Here is what some of our students, graduates and guest speakers have to say about their experience with The Companion Animal Sciences Institute.
"Becoming a student at The Companion Animal Sciences Institute was one of the best decisions I have made. The caliber of the instruction went far beyond my expectations, and the attention I received as a student was extraordinary to me. I remember when I first started the program, I had explained to a friend of mine that when I asked a question, it seemed my instructor was sitting beside me because I would often get answers within a half an hour. And the answers I received were detailed and so helpful. James O'Heare (my instructor) pays such attention to detail. It is important to him that his students understand the material presented, and he gives exceptional instruction to ensure that will happen. Still, what stood out most for me (and what I am most grateful for) was the depth of the education I received at The Companion Animal Sciences Institute and also the training philosophy that permeates everything in the studies. The latest solid, scientifically based learning theory is presented, and that is paired with a non-aversive reward-based system for teaching animals with compassion and love. I could not have asked more from my instructor or the college. It is, indeed, an honor for me to be a graduate of The Companion Animal Sciences Institute and to have had an opportunity to have James as my instructor."
Kennel Manager
Coordinator/Trainer BEST
Behavior Enrichment Socialization and Training
MCSPCA
"My educational experience at The Companion Animal Sciences Institute has been a wonderful journey towards understanding and learning about canine behavior. The knowledge I’ve gained while an on-line student of the Diploma of Behavior Modification program can be compared to an on campus education at a top ranking University. I really enjoyed a Virtual Classroom format where all the students discuss assignment related topics and training and behavior modification challenges they encounter. Even after graduation, I get to stay in Virtual Classroom and be a part of this wonderful community of professionals. I would recommend this school to anybody who wants to gain up-to-date knowledge and experience in an animal related industry while having a great time. I am definitely going to take another course with The Companion Animal Sciences Institute since there is such a broad range of classes available."
San Diego Humane Society
Behavior and Training Department
Student
"The week I spent as a Guest Speaker in the The Companion Animal Sciences Institute Virtual Classroom was wonderful. To be able to give input on marketing and advertising one's dog training business to students who were so clearly enthusiastic and focused about what they do was a pleasure. I'm sure the success rate of those who go through this program is phenomenal!"
Gentle Guidance Dog Training
www.gentleguidance4dogs.com
Author of So You Want to be a Dog Trainer and One on One A Dog Trainer's Guide to private Training
-since hired as an Advisory Board member
Kent State University Stark Campus
Planet Canine / Akron OH
The Companion Animal Sciences Institute education engulfs the student in dog behavior, filling in the giant void of academic knowledge that is so prevalent in the field ."
Owner, President, Rondout Valley Kennels and Animals for Adoption
CASI guest speaker on two occasions
www.suesternberg.com
Staff Behaviorist, SPCA of Wake County, Garner NC
Owner/Director: Communica-nine Motivational Dog Training Services, Raleigh NC
National Training Director: Helping Paws Pet Assisted Therapy, (North Carolina)
Coordinating Committee Member: Applied Companion Animal Behavior Network
Member: APDT, IADBC, ABS, HSUS, AHA
-since employed as Advisory Board member, instructor and now Vice President of The Companion Animal Sciences Institute
"The Companion Animal Sciences Institute provides a great quality advanced academic education for anyone who owns dogs, who works with or plans to work with dogs. When I signed up I was amazed at the quality of the reading material and assignments. I learned more than I ever imagined I would. The students continuously demonstrate their support and compassion for each other while James O’Heare is extremely dedicated to each student’s success. The knowledge I gained helped me to build a very successful daycare facility. I am now honoured to be a member of the faculty at The Companion Animal Sciences Institute, where I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences and to help students with their academic growth and career development."
Companion Animal Sciences Institute Diploma of Dog Daycare Graduate
K9 to 5
Doggie Daycare, Nightcare
Grooming & Training
http://www.k9to5.ca
Instructor, Cynology College
Dog Daycare Course
-since hired as an instructor
Student
Graduate
Dog Obedience Trainer
Radio Talk Show Host
www.jerseydogtrainer.com
"I was a full-time professional dog trainer before I joined The Companion Animal Sciences Institute and had worried that, because I’d already had experience in the field, I wouldn’t find it sufficiently intellectually challenging – how wrong-headed that was! As a student, I am astounded by the breadth of material I’ve covered thus far in the Advanced Canine Behavioral Sciences diploma program and I cannot wait to tackle the classes that are yet to come. While assignments and classes are certainly academically rigorous, I have never found them overwhelming. This is due to your superior teaching, coaching and mentoring, the supportive and thoughtful network of students and faculty in the Virtual Classroom, and the discussions brought about by expert authors/professionals you’ve brought in as guest speakers. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn as much as I have. I am very proud to be a student of The Companion Animal Sciences Institute!"
