Row of Dogs with Sunglasses
The Animal Behavior Academy, LLC

Are you bored with your life? Start your journey to an exciting career with us in animal training! At the Animal Behavior Academy we offer course work in all aspects of animal training, behavior management and business development. Master trainer and owner Terena Thomas, CPDT-KA has been a pioneer for powerful and effective training without fear and pain. Humane training is a priority at the Animal Behavior Academy. We are a special program, because we offer more one-on-one time with award-winning, certified Master Trainers than any other school.

The hands-on experience found in our full immersion course can be attributed to the select number of students we accept for each class which is limited to eight. Our comprehensive program includes a curriculum based on scientific research, experiential learning and sound business practice.

We take a special interest in each student’s success; we want you to be successful in your career as a trainer! Our Rocky Mountain training campus is located between Aspen and Vail, Colorado and provides a tranquil learning atmosphere. We are located just 30 minutes from the Eagle/Vail airport and within minutes to world- class rafting, caving, horseback riding, rock climbing, skiing, fishing, golfing and hiking. The world-famous hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs is only a half hour from where the Academy campus is located.

We are confident that you will enjoy your educational experience with us alongside the Colorado River, where you will be kissed by your clients and awakened each morning to wagging tails. Our agility fields, classrooms, and indoor heated training arena are all designed to echo with joy and fun, as you learn in an environment filled with enthusiasm!
Border Collie doing Poles

Since 1986 we have been professionally training animals using leading edge methods, and we have been so successful we want to share our secrets with you.

When our humane methods are used, we see more eagerness and willingness in our animal companions that cannot be achieved with other traditional methods.

You can use these techniques on birds, cats, dogs, horses, cows, alpacas and even fish!

3 Close up Alpacas

We want you to be successful! Our small class size and low ratio of students to teachers will ensure that you will learn the skills you need to succeed.

Our career program will post available positions and show you how to build your own animal training business from the ground up!

Customer relations and business building courses offer you direct paths to your goals. Financial rewards are fun to earn after graduating from our outstanding program in animal training!

Higland Cow with Baby

With our positive, pain-free training techniques you can teach animals to do almost anything!

Imagine having your client’s dog bring a cold drink from the fridge, find lost car keys, shoot baskets, retrieve a duck from the pond, bring in the sheep, pull a cart, turn on the lights, put dirty socks in the basket, save a drowning person or find a lost child!

The tools of the Hollywood trainers are no longer a secret! We will show you how they do it, so you can teach animals to do impressive things.

Minihorse

Other schools will only teach you how to get animals to obey; we expect much more from all of our animal companions!

When people call for your advice on pet problems, as a graduate of the Animal Behavior Academy, you will be able to give them solutions that work without pain or cruelty. We believe in respect for animals and people!