City Dogs Training & Behaviour Mentorship Membership Program
Created by: Andrea Dinan, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCT, KAD-PA
Mentorship Program Overview
The City Dogs Training & Behaviour Mentorship Membership Program is a comprehensive monthly mentorship designed for aspiring or developing dog trainers who wish to deepen their skills, knowledge, and practical experience under the direct guidance of Andrea Dinan and have a pathway to obtaining professional certification. Each month, mentees select two training or behaviour topics to focus on. The structure combines learning, practice, mentorship, and coaching to help mentees grow confidently into professional, evidence-based trainers.
Program Components
A. Topic-Based Learning
• Choose two training & behaviour topics each month.
• Access relevant webinars, recorded Zoom sessions, and resource materials provided by Andrea.
• observation sessions, and client shadowing opportunities
• Optional supplemental readings
B. Live Mentorship Sessions
• Participate in live in-home or Zoom sessions with Andrea for individualized feedback and demonstration of practical techniques.
• Review training plans, case studies, and session design tailored to each mentee’s current focus areas.
C. Weekly Coaching Sessions
(2 Hours Each)
• Private one on one sessions either in person or by zoom
• Discuss what was learned, share experiences, troubleshoot challenges, and receive additional resources and personalized homework.
• Collaborative discussion environment to build community and confidence.
D. Applied Learning
• Mentees are encouraged to participate in City Dogs Sports classes anytime during the month to enhance handling skills and observation of group dynamics.
• One case study based on one chosen topic will be completed per month by the mentee and reviewed with Andrea, allowing mentees to apply learned concepts to real-world situations.
• Opportunities for co-teaching or assisting when appropriate.
Mentorship Benefits
Personalized support and feedback from a certified, experienced trainer and educator.
Guidance on career development, certification pathways, and continuing education opportunities.
Access to Andrea’s curated library of webinars, templates, and client tools.
Professional reference available upon successful completion of the program.
All hours will be signed off for use toward certification requirements (e.g., CPDT, FDM, etc.).
Includes a resource package with: Client assessment templates, Behaviour contract templates, Session summary templates
Time Commitment
Approx. 12 to 20 hours per topic within a 4-week time frame:
– Self-study (webinars, readings, case reviews)
– Live or virtual mentorship sessions
– Weekly 2-hour coaching calls
– Applied practice, homework, and reflection time
Topic Checklist
- Leash Walking
- Recall
- New Rescues
- Stress/Anxiety while outdoors
- Resource Guarding
- Barking Behaviours
- Puppy Training
- Independence Training (Low-Level Separation Anxiety)
- Reactivity on Leash
- Reactivity to Dogs
- Calm Around Company
- Stranger Danger (No Bite History)
- Demand Behaviours (chewing, barking, stealing items)
- Condo-Specific Behaviours
- Crate Training
- Over-Excitement
- General Adolescence Behaviours & Training
- Handling/Basic Grooming
- Proper Dog to Dog Introductions