X Proficiency Verification

A Proficiency Verification is a session where you demonstrate that you have the necessary practical proficiency in handling an animal. In the X Proficiency Verification, you work with an animal from a species other than dog or horse.

Theory and Practice Hand in Hand

You need theoretical knowledge and practical experience to be a good animal trainer. Once you have read and understood the theory, you begin training your animal. Ideally, you should start all training first after having taken the first three courses, “Evolution,” “Ethology and Behaviorism” and “The 20 Principles All Animal Trainers Must know.” For this PV, you may need more courses depending on the species you choose. If you are an experienced trainer, you will probably take this proficiency verification without problems. It’s not a difficult proficiency verification per se, but note that we require simplicity, precision, and kindness. To combine all three—we know from experience—is what our students find the most challenging.

Science and Ethics

We base our approach to animal training on science applied with thoughtfulness. We require precision for it leads to the best results in the long term. Kindness and leniency (or sloppiness) are different matters. We promote and encourage the former, from ethical and scientific points of view, but not the latter. There are many ways to train any particular skill. You choose the one that best suits you and the animal you train, keeping in mind that whichever method you select, it must conform to sound science and deep respect for all living organisms.

Proficiency Verification Preparatory Course (PVPC)

If you are a beginner, you should maybe attend a PVPC, which we regularly organize in various locations. Watch the Forums page’s sidebar. If you follow a PVPC, your instructor can conduct and approve your proficiency verification, and we will add it to your curriculum.

Video proficiency verification (VPF)

If you have no opportunity to attend a PVPC, you may submit a VPF. Read the instructions to send your VPF in the guidelines for this course and lesson (see assessment).

The PV is a full one-on-one tutored course. You and your tutor keep in touch via our messaging system and Skype if necessary. You upload your video clips to our cloud for your tutor’s review and comment. Once your tutor is satisfied with your work, you will receive your approved check mark.

The X Proficiency Verification is individualized depending on the species you choose to train. Most students choose cats or Guinea Pigs. If you choose Guinea Pigs, you may be able to attend and complete your PV at one of our Guinea Pig Camps. Contact your tutor to decide on species and the set of skills you and your animal will have to demonstrate.

• Kindness and leniency (or sloppiness) are different matters. We promote and encourage the former, from ethical and scientific points of view, but not the latter.
• Our Proficiency Verifications require simplicity, precision, and kindness. To combine all three—we know from experience—is what our students find the most challenging.

Join the course forum where you can read our tutors’ answers to questions previously posed by your colleagues. If you have a new question, do not hesitate in posting it.

The course forum is solely for academic questions. For administrative matters or difficulties accessing the functionality of the site, please submit a ticket.

Keep in touch with your tutor via our messaging system (in Forums).