On Campus Dog Trainer Program
Become a Certified Dog Trainer in 5 Months!
ABC’s on-site, in person Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program is a five-month dog training course held at our campus in Santa Clarita, CA.
Centrally located approximately 35 miles from warm and sunny Los Angeles, students who attend our dog trainer school will learn in a one-on-one, fully immersive in person classroom environment, work with dogs at a local animal shelter and apply their dog training skills in real life. Our academy for dog trainers is perfect for the student who wants to study hard while enjoying beautiful Southern California and making a real difference in the lives of dogs, both within and outside the shelter environment.
Shelter Partners
Animal Behavior College’s On-Campus Dog Obedience Training Program is proud to be in collaboration with our local Best Friends Lifesaving Center in Los Angeles, California. This working relationship with Best Friends Los Angeles allows ABC to give our On-Campus Dog Obedience Training Program students the opportunity to volunteer their time during class and actively improve the lives of shelter dogs while gaining invaluable hands-on experience. By volunteering with their classmates at Best Friends, students are able to apply the skills and techniques they learn in the classroom by assisting shelter dogs in need of a home to become more adoptable. As a student of the classroom program, you will be working with some of the best in the animal rescue industry. Best Friends Animal Society is a champion for offering humane shelter options to dogs in need.
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 347,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs all across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 3,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®.
We are currently taking enrollments
We are currently taking enrollments for our next class which starts on Monday September 29th, 2025 and graduates on Tuesday March 10th, 2026.
Call 800-795-3294 today or submit the contact form to request more information.
Our Dog Training School Near Los Angeles
If becoming a certified dog trainer and starting your dream career in just 5 months wasn’t perfect enough, our on-campus dog trainer courses are held right in the middle of beautiful Southern California. Animal Behavior College’s on-site, brick and mortar classroom is located in Santa Clarita, CA. That means our classroom is only about a 35 minute drive from prime California tourist destinations. In less than an hour, you can find yourself at the beach, downtown Los Angeles, site seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or even visiting scenic natural sites for outdoor activities and hiking during your evenings and weekends.
Attractions within 50 miles of ABC
- Six Flags Magic Mountain (5 miles from classroom)
- Balboa Park (18 miles from classroom)
- Universal Studios Hollywood (23 miles from classroom)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame (25 miles from classroom)
- Runyon Canyon Park (25 miles from classroom)
- The Grove (28 miles from classroom)
- Hollywood Sign (29 miles from classroom)
- Griffith Observatory (29 miles from classroom)
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (29 miles from classroom)
- Santa Monica Pier (32 miles from classroom)
- Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (35 miles from classroom)
- Malibu Wine Safari (43 miles from classroom)
Perks for Our On-Site Students
Everyone loves a good doggie bag of treats! Because Animal Behavior College recognizes the time commitment and dedication of our students who come on-site to study in pursuit of their future, we are happy to offer a few perks for our classroom students. Check out the amazing perks that come with enrolling in our Southern California on campus dog trainer school:
$25 Gift Card to Lazy Dogs
To help fuel your brain power while studying, grab a bite to eat! You will receive a $25 gift card to the local pet friendly restaurant Lazy Dogs.
$25 Gift Card for Transportation
Whether you don’t have a car, locally, or you just want to take a break from driving, ABC is there to help you out. You will receive a $25 gift card to Uber or Lyft (your choice) to use for local transportation.
Student Welcome "Goodie Bag"
As a welcome gift, you will receive a “swag bag” (or box) with various items and tools that you can use as you pursue your career as a dog trainer.
Special Guest Lecturers
Our in person classroom students get treated to visits from special guest lecturers who share their experience and knowledge from years in the pet industry. Guest lecturers may include (but are not limited to):
- Working Dog Trainers
- Doggie Day Care/Board and Training Business Owners
- Working Veterinary Technicians
- Best Friends Behavioral Team Reps
- Previous class graduates
- Various pet product/training tool manufacturers
- Steve Appelbaum (ABC CEO)
Field Trips
- Nature Walks
- Working Shelter Visits
- Working Ranch Visits
- Visits to Animal Sanctuaries
Classroom Program Refer a Friend Bonus
Classroom graduates who refer someone to ABC’s on-site dog obedience program will receive $400 for every enrolling student they referred. Graduates who refer more than 3 enrolling students in 18 months will receive $500 for every enrolling student and graduates who refer more than 6 enrolling students in 18 months will receive $650 for every enrolling student they referred.
Free Continuing Education
ABC believes knowledge is power and the more skills you have as a part of your trainer’s toolbox, the more in demand you will be for clients! All classroom graduates are awarded one free short term program, of their choice, upon graduation to help them in continuing their learning for a successful future.
Discounted Additional Education
All classroom students and graduates are offered a standing discount of $150 off each and every ABC Short Term Program they would like to take in order to help them continue their learning for a successful future.
Discounted Living Arrangements
While in Southern California during the duration of your studies with us, all students who opt to stay at the local hotel ABC has partnered with will receive a discounted housing rate. If interested, please make sure to ask about this upon enrollment.
An Investment in Your Future
This program costs $9,717.82, which covers tuition, registration, study materials, and taxes. Student friendly financing is available to qualified individuals.