FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This course is designed for trainers with a deep interest in, or a professional requirement for, skills that are needed working in or getting prepared to work in environments requiring complex behaviors. These environments include, but are not limited to, law enforcement, conservation, research, search and rescue, guide dogs, high levels of competition and teaching, and behavior consultation. (The skills and issues covered in this course are ones that hobbyists and pet dog trainers typically do not need, use, or encounter).

This course assumes a strong level of competency working with at least one species and a solid understanding of the theory, tools, and application of positive reinforcement, so that we can take you to the next level.

This course assumes that you have a strong level of competency with at least one species. You should be well-grounded in the training method, theory, and science of positive reinforcement and have already trained at least several complex behaviors to a high level of fluency using this method.

Here are sample programs and courses that provide a guide to readiness. It is not a comprehensive list.

If you hold any of the following certifications: Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, CAAB, Veterinary Behaviorist, ACAAB, or Certified in Behavior from IAABC in one or more areas, you will enjoy and benefit from this course.
If you have completed a formal program of education in positive reinforcement such as Training for Professionals: Across Species, or Susan Friedman’s LLA course, you you will enjoy and benefit from this course.
If you train, or aspire to train, in any of the environments such as those listed below and have a solid education/understanding of operant conditioning (see above) you will enjoy and benefit from this course.
- Canine or Equine Sports Competition
- Guiding Dogs, Service Dogs
- Law Enforcement, Government Agencies
- Theater/Television/Movies
- Search and Rescue, Scent Detection
- Zoos, Marine parks
- Research Training
- Adoption and Rescue Agencies

We strongly recommend that you do not bring your dog (with the exception of a personal service dog). You will not have much free time to tend to your dog, and there is no course time dedicated to training your dog. If you must bring your dog, your dog must be well-socialized and comfortable around people and other dogs.

You must bring a kennel to house your dog while in class. Your dog will not be in the classroom with you; the kennel will not fit in the classroom. You will have to find the time to tend to your dog during the brief breaks in class. Classroom and training sessions will start promptly and we will not be able to wait for those who need to tend to their dogs.

We value the health and safety of all attendees, staff, and speakers at The Ranch. Kindly familiarize yourself with the policies below; we will continue to review and may adjust our policies prior to the event.

Attendance Policy

Anyone who experiences symptoms of COVID-19 during the event is required to take a COVID-19 test. We will have tests available for those who develop symptoms.

If you test positive you should follow CDC guidelines and you will not be able to re-enter The Ranch.

If you test negative, you may remain at The Ranch, but you must wear a mask. You may be instructed to eat meals separately and you will be required to test for each day that you remain symptomatic.

Other than the above exception, wearing a mask is optional.

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Notwithstanding the above, we reserve the right to require face masks of any participant at any time. If any new guidance becomes available, other requirements may be added to this policy.

We continue to strongly encourage all attendees to take preventative measures to protect themselves from severe illness. You can find the latest guidance, including health and hygiene practices, and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, here.

We do not have a vaccination and/or asymptomatic testing requirement.

Travel related questions? Click here!

Refunds/Cancellation

Because of the nature of the course and the small class size, cancellations are disruptive. If you book a spot, please make every effort to attend. If you do need to cancel, the following is our cancellation policy:

If you cancel…

More than 60 days from the course start date

10% of the course fee will be retained by us and 90% refunded to you.

Between 60 days and 31 days from the course start date

50% of the course fee will be retained by us and 50% refunded to you.

30 days or fewer from the course start date

No refunds will be issued; 100% of the course fee will be retained by us.

However, if within 10 days or fewer from the course start date, you are unable to attend due to the following circumstances, we will permit a transfer to another course:

You test positive for COVID-19 with a viral test and can provide supporting documentation
International travel restrictions prohibit you from traveling to the state of Washington

Transfers must be used for a class prior to November 2024 or be forfeited.

To cancel, please click on the cancellation link contained in your confirmation email. No refunds will be issued other than those listed in accordance with the policy above. If you are within 10 days of the course and meet the eligibility to transfer, please email theranch@clickertraining.com.

We strongly recommend travel insurance, especially for overseas trips. Insurance protects your overall investment if you are forced to cancel your registration. It protects you in many situations, including lost luggage or illness. Many independent agencies offer travel insurance, as do travel providers.

Requests to Transfer Registration

Transfers of registration to another student are permitted when requested at least 30 days prior to the start of the course. A fee of 10% of the registration total will be charged and must be completed prior to the registration transfer.

Transfers to a future course will not be permitted unless the eligibility requirements above are met.

Transfer requests must be sent via e-mail to theranch@clickertraining.com E-mails must be received by midnight US Pacific Time (PT) (GMT-7) to be processed on that day.

What if the course can’t be held?

At The Ranch, we always feature small class sizes that are conducive to learning and social distancing. We have ample outdoor space and will be adhering to the latest local, state, and federal guidelines to deliver a safe AND enjoyable learning experience.

Should Karen Pryor Clicker Training determine that it is not safe or feasible for a course to be held in person, you will have the option of transferring to another date or course or receiving a refund.