This was an in-depth certification course, where advanced students with an in-depth concept of NePoPo® concepts have already been integrated into their training, utilized skills in a working/sport dog format. Primary focus was on decoy/helper training for sleeve work (PSA/IGP) as suit (ringsport, military, police) applications as well as dog development and teaching the ability to read dog behavior while understanding drive states.

This was an extensive certificate where students applied their Professional Pet Knowledge with NePoPo® concepts with a variety of different dog breeds and temperaments. Topics included aggression, severe reactivity, training scars and how to overcome them, unforced/forced fetch, free shaping, foundations of trailing, amongst many other areas within the pet and working dog industry. Final exams were completed to ensure full scope of knowledge could be applied both in and outside of the classroom.

I achieved two certifications within this 50+ hour in person course and am looking forward to applying the applications learned going forward. 3 more schools are planned in the next year, as I work my way to become a NePoPo® Gold Multiplicator.

NePoPo® is a registered trademark of B.C.BB B.V. (Michael and Bart Bellon) and is used here with permission.

This was an extensive certificate where students apply the theory-based education into application with hands on training, to include their own dogs as well as other dogs. The class was broken up with discussions and practices on predatory sequence, play as a reinforcer, bite work (protection), detection and tracking/trailing to illustrate the linking systems of NePoPo® with pets, AND working dogs. Final hands-on exams were completed to illustrate full understanding of the knowledge taught, with the proper applications.

I proudly completed the 45+ hour course, receiving two certificates. I look forward to my next certificates come September 2024, where I head to Utah to advance myself further with additional tools, education and knowledge.

NePoPo® is a registered trademark of B.C.BB B.V. (Michael and Bart Bellon) and is used here with permission.

This was a comprehensive certificate in which students must understand the vocabulary of the behaviorists and the psychologists who teach cognition and memory: e.g. positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, negative punishment, classical conditioning, and operant conditioning and how to apply them all specifically using NePoPo®.

I personally graduated, and I’m in the works of planning for my 3 NePoPo® Gold Schools over the next few years. I will be headed to Arizona in February for my first Gold School, followed by Utah in September for my second Gold School, where I will expand my knowledge and application of new skills and enhance already learned ones.

NePoPo® is a registered trademark of B.C.BB B.V. (Michael and Bart Bellon) and is used here with permission.

CGC is a ten part test that evaluates how well dog and handler work together. It is the entry level test, showing that your dog is a well mannered member of your family and society.

This test is often used by home owner's associations as a baseline standard of training.

Location Requirements:

CGC requires that the dog be tested in a public setting where a "crowd" of at least 3 people gathers. A neighborhood park is an ideal setting.

CGCA is a ten part test that evaluates how dog and handler maneuver through the community. This test is done in the community, in a less sterile environment than the CGC but not as busy as the CGCU.

Location Requirements:

CGCA requires that the dog be tested in the community with natural crowds. Dog friendly businesses, busy parks, are all appropriate settings.

A ten part test designed to see how both you and your dog act in an urban environment. Dog and handler on tested on how they maneuver through busy crowds, streets, etc.

The CGCU can be used as a Public Access test for Service and Therapy dog teams. Passing this test does NOT certify for your dog for either discipline.

Location Requirements:

CGCU requires an urban, busy setting that allows for the evaluation of dog and handler crossing the street, going through a doorway, going up stairs, etc. A location similar to Main Street, Lansdale, or other busy setting.

One of AKC's newest sport title offerings, the Trick series tests your dog on performing progressively more difficult skills. Dogs can test for multiple titles in one day, often dogs can do the 4 tests in just one day with breaks. Many of these tricks have specific requirements for how they are to be performed, whether luring is allowed, and some require the dog to perform the trick twice for it to count.

Location Requirements:

Trick Dog tests can be performed almost anywhere including your home! Safety of the dog and permission to use the location are the main requirements. This means that Family K9 Trick testing can be performed in your home or preferred training location!

The American Kennel Club has created a S.T.A.R. Puppy Program, designed to get owners to attend basic training classes with their puppies, prepping them for the CGC Certification. It is designed as a six-week class, and it is an AKC requirement that owners must attend all six weeks.

During the course of these classes, puppies learn and are tested through a number of items, including but not limited to, learning to adapt to leash and collar/harness, ability to be groomed, sitting on command, down on command, short range recall, and more. At the end of the 6 week course, if the owner and puppy are successful, they will be awarded their STAR Certificate.

As Trainers and Certified Evaluators, we have the ability to train you for the ATT and administer the testing at qualified events.

There are six categories of stimuli that are considered when testing a dog.

What a Temperament Test does is judge how a dog reacts to a variety of stimuli. A dog with desirable traits are: inquisitive, cooperative, emotionally stable, appropriately social for its breed, biddable and shows they have the ability to recover from a startling situation in a reasonable amount of time.

Some undesirable traits are: shyness, lack of cooperation, fear and inability to recover from unexpected situations. Undesirable behaviors may include: obsessive barking, aggression, being fearful of friendly strangers or unfamiliar stimuli.

There are six categories of stimuli that are considered when testing a dog. Over the course of 6 weeks this class would be pre-testing the dog in each of the areas of stimulus and working on any behavior issues the dog may have. Examples would be:

Social - greeting a friendly stranger and accepting polite petting and body evaluation.

Auditory - loud horn, jar of pennies shaken, loud whistle, vacuum sounds.

Visual - waving flags, circling wagon, umbrella popping open, shaking a towel.

Tactile - walking over a tarp, lattice, peg board, wire grate.

Proprioceptive - up and over a low table, over low bars, hoops on the ground.

Unexpected Stimulus - approached by large objects, dropped chair, unusual clothing, walkers or wheelchairs going by.

We are proudly certified in Pet First Aid & CPR by the American Red Cross. This Certification is not just a badge; it’s a commitment to your pet’s safety and wellbeing. In the unpredictable world of pet care, emergencies can arise, and being prepared is paramount. With this Certification, we possess the knowledge and skills to respond promptly and effectively to any unforeseen health issues your companion may face while training with us. While this does NOT replace the value and education of a professional Vet, this should give you peace of mind that in the unfortunate event that something does happen, we are able to assist quickly and efficiently, to ensure proper care is received.