Class Location
Cost
$650 – Campers
$250 – Counselors-In-Training (CIT)
$0 – Counselors
Class Size
14 max per week
Instructor(s)
TBD
Description:
Canine Handler Academy (CHA) is the perfect summer opportunity for your child whether they want to develop skills to train their pet dog or aspire to a career working with dogs. Welcoming participants with all dog training skill levels, CHA instructs campers in scientifically-based dog training techniques. Campers also get a behind the scenes look at how working dogs including police, search and rescue, and even medical detection, are trained.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the working dog industry and learn about canines working in many disciplines including search and rescue, law enforcement, medical detection, and conservation. Your child will also gain additional skills in canine fitness, behavior, and positive reinforcement training.
2024 Schedule:
- Beginner Session #1: July 8-12, 2024
- Beginner Session #2: July 15-19, 2024
- Beginner Session #3: July 22-26, 2024
- Advanced Session: July 29-August 2, 2024
Eligible Students:
This summer program is for incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th graders (2024-2025 school year).
Incoming 10th graders who have completed the prerequisites are eligible to apply for a Counselor or Counselor-in-Training position.
Prerequisites:
Early drop-off and late pick-up options are available with pre-registration. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from the Working Dog Center as well as their own lunches. See description for individual session requirements.
Beginner Sessions
- Introduction to general dog training as well as working dogs and their many different jobs. Learn the fundamentals behind training search and rescue, obedience, and K9 fitness while discovering the benefits of positive reinforcement practices.
- For incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th graders (2024-2025 school year)
- Cost: $650
- Beginner Session #1: July 8-12, 2024
- Beginner Session #2: July 15-19, 2024
- Beginner Session #3: July 22-26, 2024
Advanced Session
- Full week dedicated to in depth exploration of Search & Rescue Dogs
- For incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th (2024-2025 school year) who have attended at least one beginner session. The beginner and advanced sessions may occur during the same summer.
- Attended an advanced session last year? Join us again and be able to expand your skills and take advantage of special opportunities.
- Cost: $650
- Advanced Session: July 29-August 2, 2024
Counselors & Counselors-In-Training (CIT)
The learning never stops! Our students do not age out but rather have the opportunity to become counselors. If your child has been with us in previous summers, they may be eligible to apply as a Counselor-In-Training or a Counselor.
- Must apply and receive notification prior to registering.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Qualifications for Counselor-In-Training
- Completed at least 1 beginner session
- Completed at least 1 advanced session
- Cost: $250
- Qualifications for Counselor
- Completed at least one Counselor-In-Training week
- Incoming 10th grader or older
- Cost: $0
*Incoming 9th graders may only be CITs for Beginner Sessions
*Incoming 10th graders+ may be CITs for Advanced Sessions
Appy to become a counselor or counselor-in-training…
Scholarships
We offer scholarships to applicants who qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
IMPORTANT: If you are applying for a scholarship please do so first before registering. Do not register until you have received approval. A spot will be held for you while your application is being considered.
Funding for these scholarships is made possible by the K9 RIP Training Fund, founded by the Penn Vet Working Dog Center’s Training Manager, Pat Kaynaroglu, to honor her search and rescue dog RIP.
If you have any questions, contact caninehandleracademy@gmail.com
Cancellation Policy:
Review our cancellation policy before completing your registration.
Register
STOP! Do not proceed if you are applying for a scholarship. A spot will be held for your child while your application is being reviewed.