Instruction Skills

Question 1

A training roadmap for a new client should include:

Answer 1

• Dog’s history
• Health Info
• A description of the home environment
• Past training
• Past or current behavior issues
• Expectations of the training process
• Clients ability to implement the program

Question 2

What are good interpersonal skills for training?

Answer 2

Be clear
Observe
Look at it from their perspective
Create a relaxed environment

Question 3

Studies have shown that non verbal communication makes up what percentage of what is being said:

A) 42%
B) 93%
C) 67%
D) 54%

Answer 3

B) 93% of communication is body language or other non verbal indicators

Question 4

If a client is having a rough time with their dog and starting to feel hopeless, you can help by

Answer 4

Normalizing their situation. They’re not alone.

Example: explain that some dogs are more distracted as the opportunity to play with other dogs is more rewarding than a treat.

Question 5

It would be more helpful to tell a client:
A) your dog has leash aggression
B) your dog gets overly excited when he is walked on a leash
C) your dog may be suffering from intraspecies aggression
D) leash reactivity requires DS/CC

Answer 5

B) your dog gets overly excited when he is walked on a leash

Always explain in layman’s terms. DS/CC means nothing to the average person

Question 6

Which is the best way for puppies to socialize in class?
A) let the entire class play for a few minutes
B) walk together outside
C) put them in groups of 2 or 3 for a few minutes
D) put the assertive puppies with the timid ones to boost confidence

Answer 6

C) put them in groups of 2 or 3 for a few minutes

Question 7

1. Quiet your mind and focus on what the other person is saying
2. Listen fully and openly to what they are saying
3. Listen through the words to the deeper feelings behind them
4. Don’t interrupt
5. Repeat back to them in your own words what they said and the feelings you sensed

Answer 7

The 5 steps of Empathic Listening

Question 8

There are seven blocks that interfere with listening effectively

Answer 8

1. Mindreading (assuming you know what they’ll say)
2. Rehearsing (thinking about the answer or point to make while they are still talking)
3. Filtering (Hearing only what you want to hear)
4. Daydreaming
5. Advising (interrupting to give suggestions before they have finished speaking)
6. Judging (critiquing what’s been said)
7. Condescending

Question 9

True or false: When working with a disabled client, you should always handle the dog yourself.

Answer 9

False. It’s important they know how to handle the dog in their own way.

Question 10

When working with clients with disabilities consider the following:

Answer 10

Are they able to physically do the work.

Are they coming alone or with assistance?

Can they give hand signals? Can they reach the dog?

Is the client intellectually able to learn?

Will they be able to keep up with the rest of the class?

Is the classroom environment appropriate, does it have enough space?

Question 11

When you see a client jerking on a choke chain:

Answer 11

Pulling is a tough problem, we’re going to be working on that in this class!

Question 12

When working with difficult clients

Answer 12

• Let them speak, don’t interrupt
• Be aware of your tone of voice and body language
• Avoid labeling

Question 13

1. Be a good listener
2. Be aware of your voice, speak slower and lower pitch.
3. Be aware of body language
4. Ignore behavior you don’t want and reward behavior you do want
5. Don’t get defensive
6. Redirect unwanted behavior (example, ask them to help you gather your things)
7. Act as if (fake it til you make it)
8. Difficult is a matter of perception. Ask yourself what the difficulty is specifically
9. Draw the line. Do your best, but know when enough is enough and refer out.
10. Don’t lose your empathy.

Answer 13

Working with difficult clients

Question 14

As a dog trainer, the bulk of your job is to

Answer 14

Train people

Question 15

One of the first things you should do with a new client is

Answer 15

Prioritize their goals

Question 16

The three learning styles are

Answer 16

Visual (demonstration)
Auditory (explaining)
Kinesthetic (hands on)

Question 17

The information retained by the client is highest when they practice which method of learning?

