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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average age of the student's in the course?
The age range varies widely from 18 to 60 years old.

Do you need to have worked with dogs before to apply?
You don't need to have trained dogs before or even owned one. A love of dogs and a passion to want to be involved with them is a great start. A large number of our students have had no experience with dogs at all. See the application section of the web site for assets that would benefit you. A lot of skills are transferable to this field.

What work background do your students have?
We have a very diverse range of students. Some come straight from high-school graduation, while some come from years of experience in a totally different career. We also have a number of individuals who are already employed as dog trainers and are looking to advance their education.

What percent of your graduates work with dogs when they are done?
Over 90% of students work with dogs in some capacity upon graduation whether it be volunteering at a local shelter or building their own successful business.

What if there are already trainers in the area that I live?
There is always room for someone who is great at what they do. If you have the skills to work with people and you can train their dogs better and faster than the next trainer, you will always have work. And training is only one area that you can pursue. The course covers many other options to start you on your new career path such as dog sitting and walking, trick and Frisbee entertainment and dogs for movies and TV.

What guest speakers do you have?
We have a wide range of experts from the many disciplines in the dog world. To name a few we have police K9 handlers, veterinarians, Schutzhund dog sport experts, animal control staff, and groomers. The students also have the opportunity to see the guest speakers in action when they visit working border collie sheep farms, kennels, Animal Control shelters and more. Click here to read feedback on guest speakers from our students.

What training methods are used?
We use a balanced method of training which includes tons of positive reinforcement. We are not, however, "all positive" trainers and will use some negative reinforcement when needed (ie. using the word "no" in conjunction with a snap on the leash or halti). Our training methods are a great blend of both worlds and we consistently create dogs that achieve very high levels of training and absolutely love working for their handlers. To see an example of our training methods, watch the video clip entitled "Ben and Lexi Off-Leash and Beyond ". For more extensive examples, you may want to purchase our DVD series or come for a visit and see our methods live.

Do you need to bring your own dog?
Although you are welcome to, you do not have to have a dog or bring your own. Close to half of the students use dogs we supply and leave with the knowledge of how to pick a perfect puppy and ambassador for their new business which is obviously a great advantage! Also, all the students coming with or without a dog will experience hands-on training with a minimum of 35 dogs throughout the 12 week program. These dogs include dogs of various breeds and ages and come from diverse backgrounds.

Can I bring more than one dog?
Yes! Some students come with four or five dogs!

These students will leave Victoria not only with a career they can use anywhere in the world, but also with highly trained dogs that will be their future ambassadors!

To see how much your genius dog(s) will learn in our Professional Dog Trainers Program, click on Course Curriculum .

*Please note that not all dogs may be suitable to be trained to the highest level depending on age, health and energy levels.

Where do I stay during the time I am in the program?
You may make any arrangements you like for your accommodations. We suggest that you see the accommodations section listed under careers on our web site. Here you will find information on various options. Also, once you are accepted into the program, we will provide you with a list of private accommodation options. The majority of these listings have been used and recommended by previous students for years.

Where does my dog stay while I am in school?
With you! We are one big pack during your time with us and you should never need to board your dog. When your dog is not in training, he will either be asleep in his crate or your vehicle, or having a romp in our dog pen.

Do I need a car?
It is recommended but not essential unless you are coming with one or more dogs. We quite often have students that car pool together and share the cost. Let us know if you are interested in carpooling and we'll put you in contact with like-minded individuals.

Where are classes held?
The majority of our program is taught on a quiet acreage in the Brentwood Bay area about 20 km North of downtown Victoria. We also go on field trips to many beautiful settings in and around the city of Victoria. Imagine going for a class in one of Victoria's breathtaking provincial parks with lush forest all around you. We also go on excursions to high distraction areas such as downtown Victoria, public beaches and off-leash dog areas.

It says on the web site that classes are seven to nine hours a day. Do we work with the dogs all day?
Most days are divided up into working with the dogs in the mornings and theory, guest speakers and sometimes working with the dogs again in the afternoon. Also, for four weeks of the program, you will be observing and assisting in teaching a group training class full of novice owners and dogs.

Do you have locations that I can attend the school other than Victoria?
Not at this time. The course was designed by Ben and he believes in a hands-on approach to teaching. He is very much involved in the day-to-day running of the program including instructing both practical and theory. This is one of the things that makes our course unique and invaluable.
Every year we have students come from all over the world to attend our program. Location obviously wasn't the reason they chose this school – they picked it because they felt it was the one that would best prepare them for their new career.
If attending our on-site program is not an option for you, you may want to consider our correspondence program. It is a great tool to jump start your education from home.

Is there work available for students that want to earn some extra cash while taking the Professional Dog Trainers Program?
Yes, there is quite often diverse work available for students including office work, yard maintenance, painting etc. as well as dog boarding and walking. Work is available in the evenings and on weekends.

Can I get government funding to take this program?
Absolutely! We have had a number of students that have received funding to not only take our program, but also start their business afterwards! Click here to read more.

Who teaches the program ?
One of the great things about our program is that the founder, Ben Kersen actually teaches the program. Click here to read Ben's full bio. His instruction is supplemented by a great staff with so much to offer. Some of Ben's key instructors include:

Heather Millard is Ben's senior instructor and has been working for Ben for 7 years. She has also been an active competitor in the German dog sport of Schutzhund during this time. Click here to read Heather's full bio.

Nancy Noden is Ben's wife and has been working with him since 1989. She has a strong teaching background with a degree in music education and Post Degree Professional Program in Education.

Krista Randall has worked with Ben since 1998. In addition to working with the Wonderdogs, she runs a very busy grooming company.

Heather Barron completed the Professional Dog Trainers Program in 2008 and has been employed with the Wonderdogs since that time. Students and clients are giving her top marks on her teaching capabilities. To read Heather's bio click here.

Questions to ask Students or Graduates

Wonderdogs Mission Statement

The primary purpose of Ben Kersen and the Wonderdogs' Professional Dog Trainers Program is to prepare students for a career in professional dog training. The focus is to improve the relationship between people and their dogs. Our innovative training technique differs in many aspects from others currently available with the emphasis on making the training fun for both dog and owner while achieving quality results.

Graduates of the program will have the ability to professionally train any breed of dog and solve problem behaviour. Our intent is to have our graduates leave our program with the skills, work ethic and confidence needed to excel in their new career.