PhD Dogtorate

Clickstart’s PhD Dogtorate class is designed for teams preparing for service dog, therapy dog work, or other advanced training. We work in a variety of locations to perfect your dog’s skills in public and around distractions.

Our PhD curriculum includes criteria from the ADI Public Access Test as well as the Pet Partners Therapy Dog Test. Each class will take place in a different pet-friendly location, with heavy emphasis on generalizing skills around novel distractions. Dogs 15 months and older who have completed Clickstart's Masters program are eligible.

Age Range:

• 15 months+

Prerequisites:

• Masters Graduate

Package Details:

• 6 classes - $350

• Each class takes place at a different dog-friendly store

What We Cover:

• Service Dog Public Access Test Prep

• Therapy Dog Organization Test Prep

• Navigating indoor dog-friendly stores

• Heavy distraction proofing

• Settling for extended periods

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More Details

Resources

After each class, you will receive a follow-up email with step-by-step instructions for each exercise covered. This email will also contain links to additional resources, purchasable items, Clickstart’s supportive services and more.

Supportive Services

Once you’re enrolled in a group class, you’ll receive a discount on in-home private training to help address your specific goals and unique challenges. During private sessions, we can meet at local dog-friendly stores to troubleshoot your training together.

Trainer Qualifications

Our PhD Class curriculum was designed by Clickstart’s co-founder and certified Service Dog Trainer, Liv Healy. Liv has a passion for high precision training and advanced performance. It’s what makes them such a successful Service Dog Trainer! They have years of experience working with ATLAS Assistance Dogs and preparing service dog teams for the Public Access Test.

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FAQs

• My dog didn't pass the Advanced AKC Titles in Masters. Can I still take this class?

  Yes, as long as your dog will be comfortable working in a variety of busy environments.

  We can even administer a test (CGC, Community Canine, or Urban Canine) on your final day of class.

• I haven't taken your Masters Class. Can I still take this class?

  If you haven’t taken our Masters class, then we will require proof of your dog’s Advanced AKC Titles (Urban and Community Canine) as well as a Discovery Call to gain explicit trainer approval.

  Clickstart has a very unique way of training and very high expectations of a dog’s comfort during training. It is imperative that we are on the same page about methodology before working together.

• I'm not interested in Service or Therapy dog work. Can I still take this class?

  Absolutely! Less stakes will only make the class more fun for both you and your dog.

• Will my dog be a Service or Therapy Dog upon graduating from this class?

  No. This class is designed to prepare you and your dog for a specific organization’s exam (ATLAS, Pet Partners, etc.) that we are not authorized to administer.

• Is this class suitable for fearful or reactive dogs?

  No. This class requires that your dog is very comfortable in busy, loud environments full of children, other dogs, crowds, and sudden/loud noises.

• What if I need to miss a class?

  Whether it’s a planned absence or a last minute emergency, each series comes with a complimentary Make Up/Office Hour class to schedule at your convenience. However, this make up class will take place on our Campus in Lake Forest and NOT in a dog-friendly store.

  While we don’t offer refunds, we do our best to remain flexible and ensure your purchase is risk-free.

Have more questions before signing up?

Schedule a free Discovery Call!