Learn more about MuttSchool's training methods:
The dog training industry is unregulated with no licensing requirements or regulatory oversight. This makes it difficult to know who to trust when searching for training for your furry family member. That's why MuttSchool believes that a certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is so important for our staff. A CPDT certification gives you a way to distinguish dog training professionals whose education, experience, knowledge and skills have stood up to rigorous testing.
We are dedicated to helping dogs and their people build relationships based on trust, compassion, and understanding. MuttSchool instructors have trained over 5,000 Kansas dogs since our business began in 2007. Together our team has over 170 years of combined experience working with animals. Our owner, Mary, has more than 30 years of dog training experience and imparts this in designing MuttSchool's curriculum and training plans. That's experience you can trust.
There is not a one size fits all dog training solution. Every dog has individual training needs. And, each owner has their own lifestyle requirements. Finding a way to meld these together so you and your dog can be successful is why MuttSchool offers a variety of services for you to choose from. Let us develop an individualized training plan just for you and your dog!
MuttSchool's instructors have completed professional dog training schools, have university degrees or are in the process of completing their formal education. Several of our certified trainers are graduates of the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy. A few trainers have Certificates in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington. Other instructors have completed their education from Animal Behavior College (ABC). MuttSchool is also an ABC Mentor Training Facility. In addition, all of our instructors are expected to attend yearly professional development seminars to stay on the forefront of the dog training field.
Training your dog makes good financial sense. Untrained dogs can be a risk to other people and dogs. If you think training is expensive, simply envision the veterinary bill if your dog is hit by a car because he refused to come to you. Or the civil court payouts if the dog bites someone or attacks another dog. You risk lawsuits, medical care, veterinarian care, legal fees and animal control fines. You are investing in training for your dog now to prevent challenging behaviors and to avoid those costs later.
While we are not veterinarians, we spend time with your dog and can be a watchful eye to report if we see health concerns that may require veterinary care. All of our employees are required to complete the American Red Cross Cat & Dog First Aid course as part of our on-boarding process. Rest assured that your MuttSchool trainers are knowledgable on what to do for a pet in an emergency situation prior to getting veterinary care.
You have a team of professional trainers
working for you and your dog.
Below are a few of the organizations we are associated with and certifications our trainers have achieved:
Want to become a dog trainer?
Learn animal behavior through a MuttSchool internship.
This is an unpaid position. To receive college credit, you will need to get approval through your university advisor. The internship requires a commitment of 10-20 hours per week including Sunday availability. MuttSchool accepts 2 interns per spring, summer, and fall cohorts.
May 15 to August 18, 2023
Careers at MuttSchool
We are looking for:
CPDT-certified dog trainer — Muttschool is seeking a highly skilled and passionate CPDT dog trainer to join our team. The CPDT dog trainer will be responsible for working in our DaySchool, providing private training sessions, group classes, and behavior modification programs for dogs of all ages and breeds. MuttSchool utilzes a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention Philosophy. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of canine behavior, training techniques, and a strong commitment to positive reinforcement. The work schedule for this position is flexible and can be either full-time or part-time based on the candidate's work-life balance requirements. However, the job may require working weekends and some evenings as these are the periods of high client demand for training services. The compensation package will be commensurate with the candidate's prior experience in training and handling dogs.
Training support staff —This is our entry level position on the path to becoming a dog trainer. MuttSchool has a tiered system of advancement to teach you to become a certified dog trainer. Applicant should be highly self-motivated and enthusiastic about working in a fast-paced, pet-focused, team environment. Only individuals with pet care experience and animal handling skills with all sizes and breeds of dogs will be considered. This position requires your full attention while on the job. The health, happiness and safety of our guests depend on your dog care knowledge, keen observation skills and attention to detail. If you are concerned about getting dirty - don't apply. All of our employees clean up mud, urine and feces. Your clothing will be covered in dog hair. The position is physically demanding and requires a great deal of stamina lifting and moving heavy equipment and kennels. This position helps to maintain a safe, organized, clean and sanitary facility for people and animals, manages small individual playgroups of dogs, cares for dogs including providing food and water, interacting, bathing and exercising, manages a wide variety of customer service and administrative tasks as needed. This position may also be required to complete janitorial duties such as taking out the garbage, sweeping, mopping, laundry, cleaning kennels and restocking supplies as needed and assists trainers with training client dogs.