Program Highlights
The only combined, comprehensive canine training and management curriculum in SUNY.
Learn to design effective canine training programs, interpret program results, and make necessary adjustments based on practice and theory.
Train pet quality and working dogs using practical, hands-on applications of behavioral theory taught in courses including Canine Training, Therapy Dog Teams, Detector Dog Teams, and Sporting Dogs.
Cross-collaboration with academic program and departments including Animal Science.
Earn certifications and accelerate student-learning to acquire professional credentials throughout the course of undergraduate study.
Degree Option
Bachelor of Technology (BT)
The Bachelor of Technology Degree in Canine Training and Management is designed to provide students with the opportunity for in-depth study in the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully train and manage dogs, including subjects in biology, anatomy, training, behavior, management, health, genetics, nutrition, and physiology. The program offers the range and depth of course work to enter directly into the field of canine training and management or to pursue graduate studies.
The Canine Training and Management program is designed to progress students in the development of their skills, beginning with basic handling, obedience, tracking, and scent work. Courses will continue beyond the basics with more advanced nutrition, genetics, and animal behavior. Students can expect hands-on learning with both domestic and working dog populations.
Employment in this industry requires a breadth of skills that are mastered over time, necessitating the completion of four years of study.
Courses include:
To simplify transfer from other institutions into this degree program, articulation agreements are in place with:
Students can also easily transfer from SUNY Cobleskill’s own AAS in Animal Industry.
Since September 11, 2001, there has been a marked increase in the need for trained therapy, service, detection, and search and rescue dogs. The national estimates for canine handlers demonstrate an increased workforce need, though graduates of this program will not be limited to employment in animal training professions. Graduates will be qualified to pursue employment with border patrol, homeland security, the TSA, private security, and private consulting firms. Self-employment in numerous areas within the canine care and training industry, the ability to successfully operate a pet care businesses, or contract with government agencies are additional professional avenues open to graduates of this program.
This program requires all students to complete a 12-credit, full semester internship to gain real-world experience before graduation. Example internship sites include: