PUPS Dog Training Academy: A Different Breed For Canine Behavioral Modification

“Train the trainer” programs at other places (think: the “big box” stores) generally last about two to four weeks. Our approach to canine training at PUPS Pet Club is a far different animal.

A 6-month “hybrid” program, our Dog Training Academy blends lessons in the classroom with experiential, hands-on work in the field to “deep dive” into canine behaviors, behavioral modification, training styles and pet-parent communication. Our apprentices graduate with considerable problem-solving skills. They skillfully contend with real-life situations, because they have “been there, done that.” Our newly-minted trainers are never islands unto themselves. They become part of a close-knitted community. Trainers lean on each other for support and advice. There is trust and psychological safety. We encourage sharing. Trainers feel comfortable enough to ask, “I’m struggling with [insert behavioral challenge here]. What would you do?” 

The structure and nature of our training team and services also brings considerable value to our members. When pet parents embark on a training journey with PUPS, they have a primary trainer and an entire team of experienced, knowledgeable peers to clear the obstacles and celebrate the triumphs! 

We recognize that canine behavioral training is dynamic. There are always new techniques to acquire. So, we at PUPS invest in development well beyond graduation from our Academy. Throughout their careers, our trainers are exposed to enriching educational opportunities that support growth in their relationships with canine students and our members, pup parents. 

Just as trainer training is an ongoing process, canine training does not have a definitive “end point.” Life is in constant flux. New behaviors surface. Old behaviors creep in. Training demands constancy, patience, flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and buy-in and commitment on the part of the pup parent. 

Led by Master of Training, Founder and CEO of PUPS, Dan Rubenstein, and Director of Training, Liz Silberman, apprentices also benefit from:

• Exploration of wide-ranging dog behaviors, canine psychology and development, behavioral modification and training styles through lectures, discussions, videos,  and homework. Learning in the classroom is then applied in practice in the “real world”: the field. 
• Apprentices shadow trainers daily. They rotate through different trainers every two weeks. In turn, apprentices experience varied training styles in practice, and see how each person addresses different behaviors. 
• Initially, apprentice-trainers observe and take notes before actively participating in lessons. 
• The academy culminates with apprentices demonstrating their know-how to Liz. They must clearly and accurately explain the reasons behind responses to handling common behaviors. Liz then confirms that the trainer is ready to confidently impart their expertise and sound, practical knowledge to our members. Pet parents can then confidently integrate such guidance into their day-to-day lives, for the betterment of their pup and the household.
• Liz encourages trainers to lean into their passions and interests. So, each graduate carves out niches in, say, working with specific breeds or common trouble behaviors. 
• Our multi-talented trainers have an understanding of the business side of PUPS, which aids in each trainer’s capacity to retain and/or grow his, her, or their own book of business. 

At least two new apprentices are invited at 6-month intervals. The cyclical nature of our Academy allows for us to continually introduce new perspectives, ready additional canine behavior experts, and build loyalty among our ever-growing community of devoted pet owners and canine enthusiasts. We at PUPS are truly a different breed, providing a fresh approach to improving the lives of the dogs that we train, and strengthening the canine-human bond, one valued relationship at a time.