Training Division

Educational Objective

The objective of the Training Division is to create an environment that is conducive to learning the art of professional pet training. Through use of a balanced mixture of hands on training, lecture and practical experience students will have the opportunity to gain the skill and confidence to become successful pet trainers.

The goal of effective training is to produce a positive relationship between the owner and the dog. In addition to teaching many facets of dog training, our Academy will teach students valuable people skills. And since training pets is of little value without employment, our Academy will also spend much time teaching you how to apply your pet training skills toward a successful occupation or even start your own business.

Each four week segment provides education on how to be effective in the business of training. Students will participate at all levels of the training program to provide them with actual working experience. In addition, students will be taught the basics of marketing, kennel operations, animal health, and how to deal with a range of people – the client and pet owner, the store or kennel manager, veterinarians, support staff, sporting groups, and rescue organizations.

Certification Programs

Canine Obedience – Theory and Application (20 Classes – 160 Contact Hours)

Our four week program will provide you with the knowledge and know how to obedience train dogs and puppies. The course is taught at our state of the art full service pet center and training academy. You receive hands-on training with real dogs and real people.The course will cover such topics as:

Our 28 Week Entrepreneurship program (16 weeks Dog-Training, and 12 weeks Pet-Grooming)

The 28 Week Pet Entrepreneurship Course is created to give the student a comprehensive education that combines both our 12 Week Basic Groomer and 16 Week Professional Trainer Certifications. Upon completion, graduates will have a broader understanding of animal care. This course is suited for the individual that is interested in Management as well as those planning to own and operate their own pet care business. NOTE: This course includes two 2-hour meetings with our owner, Dr. Paul Schifano to discuss management and business goals. At graduation of this program you will receive our most advanced certification of dog training and dog grooming. This program runs for 140 days (8 hours/ day). And it is open enrollment, meaning that you can start on any Tuesday, and train 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. After you have trained 140 days, you will earn your certifications. Our classroom days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Our 24 Week Entrepreneurship Program (12-16 weeks Dog-Training, and 8-12 weeks Pet-Grooming)

The 24 Week Pet Entrepreneurship Course is created to give the student a comprehensive education that combines both our 8 Week Basic Groomer and 12 Week Professional Trainer Certifications. In addition, the student will extend one of these courses an additional 4 weeks to either the 12 Week Basic Groomer or 16 Week Professional Trainer course.

Upon completion, graduates will have a broader understanding of animal care. This course is suited for the individual that is interested in Management as well as those planning to own and operate their own pet care business. NOTE: This course includes two 2-hour meetings with our owner, Dr. Paul Schifano to discuss management and business goals.

At graduation of this program you will receive our certification of dog training and dog grooming. This program runs for 120 days (8 hours/ day). And it is open enrollment, meaning that you can start on any Tuesday, and train 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. After you have trained 120 days, you will earn your certifications. Our classroom days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Our 20 Week Entrepreneurship Program (12 weeks Dog-Training, and 8 weeks Pet-Grooming)

The 20 Week Pet Entrepreneurship Course is created to give the student a comprehensive education that combines both our 8 Week Basic Grooming and 12 Week Professional Trainer Certifications. Leaders in the pet care profession require a diverse array of skills. This course is designed to provide just that. Upon completion, graduates will have a broader understanding of animal care. This course is suited for the individual that is interested in Management within the pet care industry.

At graduation of this program you will receive our certification of dog training and dog grooming. This program runs for 100 days (8 hours/ day). And it is open enrollment, meaning that you can start on any Tuesday, and train 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. After you have trained 100 days, you will earn your certifications. Our classroom days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Our 16 Week Professional Trainer Program

In addition learning all that is taught in our 12 Week Professional Trainer course, the 16 Week Professional Trainer course will allow the student an additional 4 weeks to fine tune their skills. In addition, students will be required to pass both the Narcotics and Articles/Utilities sections of Scent Detection. These 4 additional weeks will give the student an opportunity to advance in one or more special areas of interest.

