Dog Training Organizations and Their Certification Standards

There are several dog training organizations that offer certification standards for trainers. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is one such organization.

The CCPDT offers the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) certification, which requires a combination of education, experience, and passing a written exam. This certification is recognized by many dog training professionals.

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) also offers certification for dog trainers. Their Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) certification requires a minimum of 30 hours of education and experience.

The CCPDT's certification process involves a written exam and a review of a trainer's education and experience.

Certification programs for dog trainers are designed to refine skills, gain experience, and eventually earn a certification. These programs can be completed in just a few months.

There are several types of dog training certifications, including vocational programs through colleges or universities, certification courses from private businesses, and evaluations of your dog training skills and experience. For example, the State University of New York at Cobleskill offers an accelerated program where students can earn a four-year degree in canine handling and training in just two years.

Some certification programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may require a signed Attestation Statement from an industry professional, such as a veterinarian. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, for instance, requires a high school diploma or GED, a signed Attestation Statement, and at least 300 logged hours of dog training experience in the last three years.

Certification programs can be completed in as little as four months or take significantly longer, depending on the organization and your level of experience. For example, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers requires at least three years of training experience before you can sit for their Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) exam.

Here are some examples of certification programs and their requirements:

In general, certification programs are designed to ensure that dog trainers have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective training for dogs.

If you're looking to get certified as a dog trainer, there are several options to consider. Some colleges and universities offer vocational programs in canine handling and training, such as the State University of New York at Cobleskill's accelerated program.

These programs can be a great way to earn a degree while learning the skills you need to become a certified dog trainer. For example, the State University of New York at Cobleskill's program can be completed in just two years.

Private companies also offer certification courses for dog trainers, which can be a shorter and more flexible option. These programs provide certification in a few months and can be a great way to refine your skills and gain experience.

If you have extensive experience working with dogs, you may be able to sit for a certification exam without taking a prerequisite course.

There are many certification programs for dog trainers, but some of the most well-known include the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the AKC's S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

The CCPDT offers two certifications: the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA). To be eligible for these exams, you'll need a high school diploma (or GED), a signed Attestation Statement from an industry professional, and at least 300 logged hours of dog training experience in the last three years.

The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers offers several courses for training puppies, preparing dogs for protection work, and increasing your dog's motivation and drive. These courses are available online or in person and vary in length from five to 15 days.

Here are some of the top dog trainer certification organizations to consider:

Each of these options will give you the credentials to make your business more attractive to new clients, so be sure to do your best in the program.

If you're looking for a dog training certification, you have several options to consider. There are 7 dog trainer certification organizations to consider, each with its own set of requirements and benefits.

The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) offers credential programs for trainers who want to work with service dogs and those who wish to become dog training instructors. Most of their programs require you to become a certified dog trainer (CDT) through their organization, which means you'll need at least three years of dog training experience.

Some popular dog training organizations include Dog Academy, which offers online and in-person classes, as well as a range of training courses from obedience to behavioral issues. Their prices range from $49.99 to $349.99, making them a more affordable option compared to some other organizations.

The Pet Professional Guild, also known as the Association for Force Free Pet Professionals, is a great option for those looking to certify their skills in dog training. They offer a range of credential programs for trainers who want to work with service dogs and those who wish to become dog training instructors.

Their programs require a significant amount of experience and training, with at least 300 hours of training experience over the past five years and 30 hours of skill development training. This is a great option for those who have already gained extensive experience working with dogs.

The Pet Professional Guild also has high expectations of its certified dog trainers, requiring at least three years of dog training experience to begin the credential journey. This is a significant commitment, but it can pay off in the long run with a successful and respected business.

Here are some key requirements for the Pet Professional Guild's credential programs:

The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers is a great resource for those looking to improve their skills as dog trainers. They offer online and in-person courses.

Their courses range from 5 to 15 days in length, making them a flexible option for busy trainers. The school's Santa Rosa, CA campus is a great location for those who prefer in-person training.

One of the unique aspects of the Michael Ellis School is their focus on protection work, such as training police dogs or competitors in Schutzhund/IPO. This can be a valuable skill for trainers who want to specialize in this area.

