SDC Certification Program Application

Which of the following best describes your experience with online learning:

The SDC program is challenging and is designed for trainers who already have an advanced skill set, including experience training behavior chains. The program's coursework is described online. As part of the course requirements, students submit videos of their work training a dog behaviors. Students need to be able to independently adapt and modify techniques shown in the course to meet specific training objectives including back chaining a retrieve with a controlled hold.

All coursework must be completed and submitted according to Cooperative Paws' standards before the 3 month deadline in order for students to pass, earn the SDC credential and receive CEUs.

While we empathize with students who have emergencies or difficult personal situations, the course deadline is firm and cannot be extended for any reason. There are no refunds given if a student does not pass because they miss the deadline, are not able to complete coursework according to Cooperative Paws' standards, have an issue with the dog they selected for the course, or for any other reason.

Students are fully responsible for choosing an appropriate dog that they have daily access to for the duration of the course. Only one dog is required, however, we recommend that students have an additional dog in mind as a "back up" for the course.

Students are required to fully abide by the Code of Ethics in their work as well as demonstrate professionalism and courtesy when communicating with the course instructor and fellow students.

A $50 application fee is required.

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an invoice for a $400 deposit to reserve your place in the class. This deposit is applied to your tuition. The remainder of the $2250 tuition is due 3 weeks before the course begins. Students receive full access to the entire course on the start date. The application fee, deposit and tuition are not refundable.

All of the materials including online articles, lectures, downloaded files, videos and photos that you are given access to in the Service Dog Coaching Program are the property of Cooperative Paws LLC. They are protected by copyright and other US intellectual property right laws. Unauthorized copying, republishing, or transmitting of program materials in any form is expressly forbidden. Sharing of links to the videos, lessons or other materials in the course, sharing of passwords, or otherwise giving non-enrolled individuals access to the program content or materials will result in immediate dis-enrollment from the program and no refund will be given.

You will be given 3 months after the program start date to complete the lessons and submit finished projects to Cooperative Paws LLC. Cooperative Paws LLC determines standards for projects. If projects and lessons are not completed on time or not completed to Cooperative Paws LLC’s standards, you will not receive the “Service Dog Coach” certification or earn CEUs. No refunds will be given should this occur.

Cooperative Paws LLC will grant you the right to use the SDC logo and the Service Dog Coach Certificate on your website and in your marketing materials if you meet standards for successfully completing the program. Should you use training tools including choke chains, prong collars, electronic (shock) collars, or another aversive tool or technique or should you be accused of animal abuse, criminal activity or any behavior that Cooperative Paws LLC believes will reflect poorly or misrepresent the SDC program, your certificate will be terminated and no refund will be given. You agree to discontinue using the Cooperative Paws SDC™ Logo and Service Dog Coach Certificate in your website and other marketing materials if your certificate is terminated.