Dog Training Certification: How Do I Become A Certified Dog Trainer?
This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
I’ve been training dogs (not just my own) for over 10 years now. I know some of my colleagues have gone on to get their dog training certification and I started to think: Do I want to get certified and if so, how do I become a certified dog trainer?
I come from the world of I.T. Certification so it was common place to see a little acronym after everyone’s name whenever you saw an email signature.
- Neil Perry, CCSI, CCIE
- Todd Anderson, MCSE, A+, Net+
I’ve seen something similar when it comes to Dog Training Certification. When searching for a dog trainer I’ve often seen something like the following:
- Knox Overstreet, CCPDT-KA
- Charlie Dalton, KPA-CTP
Extra Points for you guys who made the connection for the fictional names used above (tell me in the comment section).
Last year I decided it would be a good idea to get a certified and I started researching different programs.
How Do I Become A Certified Dog Trainer?
Everyone’s journey is different and we all have different goals especially when it comes to our career whether that be as an I.T. Manager, Account Executive, or a Dog Trainer.
My journey is different then yours. Honestly, you could get your dog training certification in 2 simple steps:
1. Study and learn to train dogs.
2. Pass a dog training certification exam.
This is my personal step-by-step journey to become a certified dog trainer.
- Read Books About Dog Training – Before I got my first puppy, Linus I read Puppies for Dummies (I read this book for the first time back in December 2004). Since then I’ve read dozens of books on training dogs and puppies.
- Get A Dog And Train Him – My first dog as an adult was Linus. We started him in Sue Myles group training classes when he was 10 weeks old. We continued to train him for the rest of his life until he passed in 2018.
- Take Your Dog To Many Different Types Of Training Classes – We love training our dogs and have taken them to puppy kindergarten, obedience level 1, 2, 3, 4, K9 Nosework, guide dog puppy classes, service dog puppy classes, rally, sport dog, agility, trick training, canine good citizen, and probably a few others I can’t think of off the top of my head.
- Get A Service Dog Puppy In Training And Train Him – We started training guide and service dogs in 2006 and continue to train them today.
- Apprentice In A Puppy Kindergarten Class – After raising my first guide dog puppy, Stetson I began assisting in the group puppy classes.
- Be The Lead Trainer In A Puppy Kindergarten Class – After raising my fourth guide dog puppy, Apache I began leading some of the puppy kindergarten classes.
- Apprentice In A Basic Obedience Class – When I was raising my fifth puppy, Adelle I also began helping the trainers with basic obedience classes.
- Be The Lead Trainer In A Basic Obedience Class – During our group meeting I lead many of the basic obedience classes before our dogs had to settle during meetings.
- Whelp, Raise, And Train Service Dog Puppies – Three years ago I made the decision to whelp, raise, and train service dog puppies in my own group. I worked privately with other puppy raisers and also held group classes to prepare our puppies to be service dogs.
- Apprentice At A Dog Training School – About a year ago I decided to apprentice at Wags and Wiggles to further my education and get a chance to work with different breeds and people.
- Attend Dog Training Seminars – I began to further educate myself by attending dog training seminars notably Clicker Expo and Suzanne Clothier.
- Pass A Dog Training Certification Exam – Finally, I’ve reached the point where I think I’m prepared to take a dog training certification exam. I did my research and I decided to start with the CPDT-KA exam and then possibly enroll in the Karen Pryor Academy to achieve my KPA-CPT.
That’s All! 12 simple steps! I just need to complete Step 12 and I’ll be on my way with my first dog training cert!
One of these steps require some more in depth information starting with step 11. When it comes to certification there are many different options. I narrowed my list down to some of the more well recognized dog training certification programs.
So lets get started:
Dog Training Certification Programs
I’ll be honest with your guys I’ve been thinking about this for more than a year and I came across a couple options that were specifically related to service dogs.
After extensive research here are the options I was weighing for my specific situation:
1. Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
CCPDT offer 2 dog training certifcations:
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) measures a broad range of knowledge and skills in ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction.
