Ian Dunbar - Dr. Ian Dunbar's SIRIUS® Dog Trainer Academy

The dog training industry continues to grow, but many aspiring trainers struggle to turn their passion into a profitable, sustainable business. Even experienced trainers often face challenges with class structure, client retention, behavior problem-solving, and effective marketing. Without a proven system, building a thriving dog training practice can feel overwhelming.

Dr. Ian Dunbar revolutionized dog training by creating the world’s first off-leash puppy socialization classes and has spent 30 years perfecting the SIRIUS® training business model. This comprehensive academy provides the complete blueprint for running successful dog training classes while teaching effective, dog-friendly methods that clients love.

About the Course and Instructor

Dr. Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and internationally recognized authority on dog training and behavior. His force-free, reward-based training methods have influenced trainers worldwide and established the foundation for modern puppy training.

This complete 4-day academy features over 24 hours of structured instruction, covering everything from business fundamentals to advanced behavior counseling. Students receive extensive resources including lecture notes, class syllabi, two free eBooks (BEFORE You Get Your Puppy and AFTER You Get Your Puppy), and 16 customizable Behavior Blueprints for client distribution.

What You’ll Learn

This comprehensive training program covers all aspects of professional dog training:

Day 1 – Business Foundations: Master the business side of dog training, including promotion strategies, client acquisition, and retention. Learn how to use games and quantification methods to train people effectively and keep them motivated to train their dogs.

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Day 2 – Behavior Counseling: Tackle common and complex behavior problems using the Behavior Problem Solving Matrix. Address issues like excessive barking, destructive chewing, fear, hyperactivity, housetraining, puppy biting, and home-alone problems with proven solutions.

Day 3 – Adult Dog Training: Design and conduct engaging group classes for adult dogs. Explore home training techniques, leash walking protocols, and teaching essential commands (come, sit, down, stay) using positive reinforcement methods.

Day 4 – Puppy Training Programs: Run successful puppy socialization and training classes that set young dogs up for lifelong success. Learn age-appropriate exercises, games, and socialization protocols that appeal to puppy owners.

Advanced Skills: Assess the severity of dog biting and fighting incidents, then safely devise treatment and management plans. Handle dog-dog aggression, fear of people, and interactions between dogs and children.

The course includes complete SIRIUS class syllabi with week-by-week schedules and minute-by-minute class notes you can implement immediately. All materials are customizable, allowing you to brand them for your own business while following Dr. Dunbar’s proven framework.

This training is essential for professional dog trainers, those considering entering the field, veterinary professionals, and shelter personnel who want to establish or enhance their training programs using methods that are effective, humane, and commercially successful.