The Apprenticeship

If you’re thinking about joining us for an apprenticeship, you’re probably kind of awesome.

Anyone who dreams of helping dogs and humans connect on a deeper level, is our kind of human, and we can’t wait to meet you.

Our apprenticeship is wildly different from the the majority of options for learning about dog training available today.
You will have extensive hands-on time with trainers and dogs so you can become fluent in dog training methods, while participating in hybird online and classroom learning so that you can get a thorough grasp of the science behind those methods.

So get in here, and get your hands dirty…
Then go save the world.

Dog Training Foundations Apprenticeship

Now accepting applications for Fall 2025!

Pre-requisite: Application, interview, and acceptance into the program.
Cost: $4700 (Payment programs are available. Inquire.)
Completion time: 6-8 months.

No experience necessary, but applicants with some higher education, excellent verbal and written skills, and a strong interest in humans and dogs are given priority.

Apply now

What to expect:

Regular classroom instruction with head trainer Amanda Gagnon and other AGDT trainers, both in-facility and online.
Extensive hands-on practice time with dogs at our training facility.
Hands-on assisting with playgroups, and other community events.
Attendance at regular trainer summits.
Extensive individual study from books and scientific articles on provided reading list.
Periodic written, oral, and practical testing.
Dog-walking and other dog care opportunities to increase your experience with dog-handling.
A minimum of 4-hours of in-person work and 4-hours of online/written work each week.

What you will learn:

Dog Handling.
Dog-human Communication.
Dog-Dog Communication.
Dog husbandry and development.
Breed behavior patterns and issues.
How to install, proof, and maintain basic obedience Training.
Principles of behavior modification.
Trick Training, Concepts of freestyle, agility, etc.
Puppy development and Puppy raising.
Solving behavior problems from the benign to the serious.
Coaching humans and dogs together. (people skills and public speaking)
Dealing with complex ethical concerns as a dog trainer.
Current scientific research.
Industry standards, practices, and opportunities.
An introduction to anthrozoological perspectives on dog training, dog-related professions, and dog-human cultures.

“The hands-on training I got during the apprenticeship program helped me to put the information I was learning in Amanda's class and from the reading materials into context. It made the whole learning experience organic and exciting. I don't think an on-line course could ever offer this type of experience..”

— Gail N.

“This apprenticeship with Amanda and her incredible team deepened my understanding of dogs, reframed how I relate to them, and helped me reimagine the kind of trainer I want to be.”

— Sara S.

“As a 2nd-career dog trainer and dog-brain-behavior science nerd, I have been thrilled with the deep knowledge, expertise and hands-on opportunities that Amanda Gagnon and the Dog Training Apprenticeship Program have introduced to me.”

— Julie I.

The Career Track

Pre-Requisite: By invitation only.
Completion Time: Varies.

Apprentices for the career track are hand-picked from The Foundations apprenticeship or through special vetting in the field. This track is by invitation only. To date, every trainer who has entered the career track has gone on to have a successful career as a full-time professional dog trainer.