Certified Trainer and Behavior Counselor (SF/SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers)
Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CCPDT)
Student
APDT Professional member
IADBC Associate member
NADOI Provisional member
www.woofology.com
Graduate, Canine Nutrition
Testimonials
- Elisa, BA, DipDTBC
- Anna Lindahl, Ed.M., Dip.Beh.Mod., CPDT
"My experience at The Companion Animal Sciences Institute has been far above and beyond what I imagined. I spent one full year searching online for schools offering curriculums to advance my learning of dog behavior, and was very hesitant to trust what was offered out there. Then I came across The Companion Animal Sciences Institute, and I'm so thankful I did. The courses offer a quality education and challenging work. The classroom environment is positive and helpful. There are wonderful academic discussions, and the information provided in the classroom is sound information that can be trusted. The instructors are very accessible, and go beyond helpful. I couldn't ask for anything more in an online education!"
- Cynthia Chelsea Koslow
- Nicole Wilde
"There is a great need for quality education for dog trainers, and The Companion Animal Sciences Institute is there to provide it. Continuing education encourages trainers to become a community of learners and to share their knowledge."
- Deborah Jones, Ph.D.
"The Companion Animal Sciences Institute is an intensive, thorough and challenging academic program that forms the perfect symbiotic relationship with the hands-on experiences and academic program a student of dog behavior needs to become the best trainer (or behavior counselor) possible.
- Sue Sternberg
"I have so, so thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from the coursework at The Companion Animal Sciences Institute! I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough. The quality of the information, the support given by the other students and by James O'Heare himself, at-your-own-pace environment...these things and many others make the expenditure of both time and money ABSOLUTELY, unquestionably worthwhile. You should definitely enroll in one of the programs. It's one of the best things I've done for my career thus far!"
- Molly Stone-Elmore, Dip.A.B., CDBC, CC/SF-SPCA
Vernessa Wysocki, Dip.D.D.
“I found everything and everyone very interesting and informative. … James is a very knowledgeable and patient person. Without his continued support and guidance I would have been lost. … I had a wonderful time. I was impressed with the level of professionalism that came from this school. Thanks you for such a rewarding experience.”
- Karen Kennedy Dip.C.B., Graduate
"I am already amazed at all the helpful information to be found here, as well as the friendly people who are willing to share it. Looks like we've come to the right place"
- Doris Herber
"I am proud to have graduated from The Companion Animal Sciences Institute. Without a doubt, the education I received here was essential in my practice as a dog obedience trainer and behavior consultant. I am grateful to James O'Heare and everyone at the Institute who guided me in my studies. Dog behavior is an exciting and rewarding field, but one which requires continued education."
- Renee Premaza, Dip.C.B., C.C.B.T.
Colleen A. Falconer
"When I started at The Companion Animal Sciences Institute, I was already teaching dog training classes and doing in-home canine behavioral counseling sessions, but I wanted to learn more. Since beginning my studies here I have found that the information that I learned before was a valuable stepping stone for the in-depth look at canine behavior that I am getting now. I would recommend The Companion Animal Sciences Institute to anyone who wants a career in dog training--even those that are already in the field."
- Sarah Grimm
“I enrolled in the dog nutrition course in hopes of making sense out of all the conflicting information out there regarding the multitude of feeding practices and philosophies, and to further my knowledge in general. This being my first experience in distance learning, I didn’t know quite what to expect. Thankfully, I can now say that the material, my instructor (Susan Dillon), and college as a whole have far exceeded my expectations. The course was very well conceived, James and Susan were always helpful and accessible to answer questions, and the virtual classroom format provided a great way to interact with the other students for advice, feedback, etc. I will definitely be taking the next nutrition course, and perhaps a few others in the future. I give The Companion Animal Sciences Institute two thumbs and four paws way up.”
- Melanie Monteiro
"Nothing compares to obtaining solid scientifically provable information such as what is offered here in the nutrition courses. The step-by-step process of presenting basic then complex nutritional information and weaving it into the requirements of dogs at all stages of life and activity provides a solid foundation for canine nutrition. Looking back at the manner in which the subject material was presented provides a fluid understanding of dogs and what they need nutritionally to meet their energy and nutrient requirements. The expert guidance of the instructor, Susan Dillon and her unwavering commitment to offer support is unmatched anywhere else. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience and one I highly recommend to others."
- Teri Laylon
Graduate, Advanced Canine Nutritional Sciences
"Completing the Companion Animal Sciences Institute's course in Canine Nutrition has given me invaluable tools to better care for my dogs, both present and future, which is exactly what I hoped for when I enrolled. The course has further fuelled my interest in the subject and lead me to do further research on my own. It has also taught me how to sift through the sea of information available to us today and separate fact from fiction. The helpful and dedicated faculty and the wealth of knowledge and assistance available at any time through the virtual classroom made learning both efficient and enjoyable. Thank you CASI!"
- Tiina Ollanketo
Graduate
- Jennifer Blood
Graduate