Answer 17

Kinesthetic (doing it themselves)

Question 18

How much info is retained in kinesthetic learning?

Answer 18

50%

Question 19

How much info is retained in visual learning? Watching a demo

Answer 19

35%

Question 20

How much info is retained in auditory learning (lecture)?

Answer 20

10%

Question 21

Setting criteria for clients gives them an understanding of

Answer 21

What they’re expected to accomplish with their dog throughout the week

Question 22

Forging ahead before the dog is ready can cause

Answer 22

Major setbacks.

Beware of doing too much too fast

Question 23

The law of parsimony is

Answer 23

The simplest explanation is usually the most accurate

Question 24

When using scientific terminology

Answer 24

Explain the concept and what it looks like in layman’s terms and then you can tell them the scientific term if they’re interested.

Question 25

When choosing a demo dog, avoid dogs that are

Answer 25

Over threshold or anxious

Question 26

How much space at minimum should you have between each dog and owner?

A)10’
B) 6’
C) 3’
D) It really doesn’t matter

Answer 26

B) 6’

Question 27

None of the following are ok to do around clients except:
A) make racial slurs
B) Criticize lifestyle choices
C) Joke about political topics
D) Listen “between the lines”

Answer 27

D) Listen “between the lines”

Question 28

An excitable dog is positioned near the entryway to your class. You should:
A) Ask the person to move to a spot further away from traffic
B) Ask the person which spot they’d like
C) Redirect the other dogs so they don’t walk past him
D) Use it as a learning experience teaching students how to walk past reactive dogs

Answer 28

A) Ask the person to move to a spot further away from traffic

Question 29

Explaining how to get a behavior would appeal to:
A) A visual learner
B) An auditory learner
C) A kinesthetic learner
D) an operant learner

Answer 29

B) An auditory learner

Question 30

All of the following are part of empathic listening skills except
A) Asking questions to clarify a point
B) Paraphrasing what someone has just said
C) listening through the words
D) focusing with a quiet mind

Answer 30

A) Asking questions to clarify a point

Question 31

According to the CCPDT Code of Ethics:
A) Disclosure of client information should be done on a case by case basis
B) You need a client’s written consent to video their dog
C) You should use positive reinforcement techniques whenever possible
D) You are advised to report harsh treatment of dogs by other trainers to the CCPDT

Answer 31

C) You should use positive reinforcement techniques whenever possible

Question 32

A client just got a puppy and after the first week you ask her “How is everything going?” She says “Great!” and doesn’t say more. You should say:
A) That’s terrific! So now let’s work on sit.
B) Wonderful! So what’s going on with house training?
C) You just got a puppy… I doubt everything is great.
D) Excellent! Let’s pick up where we left off last week.

Answer 32

B) Wonderful! So what’s going on with house training?

Question 33

Empathic Listening is all of the following except:
A) Listening with focus
B) “Reading” between the lines
C) A great way to build relationships with clients
D) A skill to use only when dealing with difficult clients

Answer 33

D) A skill to use only when dealing with difficult clients

Question 34

You notice a sheltie in your class is lunging at any dog who walks near her and then barks relentlessly at them. You should:
A) Tell the student to pay more attention to what the dog is doing
B) Warn the other students to stay away from the sheltie
C) Suggest the student keep more space between her dog and the others
D) Ask the student to leave and sign up for private sessions

Answer 34

C) Suggest the student keep more space between her dog and the others

Question 35

It is important for clients in your group class to:
A) Get their dogs to master a behavior before leaving class
B) Stay at the same level as the other students in the class
C) Learn to deal with all distractions
D) Practice as often as possible in their home

Answer 35

D) Practice as often as possible in their home

Question 36

When holding a class, you should:
A) Always start on time
B) Wait for stragglers to come in
C) Go late if you have to start late
D) Start on time unless the dogs are having fun socializing

Answer 36

A) Always start on time

Question 37

Before meeting a disabled client, a good question to ask is:
A) Will you need extra space in class?
B) Did you try to find a trainer that works specifically with the disabled?
C) Did you think this was a class for service dogs?
D) Will you miss any classes due to your disability?

