If you're passionate about dogs and want a career that lets you work with them, consider higher education dog training. With a degree in animal behavior or a related field, you can pursue a career as a certified dog trainer.
You can earn a degree in animal behavior or a related field, such as biology or psychology, to prepare for a career in canine behavior. Some colleges and universities offer courses specifically in dog training and behavior.
A degree in animal behavior can lead to various career paths, including working as a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. These careers involve helping dogs and their owners overcome behavioral issues.
To become a certified dog trainer, you'll need to complete a degree program and gain hands-on experience working with dogs.
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Certification Options
If you're considering a career as a dog trainer, you'll want to explore your certification options. One popular option is the ABC dog trainer certification, which can be completed online and comes with the title of Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer (ABCDT). This certification can open doors to various career opportunities, including working for an animal shelter organization or starting your own business.
The ABCDT certification also prepares students for other independent certifications, such as the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDTKA) Certification. With this certification, you'll have a solid grounding in dog behavior, human communication skills, and the business of dog training.
A certificate from a well-known and trusted school for dog trainers can fast-track your start as a dog trainer. You'll get all the information you need within a structured program, saving you time and effort. Learning on your own or from a single mentor can take far longer.
To choose a program that you and the public can trust, consider the guiding principles and reputation of the organization that grants the certificate. At Victoria Stilwell Academy, for example, they use industry-leading, learner-centered, performance-based assessments that exceed the requirements of internationally recognized certifying bodies for both skills and knowledge.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when selecting a certification program:
- Look for a program that offers a comprehensive education in dog behavior, human communication skills, and the business of dog training.
- Choose a program that has a good reputation and is recognized by the industry.
- Consider the type of certification you're aiming for, such as the ABCDT or CPDTKA Certification.
Licensing and Compliance
To become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) certified professional, you need to be LIMA Compliant. This requires using the least invasive, minimally aversive (LIMA) training techniques.
Our updated curriculum now includes an additional 300 pages of information to help you prepare for the certification exam. The curriculum also features a beautiful, sleek graphic design and enhanced training videos.
We're committed to keeping dogs safe from injurious training methods, which is why our curriculum advocates science-based, positive reinforcement training philosophies. This approach has been proven to be more effective and humane.
Students who pursue the CPDT-KA certification need to meet the LIMA Compliant requirement, which is one of the many reasons our certification preparatory program teaches ABC students LIMA training techniques.
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Education vs. Certification
The Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program is divided into 11 stages, each building on the previous one to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from basic canine studies to business building tips, ensuring that you're well-rounded in all aspects of dog training.
In stage 10, you get to apply everything you've learned in a real-life setting, making it a great opportunity to put your skills into practice.
Each stage is designed to prepare you for the next one, so you can progress smoothly through the program.
The comprehensive nature of the program ensures that you're thoroughly prepared for a career in dog training.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is crucial for professional dog trainers. It's a field that's constantly evolving, with new insights and discoveries being made every year.
As a dog trainer, you'll always be learning and growing. This is especially true under the "positive training" umbrella, where philosophies, trends, and methods are constantly being refined.
Regular classes as continuing education units (CEUs) may or may not be required by your training program, but it's essential to stay current with the latest developments. This will keep you ahead of the competition and ensure your clients and their dogs receive the best guidance.
You don't need to look far for continuing education opportunities. Conferences and workshops are a great way to stay inspired and educated in your field.
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Expertise and Credibility
Animal Behavior College is founded and operated by award-winning professional trainers Steven Appelbaum and Debbie Kendrick. They've built a school designed to help you succeed in dog training.
Our Program Managers have graduated from the same school, and some still pursue continuing education and train dogs in their local communities. This means you're receiving quality education and support from experienced trainers who know the ropes.
Expert Trainers
Our trainers are experts in their field, and you can learn from the best. The school was founded and operated by award-winning professional trainers Steven Appelbaum and Debbie Kendrick.
Our Program Managers have all graduated from our school, and some still pursue continuing education. They're passionate about helping you succeed, just like they did.
You can rest assured that our trainers are dedicated to their craft, with some still training dogs in their local communities.
Testimonials
Michael Ellis is one of the top professional dog trainers in the world, not just the United States.
Students have 16 weeks to absorb the material with almost unlimited review time, which is a game-changer compared to weekend dog training seminars where information retention is often limited.
Michael's online course is designed to solve the issue of not being able to take time off work or travel to Santa Rosa, CA to attend his two-week OBEDIENCE INTENSIVE course in person.
Many students who take Michael's online course then choose to travel to his school in Santa Rosa to get additional hands-on experience and take their skills to a new level.
The Leerburg online university platform is very stable and well-designed, making it easy to navigate and learn from the course material.
Students have praised the interactive nature of the course, with one student, Sue Holmes, mentioning that she loved the live chats with Michael Ellis and the indepth feedback on her uploaded videos.
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Sources
- LIMA training techniques (ccpdt.org)
- Dog Training (akc.org)
- Is There a Degree for Dog Training? (vsdogtrainingacademy.com)
- The Principles of Dog Training 1 (leerburg.com)
- Unbeatable Education | Dog Trainer College (dogtrainercollege.us)
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