After successfully completing the Elite K9 Athlete Program and demonstrating understanding of what you learned, you will have the opportunity to apply to the Elite K9 Athlete Practicum. Upon acceptance into the Practicum, you will receive additional training and support as you complete a series of hands-on activities and case studies. Once you have successfully completed your Practicum experience, you will become a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS) and receive your diploma and university Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

After you successfully complete the Elite K9 Athlete Program, you can apply to participate in a Practicum experience. During the Practicum, you will complete a series of hands-on activities and case studies so that you can deepen your confidence and skills when designing fitness programs. You will also receive additional online training, gain access to a library of resources, and receive monthly group coaching sessions to enhance your learning. You will discover how to design and implement fitness workshops and courses for various types of dog owners and handlers. You will also enhance your skills in marketing and selling programs to grow your business, club, or organization.

You can most definitely complete the Elite K9 Athlete Program if you do not own a sport or working dog. In order to complete the Elite K9 Athlete Practicum for your certification, however, you will need access to at least three adult dogs that are not your own in order to complete the Elite K9 Athlete Practicum. At least two of these dogs should be dogs who are training for a particular sport or job.

In order to complete the Elite K9 Athlete Practicum for certification, you will need access to three adult dogs that are not your own. To get started in the Elite K9 Athlete Program, however, you can most definitely enroll when you have a puppy. There are limitations to what you can do with a puppy, but you can start teaching foundation behaviors while they are young! It's better to teach them the correct way from the beginning rather than try to reteach skills down the road. For some of the hands-on activities in the Elite K9 Athlete Program, you can also work with an older dog owned by a friend, colleague, or family member.

To become certified, you must first complete the Elite K9 Athlete Program and then enroll in the Elite K9 Athlete Practicum. You can work through the program at your own pace, but the Elite K9 Athlete coursework should be completed within 12 months. Once you complete the Elite K9 Athlete Program and then add on the Practicum for certification, you'll receive an additional 6 months to complete your Practicum case studies and instructional plan. We have graduates who have completed the full certification as quickly as 4 to 5 months, but most people go at a leisurely pace and complete everything anywhere from 9 to 18 months.

Yes! You receive CEUs, official transcripts, and a certificate of completion from Colorado State University, Pueblo upon completing your coursework in the Elite K9 Athlete Program and the Elite K9 Athlete Practicum. We are recognized by the International Association of Canine Professionals and Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers for continuing education credits. We also provide educational opportunities for members of the United State Police Canine Association.