Answer 37

A) Will you need extra space in class?

Question 38

A client tells you “ I don’t know why I am bothering to train Rex. It isn’t working at all.” You should
A) Point out how much progress Rex has made
B) Tell the client their negativity is rubbing off on Rex
C) Tell the client this is a long slow process and he has to work at the Rex’s pace
D) Suggest another trainer

Answer 38

A) Point out how much progress Rex has made

Question 39

Disruptions during group classes:
A) Can be valuable learning experiences
B) Are to be avoided whenever possible
C) Are traumatizing to anxious dogs
D) Fluster even the best instructors

Answer 39

A) Can be valuable learning experiences

Question 40

An example of empathic listening is:
A) Client: “My dog is dumb.” You: “You sound frustrated.”
B) Client: “My dog is dumb.” You: “I agree”
C) Client: “My dog is dumb.” You: “Don’t be mean to your dog”
D) Client: “My dog is dumb.” You: “There are no dumb dogs, only dumb people.”

Answer 40

A) Client: “My dog is dumb.” You: “You sound frustrated.”

Question 41

A dog is standing and looking at his handler who is telling you “I don’t want to give him treats anymore because he never sits when I tell him to!” You should say:
A) That makes sense
B) He’s giving you great eye contact right now. Go ahead and treat him for that.
C) How are you asking for a sit?
D) You have to use treats or he won’t sit

Answer 41

B) He’s giving you great eye contact right now. Go ahead and treat him for that.

This is a confirmed answer from a practice test, though I think there are better ways to handle this that aren’t so dismissive…

Question 42

When designing a one hour class you should
A) Assume at least 15 minutes will be spent socializing
B) Consider it a loose outline and just see how it goes
C) Build in time for potty breaks
D) Stick to the plan regardless of what happens

Answer 42

C) Build in time for potty breaks

Question 43

A client shows up with a dog in a prong collar saying “this is what my vet recommended” you should say
A) You should get a new vet.
B) Vets aren’t trained in behavior
C) I won’t work with you unless you remove that
D) I have some alternatives you may find even more effective
E) But it isn’t what I recommend and is against our policy

Answer 43

D) I have some alternatives you may find even more effective

Question 44

Wherever you hold class, make sure
A) the floor is not slippery
B) No other dogs can be in the vicinity
C) There are no distractions
D) There can be enough space between the dogs

Answer 44

D) There can be enough space between the dogs

Question 45

The biggest challenge of an outdoor class will be
A) Wild Animals
B) Cars
C) Weather
D) Dogs walking by

Answer 45

C) Weather

Question 46

When talking to clients:
A) Focus on the words they are saying
B) Use a lot of technical terms to impress them
C) Observe their nonverbal as well as their verbal communication
D) Make sure they understand your perspective

Answer 46

C) Observe their nonverbal as well as their verbal communication

Question 47

It is important to use mostly which learning style when working with clients?
A) Visual
B) Auditory
C) Kinesthetic
D) A combination of all three

Answer 47

D) A combination of all three

Question 48

In a classroom setting
A) make sure you sit friends next to each other
B) You determine the placement of each dog
C) Let students stand where they like and work with it
D) Turn everything into a learning experience such as two dogs next to each other even if they don’t get along

Answer 48

B) You determine the placement of each dog

Question 49

You ask a client how successful they’ve been the past week getting their dog to hold “stay” for 10 seconds. They reply, “Oh, we didn’t get around to practicing this week. We were too busy.” Your response should be:
A) Then how will your dog learn?
B) Hey, it’s your money
C) let’s try it now and see how he does
D) don’t worry, all that matters is that you are here now

Answer 49

C) let’s try it now and see how he does

Question 50

Two students are chatting away as you try to begin group class. You should say:
A) Maybe we would all be interested in what you’re saying
B) Say nothing but stare at them until they are quiet
C) Clap your hands and say “Ok, I know we are all excited to be here so let’s get started!
D) I don’t think anyone paid money to hear you two talk

Answer 50

C) Clap your hands and say “Ok, I know we are all excited to be here so let’s get started!