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) is our skills based certification. It tests expert training and instruction skills through hands-on exercises.
#1 on my to do list is to achieve the CPDT-KA cert then maybe in the future get the CPDT-KSA.
By the way, another certification offered by CCPDT is the Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) is our advanced certification for dog trainers who offer canine behavior modification. This cert is also on my radar.
For the CPDT-KA certification:
- INITIAL COST: $385 – price for the exam.
- ADDITIONAL COST: $120 – There are two optional practice exams at $60 per exam.
- *TOTAL COST: $505
2. Wags and Wiggles
Here’s a short description of the Wags and Wiggles apprenticeship program:
Before jumping into any new career, you should do some research. We offer a real-life hands-on apprenticeship program that will teach you the people skills, dog skills, and training skills needed to be a well-rounded dog trainer.
I started the Wags and Wiggles apprenticeship program in the summer of 2018, but unfortunately I did not complete it because the lead dog trainer moved shortly after I completed the first trimester of training. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard whether or not they restarted the apprenticeship program. I therefore shifted my focus to working with dogs and achieving my CPDT-KA…see the next section…
- INITIAL COST: $2,850 – The Wags and Wiggles Apprenticeship program is broken down into 3 parts each lasting approximately 3 months. At the beginning of each trimester the cost is $950.
- ADDITIONAL COST: $505 – Part of the apprenticeship program is to prepare you for the CPDT-KA certification. It’s an optional expense.
- *TOTAL COST: $3,355
3. Karen Pryor Academy
The Karen Pryor Academy offer the Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP). Here’s a short description of the program from their website:
This comprehensive program offers an in-depth curriculum that teaches both the science and the practice of dog training in particular and animal training generally, client teaching, canine behavior problem-solving, and dog training business management.
This program requires hands on training with your dog at home and in classroom and also includes online learning. You do have to attend four 2 day workshops (you also have the option to attend 1 workshop, but it also requires video submissions) at the location of your choice. The closest location for us is San Diego, California.
- INITIAL COST: $5,300
- ADDITIONAL COST: $0 – $2,000+, Travel expenses for 4 weekends. If workshops are local and you can easily drive to a workshop then the expense could be zero. However, if you have to fly and get a hotel room then your expenses can exceed $2,000 for flights and hotel. I’d estimate for me to drive to San Diego and get a hotel room would run me about $500 per weekend times 4 = ~$2,000
- *TOTAL COST: $7,300
4. Guide Dogs for the Blind
Yep, we looked at what it takes to become a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor.
Once in a while positions become available at Guide Dog schools like Guide Dogs for the Blind or Guide Dogs of America. These are paid apprenticeship positions. Apprenticeships are 3 years of full time work.
- *TOTAL COST: Your Time and Commitment
5. Bergin College of Canine Studies
The Bergin College of Canine Studies offers several programs and has a focus on service dog training which would be perfect for me if only they were located closer. I’m at an age where I can’t go away to college for 4 years. However, a few options are available for folks like me that can’t leave home for an extended period.
Bergin College offer several different degree programs including Associate of Science in Assistance Dog Studies, BS in Canine Studies, and MS in Canine Studies. Unfortunately, at this age and stage of my life I do not have the time nor can I relocate to achieve one of these degrees. You can find more information about their programs including descriptions, curriculum, and costs at Bergin.edu.
Bergin College offers professional certificate programs and one that I am extremely interested in is…
Service Dog Training Seminar
This is exactly what I do and would love to learn more about.
Bonnie Bergin is the inventor of the concept of the service dog. She is the founder and president of the Bergin University of Canine Studies and the founder of Canine Companions for Independence.
Here’s a short description of the service dog training seminar:
The Service Dog Training Seminar is designed to introduce and educate students to the theories and applied practices involved in the selection, training, matching, placement and follow-up of service dogs with clients with mobility and psychological limitations.
