In the twenty years that Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc. (ABTA) has been in business, we have seen numerous changes occur in the field of dog training. When we first began, most trainers were using relatively harsh, compulsion training methods. Many owners still believed their dogs needed to be at least six months of age before training could commence. Thankfully, trainers are now using far gentler training methods and owners are much more receptive to training their dogs at an earlier age.

Unfortunately, one thing that has not yet changed is there are still no state or federally regulated standards for obedience trainers. This means that anyone can print up business cards and call himself or herself a dog trainer. As the largest training company in the nation, ABTA has taught hundreds of thousands of students and their dogs. Because we are in a position each year to positively impact the lives of tens of thousands of dogs and their owners, we believe we have an obligation to set high quality standards for every instructor that graduates from our apprenticeship program.

The Animal Behavior University Obedience Instructor Training Program utilizes hands on techniques and the curriculum stresses an understanding of canine problem solving as well as being very solution oriented. Decades of experience have taught us that while it is important to understand what motivates a dog's behavior, a good instructor must have numerous viable solutions at their disposal. Finally, we have endeavored to provide you with the tools that will allow you to become an effective communicator and teacher.

We are excited to offer you admission into this program and are looking forward to following your progress. Thank you for choosing ABTA and happy training!

Sincerely,

Steven P. Appelbaum
President CEO ABTA