Question 51

A client in your class complains, “How come my dog is the only one who doesn’t get it?” You should say:
A) “That’s because you’re always looking at your phone”
B) “You told me before class that you had no time to practice, so what did you expect?”
C) “Every dog has their own timeline and the more you practice, the quicker he will get it.”
D) “It doesn’t matter, your dog is such a sweetheart.”

Answer 51

C) “Every dog has their own timeline and the more you practice, the quicker he will get it.”

Question 52

Joking when working with a client is:
A) A good way to air your political views
B) Wonderful for lightening the mood as long as it isn’t offensive
C) The best way to relax your clients
D) Something to avoid so you don’t accidentally offend anyone

Answer 52

B) Wonderful for lightening the mood as long as it isn’t offensive

Question 53

Joking when working with a client is:
A) A good way to air your political views
B) Wonderful for lightening the mood as long as it isn’t offensive
C) The best way to relax your clients
D) Something to avoid so you don’t accidentally offend anyone

Answer 53

B) Wonderful for lightening the mood as long as it isn’t offensive

Question 54

Class handouts are valuable because:
A) You can do less talking
B) They aid in kinesthetic learning
C) Students feel they are getting more for their money
D) They can help the student if you forget something

Answer 54

D) They can help the student if you forget something

Question 55

A client shows up with a strong dog who is pulling and a leash clipped to the back of the harness you should say:
A) “That’s causing opposition reflex and will make him pull more.”
B) “Why do you have the leash clipped to his back?”
C) “Let’s try clipping the leash to his chest and see if that helps”
D) “I thought I told you not to clip the leash to the back of the harness.”

Answer 55

C) “Let’s try clipping the leash to his chest and see if that helps”

Question 56

When it comes to how you handle absences in your class:
A) Put this info in your onboarding documents
B) Take it on a case-by-case basis
C) As students what they’d prefer
D) Go over your policy on the first day of class

Answer 56

D) Go over your policy on the first day of class

Question 57

The best dog to pick for demonstration is one who:
A) Makes eye contact with you and has a slightly opened mouth
B) Has his upper body turned away from you
C) Is pulling towards the dog next to him
D) Has a closed mouth and is giving you whale eye

Answer 57

A) Makes eye contact with you and has a slightly opened mouth

Question 58

A student comes into class hanging on for dear life with the dog whose tail is stiff and upright and is snapping at every dog in sight. Your best bet is to:
A) Place them behind a barricade
B) Tell the student to hold the leash tighter
C) Tell the student to reward the dog any time he isn’t snapping
D) Suggest the student begin with private lessons instead of the group class

Answer 58

D) Suggest the student begin with private lessons instead of the group class

Question 59

A student comes into your class looking upset and says she is sorry she missed class last week and hasn’t had any time to work with her dog. You should say:
A) Sounds like you’ve had a busy week. I am glad you’re back with us tonight.
B) Missing classes will not help your dog improve
C) Your dog is so smart he probably didn’t need that class anyway
D) You still have to pay for the class according to our refund policy

Answer 59

A) Sounds like you’ve had a busy week. I am glad you’re back with us tonight.

Question 60

If an owner calls before class and says that a puppy has had diarrhea for the past two days you should:
A) Advise the owner to change the puppy’s food
B) tell the owner not to worry as diarrhea is common in puppies
C) tell the owner not to bring the puppy to class and to call their vet
D) ask the owner for more information to determine if the puppy is ok and can come to class

Answer 60

C) tell the owner not to bring the puppy to class and to call their vet