In dog care they study dog anatomy, diseases, and treatment. Kennel management covers design, maintenance, sanitation, and the feeding of dogs. Basic courses cover the training of household pets. Students learn to teach dogs to sit, stay, come and lie down. They learn how to correct bad habits, such as barking, digging, self-mutilation, biting, and jumping up.
Advanced training includes a program for dogs who serve persons with disabilities.
Dogs learn to bark when they hear the doorbell ring, to pick things up off the floor, or to open the refrigerator for paraplegics, for instance. Students also learn to train dogs for advanced tracking, development of natural retrieving instincts, police work, and personal protection. The schools also cover business topics. They include customer relations, public relations, basic business management, and kennel management. No states require certification or licensing of dog trainers.