Dog Trainer Dogs: Collins Canine, Chicago, IL   Book This Career Mentorship   Watch the Video

Do you want to be a Dog Trainer?

Have you spent hours working with your dog to make sure that Rover is the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood? Have you trained him to sit patiently at attention while you sip your morning coffee at the local outdoor café? If you dream of training furry friends and their owners instead of the boss’ latest hire, then you need to test-drive your dream job as a dog trainer with Lisa Collins of Collins Canine in Chicago.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in accounting, Lisa did what most finance graduates do - she got a corporate job. She started out as a financial analyst in commercial real estate. During her seven years in the finance world, she worked for a few different companies, including one she started herself – but she always yearned for something else. “I was hoping to transfer the experience I gained from running my own company doing something I was familiar with, to running my own company doing something I was passionate about,” remembers Lisa.

Lisa has had dogs her entire life. And she always dreamed of working with them as a full-time job. In 1998, she was "between dogs," so she started volunteering with The Anti Cruelty Society of Chicago in their dog adoption room. She went through one of the dog-training programs the society offers. Over time, she started teaching a few classes a week in addition to continuing with her full-time finance job.

Then the economy tanked. Lisa, like so many Vocationers turned Mentors, got laid off from her finance job in 2003. She decided to give the dog training thing a try. It quickly took off! “I first began managing a dog training/dog daycare operation, moved into teaching at the facility, and then decided to launch by own business and started Collins Canine,” explains Lisa.

Today, Lisa still teaches at The Anti Cruelty Society, in addition to two other facilities in the city. Lisa is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, joining an elite, accredited group from around the world having this certification. Her dog training style involves positive reinforcement that is highly conducive to rapid learning. “I strive to help give dogs and their owners a confident attitude that leads to a harmonious home life,” says Lisa. With the growth of her business, Lisa has added additional staff. Erik Weitz, who had worked with The Anti Cruelty Society in its behavior and training department, is now part of her team. “Erik is a great addition to Collins Canine and specializes in private training as well as teaching classes,” Lisa proudly states. Erik also provides behavioral and obedience consultations in clients’ homes.

While on your Dog Trainer VocationVacation, Lisa will take you under her wing to show you the ins and outs of running your own dog training business. From dealing with problem pooches to participating in puppy kindergarten, you will have the opportunity to work in all areas of the Collins Canine program. She will also give you the inside scoop on education, marketing and other business practices associated with running your own center. Lisa’s current curriculum includes Canine Good Citizen prep courses, trick classes and all levels of obedience with group lessons and private in-home sessions.

While on your Dog Trainer VocationVacations® dream job holiday at Collins Canine, you will work with Lisa and Erik in some or all of the following activities:

• Assist in running group classes for dogs aged eight weeks and up
• Assist in private one-on-one behavioral or obedience consultation
• Review financial aspects of running a dog training business
• Discuss and apply various dog training methods and equipment
• Discuss the development of curriculums, class schedules and new services to offer
• Participate in initial consultations to determine the best training methods for new and
• current clients
• Learn about your best options for education, certification and continuing education
• Observe and discuss various dog behaviors

The Dog Trainer VocationVacations® dream job holiday with Collins Canine includes:

• One day of one-on-one mentorship in your dream job as a dog trainer
• The opportunity to participate in a total of one hour of pre- and post- VocationVacations career coaching from an accredited, affiliated VocationVacations career coach
• A pocket-size VocationVacations journal so you can document your dream job coming to reality
• Light lunch with your mentor

Available: Based on mentor's availability

Price: $549 Per Person

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