Extreme Fear in Dogs: A Distance Learning Masterprogram
The Extreme Fear in Dogs masterprogram is a unique distance learning opportunity for those who are serious about achieving
the most humane efficacy in helping fearful dogs and other disadvantaged dogs.
If you seek transformation, not just information, you're in the right place at The Fearful Dogs Project.
Level One of the program is for anyone not seeking certification.
Levels One & Two of the course are combined for professionals seeking certification.
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The Fearful Dogs Project offers a comprehensive program of learning in order to best help fearful dogs, including feral dogs in captivity, puppy mill survivors, and others. We’ll cover the anti-aversives philosophy that underlies the program, as well as theory and activities that comprise best practices for working or living with this population of dogs.
Who is the course for?
Professionals and non-pros welcome. Private dog owners and caregivers welcome, including anyone living with or working around one or more fearful dogs. Canine behavior consultants, dog trainers, veterinary staff, rescue, sanctuary, and shelter staff, fosterers, & other volunteers, dog groomers, dog daycare owners, boarders or sitters, pet store staff, animal welfare & protection organizations, post office, UPS, FedEx, & other delivery workers, animal control officers, and police officers.
Summary of Group Class Program Contents (Intermediate Level Program)
Introduction to Fearful Dogs
Abridged Glossary Related to Work with Feral and other Fearful Dogs
Anti-Aversives, "Fear-Free," and Force-Free Principles
Misconceptions & Clarifications
Canine Body Language/Communication
The Spaces between Training. Advocating for Fearful Dogs and their Caregivers
General Rules for Fearful Dog Caregivers
How We Got Here: A Brief History of Domestic/Pet Dogs
ABCDs, Assessment, and Prognosis
Working with Fearful Dogs & Their Caregivers: Detailed, Step-by-Step Instructions
Considerations for Special Needs Dogs
Preparing the Fearful Dog for Life as a Pet
Classical Conditioning
Behavior Modification versus “Training”
Fearful Dogs & Shelters
Fearful Dogs & Rescues
Fearful Dog Adoptions
Increasing the Likelihood of a Fearful Dog’s Survival in the Human World
Fights and Bites
Equipment Considerations
Changing Futures
Certification Program Summary (Advanced Program)
All of the above (the live group classes, or their materials depending on timing, are part of the certification program) plus 12 hours of one to one coaching, observation, and feedback via Zoom (live) and submitted session videos (recorded) from each candidate. The certification program maintains a measure of fluidity to provide focus on the specific needs of each candidate, while still ensuring mastery in the program's principles and practices.
Intermediate Level Structure: Live group classes via video conference
- Open to all.
- 8 hours of live virtual lectures plus 30 minute Q&A at end of each lecture
-Tentative schedule: Thursdays 5pm pacific time starting on September 3 and continuing until finished.
- Purpose: Depth and breadth of information crucial to working successfully and anti-aversively with disadvantaged dogs.
-Tuition: $650 per person, paid via PayPal
Potential certificants: The world needs you!
The Fearful Dogs Project encourages anti-aversives professionals to apply for the advanced program
and become one of the select few fearful dogs professionals recommended or referred to by TFDP.
Advanced Level Structure: Certification program for qualified behavior consultants and trainers
-12 hours of private, one on one coaching
- Live group lectures & Q&A as described in Intermediate level (or similar, depending on timing)
- Written application (online here) is required
- Short phone conversation to ascertain a good match
- Limited number of certification-track applicants accepted at one time. When full, approved applicants may join the waitlist.
-TFDP Code of Conduct agreement to be signed upon enrollment
- Homework (written and/or oral, plus video/virtual) completed successfully per TFDP criteria
- Upon successful completion of all program requirements, certification awarded:
-- CFDP (Certified Fearful Dogs Professional) or CFDA (Certified Fearful Dogs Associate)
-- CFDPs and CFDAs are added to the TFDP referral base and appear on the approved Behavior Consultants section of The Fearful Dogs Project website.
- Email to discuss tuition or other questions.
Purpose: Information and Transformation: Focus on elevating the candidate's expertise, skills, and outcomes, and on improving outcomes for disadvantaged dogs.
CFDP prerequisites: Anti-aversives behavior/training professionals holding the CBCC-KA, CDBC, CTC, KPA CTP, or equivalent
CFDA prerequisites: Anti-aversives behavior/training professionals holding the CPDT-KA with proof of passing exam at 85% or more, or equivalent
CEUs as appropriate are available for advanced level graduates (KPA, 16 CEUs. CCPDT, 8 CEUs. IAABC, 22 CEUs, PPAB, 18 CEUs.)
The Fearful Dogs Project's Extreme Fear in Dogs programs provide both breadth and depth, covering anti-aversives fearful dog work.
Dog trainers/behavior consultants interested in certification may begin the application process here.
All persons may schedule a brief phone conversation to confirm a good match.
If there's a match, we'll let you know next steps to starting your program.
I’m not a professional trainer or animal worker. Is this course appropriate for me?
Yes. Because there are very few opportunities for serious learning about fearful dogs, we feel it is important to include everyone who has or might someday have contact with a disadvantaged dog.
What is the timeline?
Tentative schedule: The fall 2020 program begins September 3, 2020. The non-certification component runs through November 2020, while the fall 2020 certification track program’s official end-date shall be six months from start date but TFDP may extend, at its discretion on a case by case basis, the end date for up to one year to allow sufficient time for successful completion.
Is there a payment plan?
Currently we are not able to offer payment plans.
The program is taught by fearful dog expert Rain Jordan, CBCC-KA, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, for The Fearful Dogs Project.
Have a question? Email
Certification titles:
Records will show Professional certificants as fully certified: Certified Fearful Dogs Professional (CFDP)
Records will show Associate certificants as contingently certified: Certified Fearful Dogs Associate (CFDA)
Associate-track student homework requirements are the same as full certification track. At TFDP’s discretion, all candidates may be asked to submit additional work in order to confirm program competencies if not evidenced in initial attempts. Certification is at the sole discretion of TFDP.
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