Jul 28, 2021   SOURCE: BusinessWire

K9s For Warriors Recognizes Graduates of Inaugural Dog Trainer Apprentice Program Aimed at Advancing Organization’s Mission

Earlier today, K9s For Warriors recognized three individuals who graduated from its inaugural dog trainer apprentice program. The five-month class (which garnered more than 500 applicants) was conducted at the organization’s Gold Family Campus (Alachua, Fla.) in a strategic effort to develop a pipeline of highly qualified Service Dog trainers.

A critical element of the apprentice program is how it will help contribute to K9s For Warriors’ broader mission, as the largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD and other military-related trauma.

The number of veterans being paired with a Service Dog through the organization soon will be greater than ever. K9s For Warriors will break ground on a Northeast Florida mega kennel facility next week that can house more than 150 Service Dogs-in-training, and in September will officially open the Petco Love K9 Center in San Antonio, which will rescue larger canines to be trained as Service Dogs.

“It’s not as though we can simply turn a switch and make more copies of well-trained Service Dogs,” said Paul Mundell, chief program officer at K9s For Warriors. “The skillset required of both the dog and trainer are unique. This program will allow us to ensure quality control and uniformity, regardless of location.”

The inaugural class of apprentice trainers will spend the next month or two working under the direction of a mentor trainer at K9s For Warriors’ national headquarters. Following that span and upon familiarizing themselves with their new responsibilities and surroundings, they will officially transition into a full-time trainer role.

With plans to utilize the apprentice program as the hiring standard for future prospective trainers, K9s For Warriors will welcome six individuals to take part in a second class of apprentice trainers this fall.

Developed over the past few years, the apprentice program curriculum is intended to prepare its graduates to seamlessly transition into full-time dog trainers. The immersive training focuses on things such as acceptable training methods and dog-learning theory, along with dog behavior and modification.

Apprentices are evaluated through research assignments, quizzes, and written exams, three “check point” skills evaluations, and an ability to read dog body language. Apprentices are responsible for training a “string” of multiple dogs specifically assigned to them.

For additional information on the dog trainer apprentice program, check out a recent K9s For Warriors blog post.

About K9s For Warriors

Determined to conquer veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from Purdue University’s OHAIRE Lab) demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate their veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors remains committed to bringing widespread awareness to veterans’ mental health and contributing to policy-level reform. The organization’s three primary business operation facilities include: K9s For Warriors National Headquarters (Ponte Vedra, Fla.,) Petco Love K9 Center (San Antonio, Texas) and Gold Family Campus (Alachua, Fla.)