Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our training programs and learning experience.
How can my CATCH Program Director help me throughout my course?
Your Program Director is an experienced dog trainer and is here to help you with concepts and questions in your curriculum as well as give feedback on the skills you are working on with your own student dog. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions!
When do I get paired with my Mentor, and what is their role in my learning?
You will be paired with your in person or virtual mentor around halfway through your program. You will be shadowing their lessons and observing a real professional in action. When your shadowing is complete you will have evaluations with your mentor where they will assess your skills and provide feedback based on the work you have done with your student dog.
How long do I have to complete my course?
While our courses are all self-paced and offer each student the flexibility to move through their program on their own schedule, students tend to average 6-18 months to complete their studies. It’s up to you to let us know how we can help you during your course. Once you reach the end date on your CATCH Student Agreement, it will be important for you to stay in touch with your program director and make regular progress to maintain your active status as a student.
What happens if I fail an exam?
Not to worry! You will have an additional opportunity to take the exam and your scores will be averaged. You are allowed to look through your course material while taking the exam and there’s not a time limit.
Do I need a student dog to work with?
For the Master Class and Basics Pro courses, you will need access to a dog to work with throughout the program. This can be your own dog or one belonging to a friend, family member, or neighbor.
You’ll be practicing and completing your evaluations independently with your chosen dog, allowing you to apply what you learn in real-life training situations. Your Program Director is always available to support you along the way and is happy to provide feedback on your work through video submissions or live Zoom sessions.
What is the difference between Master Class and Master Class: Community Edition?
In addition to everything that is included in our Master Class program, our Master Class: Community Edition provides students with access to our private online CATCH Community forum of students and pro trainers throughout their studies. You’ll also be registered for two 4-Week Online Community Workshops of your choice, where you’ll engage in live and recorded Zoom meetings with instructors and classmates, submit hands-on assignments to receive supportive feedback, and discuss select topics in greater depth!
What additional educational opportunities does CATCH offer?
CATCH offers both in-person and online workshops designed to fit a variety of learning styles and schedules. Our in-person workshops, held in New Jersey, are an immersive, week-long experience where students can dive deep into hands-on learning.
Our online workshops run for four weeks and explore a wide range of topics offered throughout the year, allowing you to learn from anywhere at a comfortable pace. We also host free monthly mini online workshops, giving you the chance to explore new topics, connect with our community, and get a taste of what CATCH has to offer. Be sure to check them out!
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Our student support team is here to help you with any questions about our programs.