Trainer's School »
Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions. However, the best way to find
out about our programs is to speak to Robin personally. Please feel free to contact us at
866-364-5239 if you would like to schedule a time to speak with Robin.
Q. Where would I stay while attending the E-cademy?
A. There are a number of local hotels in Dubuque, Iowa (15 minutes from the training
center) that are pet friendly. We can help you find accommodations that suit your
needs.
Q. Should I bring a dog to the program?
A. Participants are encouraged to bring a dog with them. It may be a personal dog or a
clientʼs dog. In either case, the dog should have no or very little e-collar experience.
Students may bring 2 dogs if in a situation where the additional dog only needs care
taking. It is not advisable to attempt to train 2 personal dogs while attending the
program. You will be busy with lessons, lectures and working with a variety of other
dogs during your stay.
Q. Are there specific requirements for the dog I bring?
A. Dogʼs must be current on Rabies, Distemper/Parvo and Corona Virus vaccinations or
equivalent titer values to prove immunity. Dogʼs should be in good health and at least
5 months of age. Dogʼs with behavioral issues are welcome but please contact
us if you have specific concerns you would like to discuss prior
to making your decision.
Q. None of the scheduled courses fit my time available is there another way I can study
with Robin?
A. Private mentoring is available, however because the work is one to one with the
entire day dedicated to you as the only student, the fee structure is different than the
class environment. Contact us if you would like to discuss
private mentoring.
Q. How does the TMD program differ from itʼs competitors?
A. Based on feedback we get from students who have attended the E-cademy after
having attended other programs, we hear there are a number of differences. One of
the primary ones is that our program is more comprehensive. Our basic program
teaches the following concepts: Loose lead walking, Heel, Sit/Stay, Down/Stay, Place
and directional and distance training, agility equipment, Attention sit, Problem solving
such as jumping up, bolting, and nuisance barking.
Not only do we teach the basic mechanics of remote collar training we also teach
many of the aspects (large field socialization, other tools, pack work, health
considerations) that should be understood for successfully dealing with behavioral
cases such as aggression and anxiety issues.
We also pay particular attention to teaching our students how to successfully instruct
dog owners in the *how toʼs* of this method. It is our feeling that this knowledge is
what separates successfully trainers from their competition. In addition to learning
how to instruct our students also learn our successful model for phone conversions,
e-mail correspondence and in person evaluations which all lead to signing up clients
and their dogs for training programs.
Q. What is the goal of the TMD E-cademy Program?
A. The goal is to help you become highly comfortable incorporating a remote collar to
teach most any aspect of basic obedience and problem solving to a pet dog owner.
You should be able to work with a green dog, find the appropriate level of stimulation,
teach a variety of basic concepts, answer questions pertinent to the niche of the
profession and understand how to successfully teach the dog owners to use the tool
on their own.
Q. What is the typical day like during the E-cademy experience?
A. There is a tremendous amount of information and experience packed into your study
time here at the TMD E-cademy. A typical day consists of a lecture/discussion period,
and several hands – on sessions working dogs (your dog, green dogs at the human
society and dogʼs in the residency training program at TMD.) You will attend private
and group lessons with TMD clients to see how we structure the program and learn
how to instruct pet dog owners and help them to be successful with their dog. You will
also observe all of our evaluations and demonstrations so you can learn the ins and
outs of evaluating the dog, presenting your program options to a potential client and
how to handle the various commonly asked questions about this method of training.
In addition TMD often performs in public venues for a variety of functions and
presentations. You are welcome to attend any opportunity that may arise during your
time studying here.
Q. When I complete the program will I be certified?
A. All participants will be issued a certificate of attendance. Students completing the 10
day course (or equivalent) and passing the written and practical exam administered
at the end of this course will be issued a certificate as having meet requirements that
demonstrate their capability to teach other pet dog owners how to properly utilize a
remote collar for basic training. Those issued this certificate will be listed on the TMD
Graduate listing and are authorized to state they are TMD E-cademy certified if they
so wish.
Q. Do I need to purchase a franchise, use the TMD name or continue paying fees to
TMD in the future in order to attend the course?
A. No. The TMD E-cademy programs are educational opportunities dedicated to the
betterment of professional dog training. There is no requirement to purchase future
products, services or business associations from Thatʼs My Dog! Inc.
