Be a Shadow Student!
As a Shadow Student, you spend an entire week with Ralf. You participate in all client sessions and with all board and train dogs. We talk about dogs and dog training all week. You can learn about training principles and learning theory. We discuss the importance of genetics and evolutionary psychology. We review training methods, tools, and techniques. And we discuss canine health, business skills, and so much more. There is no set curriculum. It varies weekly based on client cases.
We will work with many dogs during your week with me. There is plenty of time to talk between or after client sessions and when working with the board and training dogs. In addition, there are plenty of breaks each day.
Each Shadow Student week is five days long and lasts from Monday through Friday. Days include a minimum of 8 hours, sometimes longer. Some client visits start at 8 am. Some visits are after 7 pm. If we are recording a podcast that week, you can also participate.
Disclaimer: The Shadow Student program does NOT include any Training without Conflict (TWC) specific knowledge. It should not be viewed as a way of obtaining TWC knowledge cheaper. If you want to learn the TWC way of training dogs, please sign up for Ivan’s Training without Conflict course.
Administrative Points
Shadow students are welcome to bring one of their dogs along during shadow week. We can work on a specific challenge you are struggling with. Personal dogs can not attend client visits. We have several dog-friendly hotels close by. I recommend the Staybridge Suites Corona South (IHG Hotel) and the Residence Inn by Marriott as they are closest.
Shadow Student weeks will be limited to 2 to 3 times a year.
You will be required to sign a release of a liability waiver on your first day. You will also be required to sign a confidentiality agreement that pertains to me personally, my clients, and our lives and homes. The confidentiality agreement will NOT pertain to any dog-related skills, methods, or knowledge you gain during the shadow week because that would be ridiculous.
Shadow Student weeks are $2000/per week and must be pre-paid in full to reserve one of the limited spots. Booked Shadow Student reservations are non-refundable but, depending on availability, may be able to be rescheduled in case of emergencies.
Shadow Student Program Review: Sara White