At graduation of this program you will receive our certification of dog training. This program runs for 80 days (8 hours/ day). And it is open enrollment, meaning that you can start on any Tuesday, and train 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. After you have trained 80 days, you will earn your certifications. Our classroom days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Our 12 Week Professional Trainer Program

Our 12 Week Professional Trainer course provides the student with extensive knowledge and expertise to be a certified professional trainer. All courses are taught at our state of the art full service pet center and training academy. You receive hands-on training with real dogs and real people. Our instructors are successful leaders in the business of training, boarding, veterinary care, grooming, day care, and retail sales. Students will be required to pass one area of either Narcotics or Articles/Utilities sections of Scent Detection. Graduates will be prepared to establish their own business or find suitable employment in the field of training.

At graduation of this program you will receive our certification of dog training. This program runs for 60 days (8 hours/ day). And it is open enrollment, meaning that you can start on any Tuesday, and train 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. After you have trained 60 days, you will earn your certifications. Our classroom days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Our 8 Week Professional Pet Trainer Program

Our 8 week program will provide you with the Intermediate knowledge to obedience train dogs and puppies. Students will be exposed to many additional facets of dog training taught in our more advanced courses. Upon completion, students will also walk away with animal handling skills valuable in many other facets of pet care. This course will fine tune a student's skills beyond those taught in the 4 week course instructing pet owners in obedience training. The course is taught at our state of the art full service pet center and training academy. You receive hands-on training with real dogs and real people. Our instructors are successful leaders in the business of training, boarding, veterinary care, grooming, day care and retail sales.

At graduation of this program you will receive our certification of dog training. This program runs for 40 days (8 hours/ day). And it is open enrollment, meaning that you can start on any Tuesday, and train 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. After you have trained 40 days, you will earn your certifications. Our classroom days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Our 4 Week Canine Body Language & Learning Theory

Our 4 week program will provide you with the basic knowledge to obedience train dogs and puppies. Students will be exposed to many additional facets of dog training taught in our more advanced courses. Upon completion, students will also walk away with animal handling skills valuable in many other facets of pet care. This course will prepare students to instruct pet owners in basic obedience training. The course is taught at our state of the art full service pet center and training academy. You receive hands-on training with real dogs and real people. Our instructors are successful leaders in the business of training, boarding, veterinary care, grooming, day care and retail sales.

At graduation of this program you will receive our certification of dog training. This program runs for 20 days (8 hours/ day). And it is open enrollment, meaning that you can start on any Tuesday, and train 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. After you have trained 20 days, you will earn your certifications. Our classroom days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Meet Your Instructor

Rob Schenberg – Academy Instructor and Training Director

Rob joined Petropolis in 2005 in order to facilitate a superior program based on “Learn and Apply.” He teaches the best dog training methods, along with communication skills and hands-on experience at all levels.

Rob’s “dog business career” began 25 years ago as the owner of a private investigation and surveillance company, utilizing canine services and becoming a professional trainer and behavior analyst. Since 1990, Rob has been a Professional Trade School Program teacher, educator for behavior modification, and instructor for AKC Obedience, Schutzhund titles, and scent detection. He has taught the National Narcotic Detector Dog certification program, and is a registered canine handler with the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration.

In 1993 Rob established Scentry Solutions, LLC to provide corporate and personal drug searches, protection dog placements, police department training services, and consulting regarding legal issues. In 1999 Rob was one of the founders of American Service Dog Association, a 501©(3) charitable organization, providing a wide range of service dogs to people with disabilities. After serving as head trainer, he continues as a director and provides all certifications. Rob also teaches and presents obedience demonstrations, public education programs, disability awareness, and search and rescue. In addition, he continues to volunteer for presentations on behalf of the Humane Society, numerous schools and television media. Rob is also a member in good standing of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers).

Testimonials

Rob,
This is just a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate everything you have done for me. I can’t count the number of times you stayed after classes and talked to students, or how many times you gave one-on-one training to anyone who asked. Besides your dog training knowledge, students learn so much about people skills and professionalism from you. Plus, your knowledge about running a business (from group classes and private lessons to running a kennel), is great. For anyone who wants to listen and learn, they can’t ask for a better teacher, someone easy to talk to, or someone more willing to help. Without even realizing it, I have implemented much of what you do and say into my own training business. Thanks for everything.

Sincerely,

Anthony Griffin
Owner, K-9 Konnection