The Canine Handler Academy is an academic one week summer program that will be held at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. No experience is necessary for beginner sessions! Participants will get to build their “dog resume” by learning dog training skills, watching demonstrations, and working hands on with the Center’s dogs.
Activities for the week include demonstrations by working dogs and discovering how dogs learn. Students will also experience clicker training, obedience, agility, fitness, and more!
Qualifications:
Participation is open to seventh, eighth and rising ninth graders. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis. For each session 12 participants will be accepted. Successful applicants will be notified upon acceptance. Let your essay really shine! Tell us all about your experiences and why you want to be a canine handler with us this summer!
Program Price:
The cost of the program is $650 for one week.
Participants will be notified of acceptance and given information on check and credit card payment option. Payment for the program must be paid in full within TWO WEEKS of acceptance in order to maintain the seat.
Scholarship Information:
We are currently working toward scholarship funding and if secured, we will be providing a range of tuition reduction to participants that demonstrate financial need.
Canine Handler Academy Sessions/Dates:
Beginner Sessions
Introduction to detection dogs and their many different jobs. Learn search, obedience, and fitness techniques while discovering the benefits of positive reinforcement practices.
Beginner Session #1 July 10–14, 2017
Beginner Session #2 July 17–21, 2017
Advanced Sessions
A full week dedicated to in depth exploration of specific working dog topics
*Prerequisite – attendance of at least one beginner session.
Advanced Session #1 July 24–28, 2017 Topic: Search & Rescue and Law Enforcement
Advanced Session #2 July 31-August 4, 2017 Topic: A Day In The Life of A K9 Handler
Previous Student Options
We never "age out" our students! If your student has been with us before, they are eligible to become Counselors In Training and after that Counselors (please request the CIT/Counselor survey caninehandleracademy@gmail.com).
This year we are offering 4 positions for Counselors in Training (CIT). There will be 2 available each of the first two sessions.
Qualifications for Counselors in Training:
· Completed at least 1 beginner session
· Completed at least 1 advanced session
· 9th grade or older
· Must apply and be approved by CHA Instructor
Qualifications for Counselors:
· Completed at least 1 beginner session
· Completed at least 1 advanced session
· Completed at least one Counselor in Training week
· 9th grade or older
· Must apply and be approved by CHA Instructor
Location:
The Penn Vet Working Dog Center is located at 3401 Grays Ferry Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146.
Drop Off/Pick Up