The main barriers to entry for me are to take the time off to attend and of course the cost. It’s a seven week program and with three kids under the age of 3 years old it’s probably too difficult to leave home for seven weeks
- INITIAL COST: $4,800
- ADDITIONAL COST: $4,500; Travel = $500; Accommodations: $3,000; Food: $1,000
- *TOTAL COST: $9,300
Maybe some day I’ll have the time and money to attend the Service Dog Training Seminar. Maybe…
*The above Total Cost is my estimated total cost. Your cost may be different depending on your personal situation.
There are many other dog training certification programs. Maybe I’ll put a more extensive list together in the future.
What Is The Best Dog Training Certification?
Question: What Is The Best Dog Training Certification?
Answer: Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
I’ve been involved in dog training for over 13 years and I’d say the CPDT-KA is probably the most recognized dog training certification today.
However, to say it’s the “Best” Dog Training Certification depends on your own point of view. What determines the “Best”? I’ve defined the “Best” as the most well recognized certification.
Why is it important that it is well recognized? Because if people don’t recognize the certification then they won’t know what the heck those letters after your name mean.
The CPDT-KA is a knowledge assessment. Every other certification on the list has some kind of skills assessment and some require some very specialized skills.
- Guide dog programs in California require their instructors to go through a full time three year apprenticeship program and have to pass state exams before they are Guide Dog Mobility Instructors (GDMI).
- Bergin University of Canine Studies is a college degree program where you can get Bachelors and Masters degrees in Canine Studies.
- Karen Pryor Academy is a 6 month program that includes online training, at home training, workshops, and exams.
- Wags and Wiggles is an apprenticeship program that takes approximately 9 months and requires hands on training, observation, reading, exams, and more.
- The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers also has a skills assessment certification called the Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge and Skill Assessed. This exam requires you to record yourself performing assigned exercises.
What do you think is the best dog training certification? A lot depends on your goals.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Dog Trainer
Question: How Long Does It Take To Become A Dog Trainer?
Answer: 300 hours of dog training in the past 3 years.
This answer comes from the CPDT-KA certification. Before applying for your certification CCPDT requires you have 300 hours of dog training experience in the past 3 years.
I’d consider this the minimum requirement. Getting both practical and hands on experience are a must. If you look at the other programs for instance, Guide Dog Mobility Instructors are required to do full time 3 year apprenticeships and before applying for the apprenticeship you are required to have ample dog training experience.
If I had to guess a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor probably gains over 10,000 hours of experience in dog training before becoming fully certified.
That makes sense if you read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. Gladwell explains that reaching the 10,000-Hour Rule, which he considers the key to success in any field, is simply a matter of practicing a specific task that can be accomplished with 20 hours of work a week for 10 years.
How Much Money Can You Make As A Dog Trainer?
Question: How Much Money Can You Make As A Dog Trainer?
Answer: $10-$300+ dollars an hour
If you’re just starting out as a dog trainer I hate to say it, but you’re not going to make a ton of money. I’ve read big retail pet store dog trainers can start at minimum wage.
In fact, take a look at the rigors of becoming a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. It requires a ton of work, experience, and training. However, at the end of the day a GDMI’s salary is comparable to that of a teacher.
On the other hand I’ve worked with established dog trainers who charge $300 an hour for in home training.
I can’t imagine what a world renowned or celebrity dog trainer would charge for their services. I be it’s not cheap.
Do You Need A Certification To Be A Dog Trainer?
Question: Do You Need A Certification To Be A Dog Trainer?
Answer: No, but…
What is certification?
Google says: the action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.
My translation is it’s someone (or some organization) acknowledging your skill set.
Now if you’re looking for employment some companies may require you to achieve some level of certification. Other times it helps you get your foot in the door.
In my estimation it does verify that you have a level of competency in your field (dog training).
So, do you need a certification to be a dog trainer? No, but it helps.
Do I Have My Dog Training Certification?
I started the Wags And Wiggles Apprenticeship program and completed the first trimester. However, the lead trainer and my mentor ended up moving out of state and the program was in limbo after I completed the first portion.
I’m not sure if I will complete Wags and Wiggles apprenticeship mainly because I’ve been waiting to return, but haven’t heard yet if they have a new lead trainer. I’ve gone ahead and moved forward with my goals and #1 on that list is to achieve my CPDT-KA certification.
