wear safe, non-slip shoes and keep them tied. Utilize good judgment and common sense, especially in regards to weather.

Liability

Students will hold Conifer Canine LLC not liable for any injury, or expenses as a result of injury, while performing tasks as a student in the Dog Trainer College. This includes the student, the dogs they train as students, and any dogs students may bring with them to the College.

Video and Photography policy

Applicants and students will consent and agree that Conifer Canine LLC, its employees or agents have the right to take photograph, videotape, or digital recordings of me and to use it in all media exclusively for the purpose of supporting and promoting the mission of Conifer Canine LLC. Students must further consent that his/her name and identity may be released therein or descriptive text or commentary and release to Conifer Canine LLC, its agents, and employees all right to exhibit this work in print and electronic form publicly or privately and to market my identity or likeness in whatever media used. It is to be understood that there will be no financial or other remuneration for recording me, either for initial or subsequent transmission or playback. They further agree that such photographs or video footage may be used for educational and marketing purposes in Conifer Canine LLC promotional video materials and or third party use by funder or prospective funder. They also understand that Conifer Canine LLC is not responsible for any expense or liability incurred as a result of their participation in this recording, including medical expenses due to any sickness or injury incurred as result.

English Language Proficiency

All instruction at the Dog Trainer College is conducted in English. No English language test is administered. By applying to the College, the applicant agrees that he or she is able to communicate in English. Conifer Canine’s Dog Trainer College does not provide language learning services.

Training Conditions

The nature of canine training is largely done outdoors, therefore our students are encouraged to dress accordingly. Our summers are hot and humid, winters are usually mild however some days/weeks can be cold, snowy, and windy. We do occasionally cancel class due to weather conditions, in which event all book work, homework, and tests must be maintained.

Revisions

At its discretion, the college reserves the right to revise all terms, provisions, policies, requirements, and procedures contained in this catalog. Each student will be bound by and must comply with all terms, provisions, policies, requirements, and procedures contained in this catalog.

STUDENT CODE of CONDUCT

Students understand that during their attendance at the Conifer Canine Dog Trainer College, they will be held to the Students Code of Conduct and will be solely responsible for their actions and the actions of any personal dogs that may accompany them during the Course. They also understand that if they do not adhere to this Code of Conduct that disciplinary actions including suspension and/or dismissal may be administered.

For the health of our students, staff, clients, guests, and dogs, the College is a smoke-free, vape-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free environment.

Students are responsible for the behavior of the dogs brought with them to the College.

Violation of the Code of Conduct will be at the sole discretion of college officials.

Discipline and/or Dismissal

Grounds for discipline and/or dismissal include, but are not limited to, toxic attitudes, drug use or possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia, alcohol use, smoking, abuse towards staff, students, animals, and/or property, jeopardizing the safety of self or others, sexual harassment, acts of dishonesty, plagiarism, or other derogatory behavior deemed inappropriate by the staff.

Class Schedule

The Dog Trainer College has 3 semesters per year. Each semester begins the first Monday of March, July, and October. Each course offered can run concurrently with other courses. The ending dates will depend upon the length of the course chosen. Please note that the Master Trainer and Service Dog Trainer courses are only offered in the Spring and Summer semesters.

Holidays in which class does not meet are New Year’s Day, M.L.K Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Classes meet on Monday – Friday at 9am and dismiss around 4pm (give or take, depending upon class size, weather, number of dogs to train, etc) with an hour break for lunch from 12-1. While attempts will be made to maintain this schedule, please note that these times are approximate, given the nature of working with livestock, working outdoors in many kinds of weather, training appointments, veterinary emergencies, and/or other contingencies.

Course Selection

These engaging dog trainer courses are broad and thorough in their respective fields of study. They have been purposefully developed to engage and equip the student to train dogs on a professional level. The successful student will rank with some of the highest performance standards in the industry. The student will discover many things about the canine world in his/her quest to become a professional dog trainer. The courses are designed to furnish the student with a variety of methods and techniques to achieve proficient training goals.

There are classroom lectures and discussions, hands-on experience in the field, and testing in the areas of training theory as well practical experience.

Course outlines are included in the Catalog and may be found by visiting the Dog Trainer Courses page