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Dog Trainer

Animals: Lucky Dog, Colorado Springs, CO

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Have you wondered how Lassie and Eddie of “Frazier” fame became canine stars? Do you find yourself talking to your dog as though he is your best friend, because you know he understands what you are saying? Do you recognize that a dog’s behavior is only as good as his owner’s commitment to helping him be a good canine citizen? If so, fill your pockets with doggie treats and come spend a VocationVacation® as a dog trainer with Angie Neal, a dog trainer and certified behavior consultant with Lucky Dog Resorts & Training School.

Angie has loved dogs all her life and is committed to helping dogs and their owners build positive relationships enabling them to live long, happy lives together. She began her career more than 20 years ago working her way up from apprentice to instructor under the guidance of Joan Guertin, founder of Common Sense Dog Training. While living in California, Angie became a certified dog training instructor for Guide Dogs for the Blind and was the first trainer in the Sacramento area to become a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. “As a CDBC, you are trained to help build and strengthen relationships between owners and their pets,” explains Angie. “The goal is to create an atmosphere where all members of the household together learn positive techniques for training their dog.”

Her focus on positive reinforcement is at the core of Angie’s training philosophy. However, Angie believes the most important key to successfully training a dog is its owner. “It used to be it was all about training the dog,” says Angie. “Now, we understand that is more about training and educating the owner and securing their involvement in the process.” One of Angie’s biggest rewards in her job is working with owners to change their dog’s behavioral problems that, if ignored, could result in the owner deciding to give the dog up for adoption.

The scope of Angie’s work includes classes in obedience and agility, in-home consultations, and puppy kindergarten. “It is really important to start training your dog early,” says Angie. “Even a seven-week-old puppy can begin learning positive socialization habits.” In her work, Angie looks beyond the obvious signs of behavioral problems to determine if there are extenuating reasons for bad behavior. “Sometimes a health issue or poor nutrition is at the root of the problem. Identifying the problem is important in finding the solution.”

Because of the emphasis on owner involvement in the training of dogs, it is critical a dog trainer be able to relate well to people. “If you are going to be a dog trainer, don’t think your biggest communication issues will be with the dogs,” laughs Angie. “Your real challenge is effectively communicating with the owners and winning their trust and commitment to the program.” Angie believes successful dog trainers are compassionate and truly love working with people.

Over the years, she has been a mentor to many individuals interested in becoming dog trainers. With her help and realistic approach to the profession, many of these people who dreamed of becoming dog trainers have realized their dream and opened their own business. Maybe you will be next!

While on your Dog Trainer VocationVacation® dream job holiday with Angie Neal, activities will include some or all of the following:

Instruction on how to evaluate good candidates (dogs and humans) for group classes vs. private lessons
How to stay safe while evaluating dogs (dog behavior and body language)
Hands on evaluation of pups to promote guidance for safe socialization
How to run a group obedience class, and keep clients focused
Accompany trainer to an in-home consultation (if available) Learn about types of education and certification for dog trainers
Receive instruction on canine health and diet and how it can effect behavior
Discuss future career opportunities

The Dog Trainer VocationVacations® holiday with Angie Neal includes:

One day of one-on-one mentorship in your dream job as a dog trainer
The ability to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®), an online personality assessment designed to identify interests and skill sets
The opportunity to participate in a total of one hour of pre- and post-VocationVacation career coaching from an accredited, affiliated VocationVacations career coach
A pocket-size VocationVacations journal so you can document your dream job becoming a reality
Light lunches with your mentor

Available: All year based on mentor's availability, with exception of holiday weekends

Price: $549 Per Person

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Suggested Accommodations

The Broadmoor

Holden House 1902 Bed and Breakfast Inn

(Not included in the price of the VocationVacations® holiday)

Other activities and tourist destinations while on your VocationVacations® adventure:

Reservation, Cancellation and Rescheduling Rules and Conditions:

Full payment of the VocationVacations dream job holiday is required to make a reservation. A $100 non-refundable fee is assessed if a VocationVacations experience is cancelled or rescheduled prior to 14-days of the scheduled VocationVacations holiday, based on the approved availability of the mentor to reschedule. A VocationVacations adventure cannot be rescheduled and is non-refundable if cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled VocationVacations holiday. Written notification of cancellation or rescheduling is required in all cases. In the US, Grounded Nomads, LLC and VocationVacations holidays encourage all customers to acquire travel insurance to cover any unforeseen expenses due to cancellation or rescheduling. In the UK, Grounded Nomads, Ltd and VocationVacations holidays must require all customers to acquire travel insurance to cover any unforeseen expenses due to cancellation or rescheduling and provide verification of such travel insurance to Grounded Nomads, Ltd.