Their courses also cover how to increase a dog's motivation and drive, which is essential for effective training.

One of the top choices for dog training in Henderson, Nevada, or across the United States is Dog Academy. Their courses are inexpensive, with a price range of $49.99 – $349.99, and the trainers are high in quality.

Dog Academy's trainers are well-qualified, with online trainers holding ACK certifications and in-person trainers coming from a professional background. This ensures that you'll be working with experienced and knowledgeable trainers.

Dog Academy offers a range of training courses, including obedience classes, behavioral issues, puppy training, and more. Their specialty classes cover topics such as Canine Confidence and Separation Anxiety.

Their flexibility is another major advantage, as they offer both online and in-person classes. This allows you to choose the training method that best suits your needs and schedule.

Here are some details about Dog Academy's training options:

You can contact Dog Academy directly at 605-223-1971 or visit their website for more information.

The CIC Therapy Team Experience is a unique and rewarding one.

You'll spend 8 weeks in a 1-hour class, meeting in person at the CIC offices in St. Paul, MN.

This class is designed to prepare you and your dog to become a badged CIC social-emotional therapy dog team.

You'll learn how to provide social-emotional learning opportunities following CIC curriculum.

Your dog will work through skills like loose-leash walking, sit, stay, come, and leave it with consistency.

You'll also learn calming techniques to support yourself, your dog, and your community.

Trauma-informed practices will be applied to dog training and therapy dog visits.

The final session will include a CIC Therapy Dog evaluation.

To participate, you must have completed CIC’s Foundational Skills Training Class or have active membership with a traditional therapy dog organization.

Positive Changes Dog Training offers a variety of training methods and options to help you achieve the best results for your dog.

Their training courses focus on behavioral modification, which helps reduce aggression, jumping, biting, and chasing. This approach also helps manage barking and other bad habits.

The team at Positive Changes Dog Training has helped over 1,500 dogs receive training in Henderson, Nevada, and their owner and head trainer, Bobby Pablico, has been working and training dogs since 2006.

Their training courses include:

These courses are available in-person, with prices ranging from $299.

Positive Changes Dog Training is a great option for those looking for a more personalized approach. They offer in-person training sessions, which can be beneficial for dogs that require extra attention.

Their training courses focus on behavioral modification, helping to reduce aggression, jumping, biting, and chasing. Barking and other bad habits can also be managed by their trainers.

The team at Positive Changes Dog Training has helped over 1,500 dogs in Henderson, Nevada, and their owner and head trainer, Bobby Pablico, has been working with dogs since 2006. He leads his team with innovative training methods that get results quickly.

Their professional team of trainers uses positive reinforcement techniques to motivate dogs and encourage good behavior. This approach is a great alternative to traditional training methods that can be harsh on dogs.

Here are the details about Positive Changes Dog Training:

Online dog training is a popular choice after the Covid-19 pandemic, offering flexible scheduling options and the ability to train at your own pace.

In-person dog training, on the other hand, is a method that's thousands of years old and allows for a physical connection between the trainer and dog.

One of the benefits of online dog training is that there are plenty of options available, making it easier to find a trainer that suits your needs.

In-person dog trainers can build a better relationship with dogs and make socialization easier, especially for large groups of dogs.

Online dog training lacks physical connection between the trainer and dog, which can be a drawback for some owners.

In-person dog training also offers boarding and grooming options, which can be convenient for pet owners.

However, in-person dog training often comes with a higher price tag and less flexibility in scheduling.

Choosing a training program is a crucial step in becoming a certified dog trainer. Research different certification programs to find one that aligns with your business goals.

Start by considering your target market, such as the type of dogs you want to train, and the skills you want to learn. There are many certification programs to choose from, but some of the best ones to consider are those offered by dog trainer certification organizations.

Look for programs that offer a range of courses and training methods, such as online and in-person services. Dog Academy, for example, offers both online and in-person services in Henderson, Nevada.

Consider the reputation of the organization and the trainers they employ. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous students to get an idea of the quality of the training.

Ultimately, choose a program that meets your needs and goals, and that you feel confident will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a dog trainer.