Dogue Academy Professional Dog Trainer School

Established in 1999, the Dogue Academy offers a hands-on professional dog trainer certification course. Situated in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grace borough, also known as NDG, the Dogue Academy attracts national and international students eager to learn the art of dog training, behaviour modification, and master imitation training techniques. The Academy's unique Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship (ABA) program provides a comprehensive course for individuals aspiring to become certified dog trainers, behaviour consultants, or animal-assisted therapists, while learning and training other species such as horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, and wolves.

The Dogue Academy stands as more than just a dog trainer school; it embodies a holistic approach to understanding and fostering the human-animal bond by developing secure attacment. Established with a vision beyond mere obedience training, the Dogue Academy serves as a hub for nurturing empathy, communication, and mutual respect between humans and animals. Beyond teaching practical techniques for training dogs, the academy delves into the intricate realms of social animal behaviour, cognition, and environmental stimuli. 

With a curriculum designed to broaden perspectives and deepen understanding, students at the Dogue Academy explore topics ranging from ethology and behavioural science to alternative learning theories. By fostering a community dedicated to advocating for animal well-being, the school cultivates not only skilled trainers but compassionate stewards of the animal kingdom.

A Short History About the Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship - Professional Dog Trainer Certification

The Dogue Academy's Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship traces its roots back to the early 2000s when Gaby Dufresne-Cyr recognized the need for a science-based structured program to train individuals about dog training. Gaby's vision was to establish a comprehensive curriculum that not only focused on dogs but encompassed a wide range of animals.

In 2009, with the support of fellow trainers and behavioural scientists, Gaby Dufresne-Cyr founded the Dogue Academy in a small facility in Montreal, Canada. The school aimed to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, ensuring apprentices were well-equipped to address the complexities of animal behaviour and training.

The early years of the apprenticeship were marked by experimentation and refinement as Gaby developed a curriculum that covered topics such as ethology, alternative learning theories, behaviour modification techniques, and animal welfare. The program also emphasized the importance of effective communication and empathy in working with animals.

As word spread about the effectiveness of the Dogue Academy's apprenticeship program, enrollment grew, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions. In response to this demand, the school expanded. Over the years, the apprenticeship program evolved to incorporate the latest research findings and advancements in the field of animal behaviour and training. Modules on topics such as cognitive ethology, behavioural genetics, social learning, and applied behaviour analysis were added to the curriculum, ensuring apprentices received a comprehensive education. What began as a 100 hour course, has grown to a 400 hour professional dog trainer certification program.

In addition to classroom lectures and workshops, apprentices had the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships at zoos and farms. These hands-on experiences allowed students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

Today, the Dogue Academy's Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship is recognized as one of the leading programs in the field. Graduates of the program go on to pursue careers as professional dog trainers, behaviour consultants, shelter managers, and exotic animal trainers, making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their human companions around the world.