Body of knowledge human learning dog works training company

Body of Knowledge | Human Learning

Body of Knowledge is the collected wisdom, experience, processes and facts that both inform a profession and provide the solid foundation for which continuous improvements and innovation can occur. 

Dog Works Training Company’s Body of Knowledge consists of the information, knowledge and functional skills we have identified that all dog trainers should posses. 

The Body of Knowledge is built on the foundation of the six core competencies as outlined by the Association for Pet Dog Trainers.

1. Animal Learning

2. Human Learning

3. Canine Behavior

4. Health and Nutrition 

5. Business

Laws and Regulations

The goal of this Body of Knowledge is fourfold:

1. To serve as the foundational benchmark for which DWTC and APDT education is aligned to ensure offerings are well-rounded and through

2. To serve as a standard by which professional dog trainers assess their own ongoing education

3. To serve as the guiding content which all provides of dog training and behavior-related educational rescues will strive to provide

4. To inform the clients of DWTC of our willingness to provide professional dog training and behavior-related services to the best of our ability through our continued effort and maximizing our knowledge and information and staying abreast of the current resources in the industry. 

Learning Theory

Develop an understanding of, and skills in, learning theory as it applies to humans

Knowledge Of: 

  • Fundamentals of learning theory 
  • Practical applications for the human learner

Skills In: 

  • Applying learning theories and practices in a classroom setting
  • Identifying and utilizing the appropriate theories and practices 

Human Instruction

Develop an understanding of, and skills in, teaching a variety of people, including but not limited to:

  • Various ages
  • Various learning differences and abilities
  • Various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds

Knowledge Of: 

  • Fundamentals of adult learning theories and practices
  • Learning terminology

Skills In: 

  • Applying learning theories and practices in a classroom setting
  • Identifying and utilizing the appropriate theories and practices 

Client Management 

Develop a familiarity with, and understanding of, and skills in client case management in order to most effectively instruct clients

Knowledge Of:

  • Difference between wants and needs
  • Active listening techniques 
  • Project management 
  • Training assessment tools
  • Survey techniques 
  • Thorough client histories 
  • Creating reports
  • Conducting periodic and final assessments and follow-ups

Skills In: 

  • Distinguishing between needs and wants 
  • Analyzing information
  • Active listening techniques
  • Conveying needs over wants
  • Project management techniques include but are not limited to:
    • Attention to detail 
    • Multitasking
    • Time management 
    • Planning
    • Scheduling 
    • Goal setting
    • Organizing
  • Designing an assessment tool
  • Identifying key issues 
  • Analytical and critical skills 
  • Assessing situations
  • Decision making
  • Problem-solving
  • Developing surveys 
  • Note-taking 
  • Written and oral communication
  • Record keeping
  • Organization

Group Class Instruction

Develop a famiiarity with and skills in creating, managing, and effectively teaching group training classes

Knowledge Of: 

  • Fundamentals of session design techniques 
  • Class management methods, techniques and strategies 
  • Curriculum development 
  • Project management 
  • Group motivation techniques 
  • Group-specific lesson planning (children, seniors, etc.)

Skills In: 

  • Administering training sessions 
  • Designing training sessions
  • Preparing and conducting an instructional sound training session
  • Managing a class setting with multiple dogs and owners 
  • Curriculum design
  • Oral and written communication 
  • Organization 
  • Record keeping 
  • Time management 
  • Motivating and managing groups
  • Multitasking 
  • Building customer relations and confidence
  • Setting priorities 
  • Attention to detail
  • Managing conflict 

Private Session Training 

Develop a familiarity with and skills in effectively conducting private training sessions 

Knowledge Of: 

  • Fundamentals of session design 
  • Active listening 

Skills In: 

  • Administering training sessions
  • Designing training sessions
  • Preparing and conducting an instructional sound training session 
  • Time management 
  • Record keeping 
  • Written and oral communication 
  • Organization

Instruction of Mechanical Training Skills 

Teach clients how to train their dogs to perform specific basic behaviors such as sit, down, etc. 

Knowledge Of: 

  • Specific manners and behaviors such as sit and down
  • Fundamental theories and practical elements of adult and animal learning 
  • Group motivation
  • Animal learning terminologies 

Skills In: 

  • Teaching specific dog manners and behaviors 
  • Identifying and utilizing the appropriate theories and practices 
  • Applying adult learning techniques 
  • Motivating groups