Victoria Stilwell Academy is a structured, in-depth program for professional dog trainer education, while Zak George's Dog Training Revolution offers accessible and free resources for basic dog training and common behavior problems. The choice depends on the user's goals: a career as a dog trainer or solutions for pet behavior.
| Attribute | Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior | Zak George's Dog Training Revolution (YouTube Channel) |
|---|---|---|
| Training Methodologies | Focuses on positive reinforcement and humane training methods, science-based, force-free positive training, avoids pain, fear, and intimidation. | Primarily uses positive reinforcement, rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones. Emphasizes clear communication and building a strong bond. Discourages force or punishment-based methods. Some reviews suggest his methods can be outdated and rely on compliance, using negative punishment (withholding rewards). |
| Specialization | Basic manners, behavior issues, puppy training, advanced behavior modification, aggression, reactivity, anxiety-based behaviors, fears and phobias, canine stress. | Focuses on basic skills, tricks, and common pet behavior problems. Addresses issues like biting, leash pulling, jumping, barking, aggression, and chewing. Less focus on severe behavior problems like phobias. |
| Certification/Accreditation of Trainers | Offers VSA-CDT certification, authorized under the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Institutions Act of 1990, curriculum exceeds minimum requirements suggested by CCPDT and IAABC. | Information on formal certifications is limited. Zak George is described as certified in Applied Animal Behavior. |
| Years of Experience | Victoria Stilwell has been a dog trainer since approximately 1995. The academy has been in operation for over two years as of 2018. | Has over 15 years of experience; over 20 years in the field of canine behavior. |
| Program Structure | Online courses and in-person track, flexible-length vocational online course (DTC), hands-on training experience and professional trainer shadowing opportunities, dedicated Faculty Advisor. | Offers free dog training videos on YouTube. Author of books, including 'Zak George's Dog Training Revolution.' Has a 30-Day Perfect Pup course in partnership with Pupford. Hosted Animal Planet shows. |
| Geographic Reach/Availability | Global reach with online courses, in-person intensives held in Atlanta. | Content is accessible worldwide via YouTube. |
| Client Support and Resources | Student Learning Center, downloadable learning guides, training exercises, business documents, private Facebook group, personal Faculty Advisor. | YouTube channel offers a wide variety of videos. Book provides a comprehensive guide. Offers a free e-mail training program. Exclusive access to a private Facebook community (57K+ members) for the 30 Day Perfect Pup course. |
| Success Rate/Guarantees | Focuses on providing students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed as dog trainers. VSA graduates have been rigorously assessed at the highest level for both skills and knowledge. | Information on specific success rates or guarantees is not readily available. |
| Continuing Education/Advanced Training Programs | Encourages graduates to continue education through advanced courses and seminars, offers resources for trainers looking to specialize. | Offers guidance on advanced commands, tricks, and agility. |
| Community and Social Interaction Opportunities | Live webinar-style Cyber Classes, private 'study group' online community. | A private Facebook community is available for those taking the 30-Day Perfect Pup course. |
| Price | $3,950 (Dog Trainer Course), $299 (Fundamentals of Dog Training & Behavior Course). Payment plans and scholarships available. | YouTube content is primarily free, books are relatively affordable, 30-Day Perfect Pup course is free |