Online course curriculum

Move at your own pace.

  1. Welcome! Introduction

  2. Unit 1 - Understand How Dogs Learn & Interpret Their Environment

  3. Unit 2 - Observation: How To Observe Dogs Reaction To Their Environment

  4. Unit 3 - Assessment: Identify & Understand Causes Of Specific Behavior And Function

  5. Unit 4 - Plan of Action: Implement Plan of Action Rooted in Learning Theory and Observation

  6. Unit 5 -Putting Your Behavior Knowledge Into Action

About this course

  • $197.00
  • 57 lessons
  • 8 hours of video content
  • Access for 1 year

Why This Course Is Worth It

Learn the behavior skills most pet sitters never get taught—but use every day.

  • You’re learning a real, repeatable behavior assessment system you can apply to every dog you care for.

  • Instead of guessing why a dog is barking, pacing, jumping, or pulling, you'll know exactly what to look for, what’s triggering the behavior, and what steps to take to help the dog feel safer while teaching a new behavior.

  • With 5 structured units, 8 + hours of video lessons, 10 lessons, 30 hands-on assignments, and 50 knowledge-check questions, you’ll build confidence through practice - rooted in learning theory.

  • These skills make your job easier, safer, and more efficient by helping you prevent stress and reactivity before they start, create smoother visits, and give clients noticeable improvements in their dog’s behavior.

  • The custom tools you receive (behavior function guide, Plan of Action templates, and progress-tracking sheet) are the same tools used by behavior professionals, adapted for pet sitters.

  • By the end, you’ll understand behavior, know how to support dogs within your role, and feel confident about when to refer out.

  • Becoming a behavior-informed professional builds trust, strengthens your reputation, and sets you apart.

  • This isn’t just another course—it's a practical foundation that elevates your professionalism and improves every dog you work with.

  • Approved CEUs: CCPDT 5-8. NAPPS and PSI CEUs Pending

Understand behavior, don't guess at it.

No previous experience needed.

Start Learning

Instructor

Fanna Easter

With a specialty in canine separation anxiety and compulsive disorders, Fanna brings deep expertise in working with complex behavior cases. She is the founder of Positive Pooch Behavior, offering remote behavior support, and has more than a decade of experience in a veterinary behavior practice serving a large urban area. Fanna also played a pivotal role in launching a nationwide positive reinforcement training program across 1,500 Petco locations and helped develop education for over 2,000 dog trainers. A past APDT Chair (2022), she continues to be a respected voice in the industry. She has earned multiple national dog behavior certifications, such as Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA since 2003), Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and Fear Free Animal Trainer. Additionally, Fanna has presented at pet sitter and dog training/behavior conferences.