Interested in a Practicum with Behavior Vets?

Interested in a Practicum with Behavior Vets?

A practicum at Behavior Vets is a unique opportunity to learn about the field of companion animal behavior, including the benefit of working closely with a Veterinary Behaviorist. This immersive program is designed to support dog professionals who are working towards becoming a behavior consultant or want to grow their behavior knowledge and skills. We will provide dog professionals (trainers, vet techs, shelter staff) with an opportunity to shadow a team of Behavior Consultants and Behavior Vets as they work through a variety of cases. Students will gain insight into behavioral therapy treatment options and become familiar with common medical treatments that may be prescribed to your clients for numerous types of behavioral concerns.

• Learn about pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions
• Build and implement evidence-based, systematic clinical behavior training plans using sophisticated and dynamic behavior change techniques
• Observe and assist with complex and challenging behavior cases
• Learn how veterinary behaviorists and trainers work together to support clients and patients
• Develop skills to inspire client engagement, encourage partnership, and maintain commitment
• Explore sensitive conversations such as behavioral euthanasia, rehoming, and quality of life discussions
• Broaden your understanding and implementation of safety and management in behavior cases
• Receive real time feedback and coaching from skilled behavior professionals
• Access to a robust library of educational resources

Application requirements:

• One year of professional experience in the training and behavior field, including but not limited to: teaching classes and private lessons and/or volunteering or working with a shelter or rescue
• Graduation from an approved program (Behavior Works LLA, Karen Pryor Academy, The Academy, LEGS, Aggression in Dogs Master-course, Pat Miller, Victoria Stillwell, CATCH Academy; other education accepted on a case by case basis)
• Certifications are welcome but not necessary
• Applicants will also be committed to LIMA based methods, a desire for professional development, and a willingness to learn.

Once accepted into the program, students should expect to spend 10 hours per week actively shadowing and working alongside consultants and 1-3 hours per week completing homework assignments and reading materials.

Working Practicum includes:

• In-person and virtual shadowing of Behavior Consultants and Behavior Vets (Denver, CO and NYC, NY locations available)
• Offsite training and training plan development with a variety of species
• Hands-on practice with behavior cases
• Real time feedback and coaching from Behavior Consultants
• Homework assignments designed to build and develop training and coaching skills
• Access to resources including webinars, video and handout library, and other content for the duration of the practicum
• Chat and ask questions in the group forum and during office hours
• Recommended for: trainers, consultants, and vet techs who are looking to expand their knowledge and skills to address complex behavior cases, experience collaborating with a Veterinary Behaviorist, experience hands-on practice with clients and receive direct coaching and feedback from behavior specialists
• Monthy tuition: $1000/month; 3-month session tuition: $2800

Remote Practicum includes:

• Virtual shadowing of Behavior Consultants and Behavior Vets
• Access to resources including webinars, video and handout library, and other content for the duration of the practicum
• View-only access to virtual sessions; can chat and ask questions in the group forum and during office hours
• Recommended for: trainers, consultants, and vet techs who are looking to expand their knowledge to address complex behavior cases and observe trainer collaboration with a Veterinary Behaviorist
• Monthy tuition: $500/month; 3-month session tuition: $1400

WHO IS THE PRACTICUM FOR?

Trainers, vet techs, and shelter staff who are behavior-focused, have one year of experience in working with dogs in a training/behavior context, and want to learn more about specialized behavior treatment plans.

IS THIS A VETERINARY PRACTICUM?

No. This is specifically for trainers, techs, and shelter staff to learn about behavior intervention. They will be shadowing DVMs, but this program is NOT designed for DVMs. Granted, there may be DVMs with an interest in behavior that can benefit from this program, but they will need to have a foundational behavior background first in order to get the most out of it. We may launch a similar internship program for DVMs in the future, but this is not it.