Certified Foundation Style Dog Training Technologist (FSDT-5)

The holder of this certification has completed an exhaustive curriculum based on the scientific study of canine ethology, domestication, behavior, health, and training science.

Through participating in the study, analysis, peer evaluation, and creation of unique training blueprints for canines of varying difficulty levels, the holder is certified to create and supervise canine training programs that adhere to original Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive Guidelines (LIMA) created by Steven Lindsay and fall within the standards of Foundation Style Dog Training.

Behavior Credential

Modules Include:

  • Business Ethics for Professional Dog Trainers
  • Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Understanding Cynopraxis and Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive Dog Training (LIMA)
  • Canine Ethology
  • Canine Domestication and Breed Differences
  • Canine Body Language
  • Canine Temperament Traits
  • Diagnosing and Treating Different Aggressive Behaviors
  • Creating Housebreaking Plans
  • Understanding and Treating Anxiety
  • Conducting Consultations for Complex Behavior and Aggression Problems

Husbandry Credential

Modules include:

  • the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
  • Introduction to Kennel Management
  • In-Home Boarding Requirements
  • Kennel Design Considerations
  • Climate Control
  • Disinfection
  • External Parasite Control
  • Internal Parasite Control
  • Understanding Vaccinations
  • Canine Nutrition and Diet Options
  • Canine Dental Care
  • the Effects of Neutering
  • All Breed Grooming Techniques
  • Behavior-Altering Health Conditions

Emergency Canine First Aid

Modules include:

  • Safely handling injured canines
  • Initial injury assessments
  • Detecting illness
  • Body Temperature Emergencies
  • Understanding and Responding to Shock
  • Bleeding Care
  • Response to lameness
  • Fractures and Spinal Injuries
  • Burn Care
  • Poisoning
  • Allergies
  • Breathing Problems
  • CPR
  • Complex Emergencies
  • End of Life Preparedness

The Obedience Instructor Credential:

This credential is awarded to those who have completed the requirements of the Foundation Style Dog Training Obedience Instructor Course.

The credential holder has demonstrated the ability to understand the science behind Least Intrusive and Minimally Aversive training and how to instruct others in methods to gain off-leash control of canines of various temperaments and difficulty levels.

Coursework emphasizes a deep understanding of dog training theory to create efficient, flexible, and easy-to-understand instruction.

Modules include:

  • Classical and Operant Conditioning
  • Shaping and Chaining Behaviors
  • Schedules of Reinforcement
  • Escape and Avoidance Conditioning
  • ABC Behavior Analysis
  • Reward-Based Training Techniques
  • The Science of Humanely Using Discipline in Training Plans
  • Building Clear Communication Between Handler and Dog
  • Proper Use of All Professional Training Tools
  • Advanced Leash Handling and Training Mechanics
  • How to Train Aggressive Dogs Safely
  • How to Train and Build Confidence in Fearful Dogs
  • Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating Expert Training Instruction

Additionally, the holder of this certification has demonstrated ability through:

  • analysis of scientific canine literature
  • creation and demonstration of unique training instruction
  • evaluation of peer training instruction
  • analysis of problem canine behavior
  • creation of training, rehabilitation, and aggression management blueprints for complex canine behavioral issues.

8 Steps