Training Clinics and Correspondence Courses
Thank you for your interest in our dog training clinics and correspondence programs.
Trick and Frisbee |
Problem Behaviour | The Business of Dog Training | Personal Protection
For those who do not have the opportunity to join us for our 12 week professional dog trainers program,
the following options are a great way to get your education started.
Spaces are limited in the following programs, so be sure to book early to ensure a space in the program of your choice.
As prices may be subject to change, please contact us for current fee schedules for the following programs.
The correspondence courses are taught by email, DVD/VHS video, and webcam ( live feed ).
If you are attending training clinics, they will be taught on site at our training venue in Victoria, B.C.
Please check this area often for updates on correspondence courses offered by Ben Kersen and the wonderdogs!
Trick and Frisbee
This program will teach you step-by step to train dogs to do amazing trick and frisbee routines. The course runs six hours per day, five days per week for two weeks. Ben will draw on his 20 years of experience to show you how to create your own wonderdogs and make top dollar as an entertainer.
You can order Ben's trick and frisbee video to see the amazing routines that Ben's Wonderdogs have performed on T.V. across North America. Seeing the Wonderdogs in action, you will be thrilled to know that you can teach the same tricks to your own dog.
This
2-week program also covers the following topics:
- Creating and finding entertainment opportunities at sports events, fairs, corporate picnics, conventions, and private parties
- How to involve your audience in your show and get the best response from them
- Negotiating the best deal for yourself, and writing up the contract
- Pricing - how much should you charge per show?
- Pros and cons of working through a talent agent
- How to write a press release, and receive tremendous media exposure free of charge
- How to ensure your dogs' safety and the audience's safety
- Pros and cons of a wireless P.A. system
- Pros and cons of using a music soundtrack during your performance
- How to promote yourself during your show—company vehicle, T-shirts, signed photos, etc.
- Spin-off income—sale of t-shirts, videos, dog training lessons, etc.
Ben has had so much enjoyment performing with his dogs over the years, now he wants to share that with others. Successful graduates of this program will be invited to make guest appearances at Ben's shows for some first-hand experience!!
Problem Behaviour
Would you believe that most dog owners lose hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of personal property before enlisting the services of a reputable trainer? The results from Ben's counseling for problem behaviour are remarkable. The feedback received from thousands of clients over the past two decades indicates that problems such as aggression, housebreaking, jumping up, barking, chewing, digging and many more are completely resolved within 2-3 days.
The problem behaviour program includes an in-depth and comprehensive study of all problem behavior areas:
|
|
Related Topics Include:
- The underlying causes of problem behaviour and prevention
- Canine Psychology —understanding how dogs reason and respond to the environment in which they live
- Evaluating your clients, their dogs, and their daily environment
You are welcome to bring your own dog to this program whether he or she is displaying problem behaviour traits or not. The severity of the problems does not matter - we enjoy a challenge!!
Please contact us for start dates and prices. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Business of Dog Training
Operating any business requires several key components to ensure success. This program explores the business of dog training including the creative aspect of owning your own training and boarding facility.
Topics
include:
- Marketing and Sales—the backbone of any business
- Spending your advertising dollars wisely
- Advertising conception and
implementation
- Staging an even the media cannot ignore
- Creating an image through company uniforms, vehicles, stationery, etc.
- Increasing word-of-mouth advertising
- Public Relations—from young children to senior citizens—recognizing your client's specific needs and tailoring your teaching approach accordingly
- Subcontracting contracts with staff
- Zoning regulations
- Incorporation vs. proprietorship
- Insurance: What do you really need?
- Producing your own video cassettes and CD-Roms for clients or for resale
- Designing forms, contracts, and literature that save time and repetition
- Pros and cons of expanding into: sales of pet food and supplies, dog grooming, pet sitting, and kennel services
- Finding training venues and how to get them rent-free
- Basic income tax information—how
to maximize your write-offs and decrease your income tax
These are just some of the areas in which Ben's expertise can help you jump-start your business while avoiding common pitfalls.
Ben has used his trade skills and secrets to book himself on prestigious TV programs such as the Today Show, and he will share his free advertising secrets with you in this clinic. Don't reinvent the wheel—save time and money as Ben guides you through the lessons he learned the hard way. Whether you are just starting your career as a professional trainer or you are a 20-year veteran, this course will be invaluable in boosting your bottom line.
Please contact us for start dates and prices. We look forward to hearing from you!
Personal Protection
A dog trained for protection needs to be absolutely trustworthy in all situations. In this program, Ben teaches you step by step how to train a trustworthy personal protection dog. This program runs 6 hours per day, five days per week for two weeks.
There is a big difference between a highly trained personal protection dog and a “junk-yard” dog. The top Shutzhund dogs in North America are fearless and ferocious when competing, yet they are absolutely dependable in day-to-day situations. Ben’s Wonderdogs are in the public year round and are routinely mobbed by boisterous children after their trick and frisbee show. It may surprise you to know that they all have an advanced level of personal protection training.
This
clinic includes the following:
- foundation training and confidence building
- sound off and alarm dog training
- role of the agitator (bad guy)
- simulating real-to-life protection situations
- training to guard property, house, and car without the handler present
- how to build drive in a dog and use it to your advantage
- “recall” during the attack command
- releasing the “agitator” after the attack
- “automatic response” – teaching a dog to attack automatically when the handler is threatened
Guest lecturer Erin Simpson and "Maya Von Bergblick Sch H II" are the 1997 Schutzhund II Canadian Champions. Erin's extensive expertise will be an invaluable asset to anyone interested in this field of training.
Please contact us for start dates and prices. We look forward to hearing from you!
Ben Kersen &
The Wonderdogs
133 Joseph Street, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8S 3H6
Phone: 250-389-1876 Toll Free: 1-800-961-6616
Fax: 250-389-1138
Email: wonderdogs@wonderdogs.bc.ca Site Map
© Ben Kersen and the Wonderdogs, 1998