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A Challenging and Rewarding Journey with Karen Pryor AcademyOver the years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend several ClickerExpo and APDT events, each one deepening my understanding of positive reinforcement training. But completing the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) was an entirely different level of commitment — and growth.Make no mistake, this program is not for the faint of heart. Beyond the significant financial investment, it requires serious mental and physical dedication. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to challenge you. Expectations are high, and success demands strong time management, self-direction, and the ability to reach out when you need guidance. Fortunately, my instructor was incredibly accessible and responsive throughout the program, which made a big difference when I hit roadblocks.One of the most impactful parts of the course was the section involving a non-canine species. This opened my eyes to my own training style and forced me to examine my habits and assumptions in a whole new light. It was humbling, enlightening, and deeply valuable.So, is it worth it? Absolutely. Completing KPA has made me a more thoughtful, skilled, and empathetic trainer. Not only have I seen improvement in my work with my own dogs, but my ability to support and communicate with clients has grown tremendously.If you're serious about professional development in the world of force-free training, and ready to put in the work — KPA is an experience that will push you and change you for the better.
My experience with the Karen Pryor Academy exceeded all expectations. I learned so much—not only about the science of animal training, but also about my own approach, confidence, and communication as a trainer.A huge part of that was thanks to my incredible instructor, Laurie. She was knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly relatable. Her kind, steady guidance kept me grounded, especially during moments when I felt overwhelmed or uncertain. She created a supportive environment that made it safe to learn, ask questions, and grow.The final in-person workshop week was the perfect culmination of everything we’d worked so hard for. It was fun, fast-paced, and absolutely exhausting (in the best way!) for both us and our dogs. I walked away feeling proud, connected, and genuinely excited for what’s next.KPA gave me tools, confidence, and a deeper understanding of training—and I’m grateful for every step of the journey.
On April 25, 2024 I was accepted into the Karen Pryor Training Academy. On July 3, 2024 I asked for a deferral from the program due to a medical condition and a very intense busy schedule. I was told at the time that I would hear from the Admission department inn November when the schedule was out for the Instructor. On October 23, 2024 I sent a letter to Admissions and asked if I could defer to another instructor in a Regional Program that is offered. They stated no, and send me a copy of the policy in the handbook. I had already reviewed the handbook and understood that I needed to stay with the same instructor. Unfortunately, that instructor did not have a Regional Class on the schedule. I reached out to the instructor and asked if she had a regional class upcoming and she informed me that she does not offer Regional Sessions. On 10/24/2024, I received an email from the Associate Director informing me that the reason I had to stay with the current instructor was because she was already paid for me in the Virtual Class. So, if someone has issues and does not feel the virtual program is a good fit for them and their instructor does not offer any other type of programs you have no options and are out the 5000.00 you paid. The student is penalized if their instructor does not offer Regional classes. This is a serious problem for the program and I want other potential students to be aware that this could happen to you. The program does not offer an exception and or an opportunity to work with the student in a compromise. I have attended their conference and been in the training community for over 15 years and this is extremely unfortunate situation and my hope was that we could come to a resolution at the time of writing this review it was not an option.
I enrolled in the virtual training program and the program was not a good fit for me and my verry busy training schedule. Upon reviewing the Student Handbook I realized that I could request to defer into a regional program. After contact KPA I was informed that I could not defer into a regional program because my trainer did not offer regional sessions only virtual. There are other trainers that offer regional and virtual. Unfortunately, I feel penalized because I selected a trainer that only offers virtual sessions. The reason the Associate Director gave me was because they have already paid the instructor. This is a very unfair business practice for potential dog trainers that they must be aware of. What happens is the student and the mentor/instructor do not connect. This could potentially be another issue.
The Trainer Professional course is a wonderful course and well worth the price if you are serious about becoming a professional trainer and/or behavior consultant.It is hard! It takes work and commitment but the knowledge you will gain is priceless.Karen Pryor brought positive reinforcement training to the dog community back in the 90's and I personally, owe her a great debt of gratitude for the developing this education opportunity to help me be the best trainer I can be. In business now for 15 years.I recently took a zoom course on Distraction Training with Ken Remirez. Super! As usual.Noel HoffmannCPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC-CDBC, FF
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We advance the field of force-free training through community and peer collaboration, and we help our faculty and alumni become more successful through close business partnerships. ... Karen Pryor Academy was borne of the many requests KPCT received from trainers who wanted help setting standards for good training practices and help making trainers more financially successful. ...See more
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