The Academy for Dog Trainers offers scholarships once a year in the following categories:

• Behavior and Training in Sheltering
• Behavior and Training in Rescue
• Science and Critical Thinking Advocacy

 

Behavior and Training in Sheltering or Rescue

The primary reason for relinquishment of dogs to animal shelters and rescue groups is their behavior. The Academy seeks to support individuals who wish to use their education in sheltering or rescue for the purpose of helping keep dogs in their homes, helping dogs be better integrated into their families (out of yards, kennels and garages) and helping families train, manage and modify behavior using sound, science-based, non-aversive practices.

To be considered for either of these categories, applicants must be currently active in sheltering (staff or significant volunteering) and/or rescue (fostering, placement, education, adopter support) in an organization that has a mandatory spay/neuter policy. Applicants must submit the following three documents between January 31st and February 14th in order to be considered for that year's scholarships:

1. Standard Academy Application Form
2. B&T Scholarship Application Form
3. Letter from immediate supervisor (if shelter staff), volunteer coordinator (if shelter volunteer) or head of rescue group (if in rescue) attesting to the applicant's status in the organization, the applicant's academic potential and the applicant's dedication to the mission of the organization.

All applicants will be informed whether they have been granted a scholarship by February 28th. Applicants who do not receive a scholarship may still be accepted into The Academy and, if they wish to attend, may proceed with standard enrollment. Scholarship applicants who are accepted into the program but who are not granted a scholarship may also wait and re-apply for a scholarship in subsequent years.

 

Science, Evidence-Based Practice and Critical Thinking

Pet dog training is an unregulated and unlicensed field. Large amounts of contradictory information on training, behavior and behavior modification exists and it is difficult for dog owners to evaluate this information. The Academy is committed to promoting and teaching science, evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills. Trainers and prospective trainers with science backgrounds and critical thinking skills are valuable players in the current climate.

To be considered for a SE&CT scholarship, applicants must have a degree(s) in science, fluency with scientific method, critical thinking skills and strong desire to promote science, especially as it pertains to the rational scrutiny and vetting of information on dog/animal behavior, dog training and the imparting of skills and knowledge to the dog owning public. Applicants must submit the following three documents between January 31st and February 14th in order to be considered for that year's scholarship:

1. Standard Academy Application Form
2. SE&CT Scholarship Application Form
3. Copies of relevant academic transcripts

All applicants will be informed whether they have been granted a scholarship on February 28th. Applicants who do not receive a scholarship may still be accepted into The Academy and, if they wish to attend, may proceed with standard enrollment. Scholarship applicants who are accepted into the program but who are not granted a scholarship may also wait and re-apply for a scholarship in subsequent years.