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Second Chance Shelter - Assistant Dog Training Program

by: Second Chance Dog Shelter

5 (3)Since 2024

This is our most popular program. It's a two or four-week course where professional dog trainers teach you dog training skills. Our shelter has a dedicated covered training area in Pattaya, Thailand. We train our resident dogs in obedience and agility. You will get the chance to train with 5 or 6 different dogs each day, including those with disabilities. The training is a massive success for the dogs, providing them with real enrichment and visibly increasing their confidence. We hope the trained dogs will have a greater chance of adoption as well.

Program Highlights

Gain hands-on dog training experience and learn the skills of professional trainers—if you can train a shelter dog with a history of trauma and abuse, you can train any dog.

Be a part of an incredible transformation process, wherein a timid, shy, fearful dog becomes confident, outgoing, and happy—making it perfect as a family pet.

Enjoy activities like swimming with dogs, pack walks, and even surfing in a tropical paradise—a true volunteer adventure in Thailand with a tangible difference.

Explore Thailand's beauty and culture, explore beaches and islands, visit an elephant sanctuary, enjoy watersports, and watch a live Muay Thai (the national sport) match.

Meet like-minded people and make lifelong friends who’ll accompany you on further trips and adventures in Thailand.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Pattaya, Thailand
Starts At: $100-300
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • Multiple Year
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Eco-Tourism
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Dec 09, 2025

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

3

Everything I had hoped for and more

September 11, 2025by: Kelly Griffiths - United Kingdom
5

When I arrived at the shelter it was amazing being greeted by so many dogs. There are quite a few that have lost legs and they hop around happily. The course itself was so fun, the trainer is very relaxed and teaches in a very laid back way. Always answering your questions. The time with the dogs was great, I’ve never owned a dog and it was really heart warming getting to know them all. We picked a few dogs each and taught them to walk with us and jump over the obstacles. We went to the beach with them , visited cafes and I learnt so much. I wish I had signed up for longer. I will miss my doggie friends.

Lucas and Casper On the way to the beach My new friends

Unforgettable experience with lovable dogs!

September 11, 2025by: Mirc Kyllo - Finland
5

This course was a great experience. I learned a lot about training dogs and getting along with many different dogs, as well as dog behaviors in different situations. The trainer was really pleasant and knowledgeable. The dogs were also really nice and lovable, we trained them at the shelter and on the beaches. I highly recommend this if you want to do good for these dogs, and develop your skills with dogs at the same time.

Training at the shelterTraining on the beachTraining at the shelter

Fantastic Experience

September 11, 2025by: Shane McGuigan - United Kingdom
5

I spent a brilliant two weeks learning to train doggies with Soi Dogs in Pattaya. I had such a great time, the dogs were lovely, and I met some great people too. I learned a lot of skills that I can apply to training my own dog now I'm back. Plus, it was really nice to actually DO something rather than my usual holiday activity of just sitting around on the beach.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Pattaya, Thailand

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Eco-Tourism

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • Multiple Year

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Starts At

$100-300

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Training
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Emergency Support

Accommodation Options

  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the volunteer requirements?

  1. The obvious one—volunteers must love dogs
  2. Must be 18 years of age
  3. Must be in good physical and mental health
  4. Must speak English

What will I be doing as a volunteer?

Apart from having the time of your life, you will learn how to teach dog obedience and agility. Everything we do aims to teach dog training principles while enriching the dog's lives. Volunteers are expected to understand how to apply these principles and teach new things not taught in the course. We will also take the dogs to the beach, pet-friendly cafes, and other places to train away from the shelter.

What should I wear while in the program?

Thais are pretty conservative, so you must always dress respectfully. Tee shirts and shorts are acceptable. The weather in Thailand is either hot or very hot, hot and raining, or very hot and raining. The training area is covered, but we suggest bringing light and breathable clothing, a hat, and closed shoes (which you don't mind getting wet). Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are also advisable.

What can I do in my free time?

It is no exaggeration to say your free time can be as much fun as you want. We have islands you can get a boat to, beaches that are long and sandy, bars, restaurants, elephant sanctuaries, yoga classes, Muay Thai classes, sky diving, ATV riding, horse riding, jet skiing, cooking classes, language classes, water parks, temples, floating cafes, spas and massages, and so much more. That's all in Pattaya, Bangkok is only 90 minutes away too.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Many tourists around the globe have accidents all the time, and Thailand is no different. Also, you will be working with dogs. While we take safety seriously and have never had bite cases, it's possible. Please get insured; it's so much better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

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