Summer experience for 7th-9th Graders at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center
Richard Guffanti
2025 Canine Handler Academy for 7th-9th Graders
Canine Handler Academy (CHA) is the perfect summer learning opportunity for children who want to develop skills to train their pet dog or aspire to a career working with dogs.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the working dog industry and learn about dogs working in many disciplines including search and rescue, law enforcement, medical detection, and conservation. Your child will also gain additional skills in canine fitness, behavior, and positive reinforcement training.
Here are some important details you need to know before you register your child for Canine Handler Academy.
- Beginner sessions are for incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th graders (2025-2026 school year).
- Advanced session is for incoming 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th graders who have attended at least one beginner session (can be in the same summer).
-
Opportunities for students who have completed at least one advanced week to become counselors and counselors-in-training.
Apply for counselor/counselor-in-training: https://capable-canine.com/2025-cha-counselor-counselor-in-training-application/ -
Scholarships are available for those who qualify for the NSLP.
Apply for a scholarship: https://capable-canine.com/2025-cha-scholarship-application/ - We offer 4 weeks of Canine Handler Academy:
- Beginner Session #1: July 7-11, 2025
- Beginner Session #2: July 14-18, 2025
- Beginner Session #3: July 21-25, 2025
- Advanced Session: July 28-August 1, 2025
Learn more and register at https://capable-canine.com/canine-handler-academy
Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, PhD DACVECC DACVSMR
Director, Penn Vet Working Dog Center
Professor of Working Dog Sciences & Sports Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
School of Veterinary Medicine
3401 Grays Ferry Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Office Phone 215-898-3390
Penn Vet Working Dog Center Phone 215-898-2200