Interview with Kirsten Wojcik
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Interview Summary
Kirsten Wojcik, a dog behavior consultant with nearly 30 years in the field, built a three-phase online certification program that uses video analysis as a core teaching method. Her discovery: video-based online learning is actually more effective than in-person observation because students can pause, slow down, and rewatch subtle behavioral signals they would miss in real time.
Why Video Analysis Beats In-Person Observation
Most people assume that hands-on skills can only be taught in person. Kirsten found the opposite. When her students record themselves working with dogs and share the videos for group review, they notice things they missed in the moment. "Your technical skills get so much better when you see yourself on camera," she explains. The ability to pause, slow down, and rewatch subtle body language signals — a quick lip lick, a weight shift, a micro-second ear position change — makes video analysis a more powerful teaching tool than live observation. Students who trained this way consistently outperform those who only learned in person.
Having that and even being able to slow down the video has been just a really excellent tool.
Three Phases: Foundation to Practicum
Kirsten structures her program in three tiers that let different audiences self-select. Phase 1 covers foundational knowledge — understanding the "why" behind dog behavior rather than just the "how" of training techniques. "A dog trainer is more like a PE teacher and a dog behavior consultant is more like that child psychologist," she explains. Phase 2 adds guided practice with case studies and video analysis. Phase 3 is a supervised practicum with real clients. Enthusiasts stop at Phase 1. Professionals working toward certification continue through all three. This tiered approach means she does not need to convince everyone to commit to the full program upfront.
Community Service as Ongoing Engagement
Beyond the certification pathway, Kirsten keeps graduates engaged through ongoing community service opportunities and continuing education. She also adds unexpected engagement moments to keep learning fun — "Instead of a test, we play Zoom Jeopardy. It's always a hit." These lighter moments create connection between participants who might otherwise feel isolated studying a niche topic online.
Kirsten's Action Steps
Kirsten recommends these 3 steps to improve your course planning:
Use video analysis for hands-on skills
Have students record themselves practicing and share recordings for group review. Playback and slow-motion often teach more than live observation, especially for subtle skills that happen quickly in real time.
Structure your course in self-selecting tiers
Create foundational, practice, and advanced levels so different audiences choose how far they go. Enthusiasts stop early, professionals continue to certification — no one feels pressured to over-commit.
Reach existing communities for low-effort marketing
Facebook groups, professional associations, and online forums in your niche already gather your ideal students. A simple offer or discount shared in these spaces often produces better results than expensive advertising.
About Kirsten Wojcik
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Kirsten Wojcik is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with nearly three decades in the field. She runs KW Happy Dogs Behavior Consulting and teaches a three-phase online certification program for aspiring dog behavior professionals. A former classroom teacher, she brings pedagogical expertise to her video-based online learning methodology.
Listen to the full episode
From Course Lab with Abe Crystal & Ari Iny on Mirasee FM