I started the process, but it looks like I’m a few days too late to participate in the Fall 2019 testing. The current goal is to apply and pass the exam in the Spring 2020.
So until then I’ll continue studying and working with dogs.
My journey to become a certified dog trainer has been long and windy. Every road is different and everyone will follow a different path.
Are you considering a dog training certification?
What is your path?
How did you become a certified dog trainer?
Tell us your story in the comment section below
Quality articles or reviews is the key to attract the visitors to visit the site, that’s what this web page is providing.
Hi I am so glad I found your blog, I really found you by error, while I
was browsing on Digg for something else, Anyways I am
here now and would just like to say thanks for a marvelous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have saved
it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have
time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
Aw, this was a very good post. Spending some time and actual effort to make a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.
Hello mates, its great piece of writing on the topic
of cultureand completely defined, keep it up all the time.
Unquestionably believe that which you said.
Your favorite justification seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be
aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly do not know
about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
I want to to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to look at new stuff you post…
Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring
on other sites? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and
would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers
would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.
If you are always behind, it’s time tto either earn extra money or tighten your belot a notch or two.
my blopg – 대출
The finest point about worldwide casinos iis their extravagant Best Casino Site bonuses.
Its private loan app permits an easy and rwpid way to get immediate loans.
Take a look at my web blog: 소액대출
There are more vulneraabilities that may well come with
striking out on one’s own, she adds.
My site … 주점알바
Field trips are also integrated in the plasn so participants can locate foor themselves exactly where thei resources are.
Look at my blog – 쩜오알바
Bonus rounds arre in-game options that you can unlock
when playing slot games.
Look into my website :: Korean Casino
Thee application procedure for a payday loan is quite straightforward and easy.
Feel free to surf to my web blog ezloan.io
It is aat the moment achievable to earn thousands of dollars
in Korean Casino
bonuses, simply byy opening new accounts.
You can get no credit check loans assured approval more than perods ranging
from 2 to 24 months, with interest prices of 5.99% to 35.99%.
Review my web site :: 직장인대출
New Jersey is noow dwelling to the mostt crezted legal
on-line casino ecosystem in the U.S.
Also visit my site; 카지노추천
Siince it was predominately male-dominated sector, the hitt tto employment in the
recession that followed was softer onn ladies than men.
my page :: 여자 알바
With thousands of games by trusted software program providers and an afray of provably fair games.
Here is my website :: Casino Site
This incorporates the Prince’s Trust aand a lot off smaller, on-the-ground organizations.
My web site; 주점 알바
I’m not sure why but this weblog is loading incredibly slow for me.
Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my
end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Hi! Quick question that’s entirely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks
weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to
rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not
seeing very good success. If you know of any please share.
Thank you!
Hi there to all, it’s genuinely a fastidious for me to visit this website, it
includes important Information.
Actually no matter if someone doesn’t know afterward its up to
other people that they will assist, so here it takes place.
Ahaa, its good dialogue regarding this paragraph at this place at this web site, I have read all that, so
now me also commenting here.
Since the admin of this web page is working, no uncertainty very
shortly it will be well-known, due to its feature contents.
I all the time used to study piece of writing in news papers but
now as I am a user of internet therefore from now I am using net for content,
thanks to web.
Thanks for some other informative site. The place else may I am
getting that type of info written in such an ideal manner?
I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now running on, and I’ve
been at the glance out for such information.
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges.
It was really informative. Your site is very useful.
Thank you for sharing!
Right here is the right site for anybody who wants to understand this topic.
You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).
You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject which has been discussed for
a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great!
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
maybe you would have some experience with something like
this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got
this from. thank you
I seriously love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this site yourself?
Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal blog and want to learn where you got this from or what the theme is
named. Kudos!
I am no longer certain where you’re getting your info, but great topic.
I needs to spend a while studying much more or understanding
more. Thanks for great info I used to be on the lookout for
this information for my mission.
This piece of writing is in fact a nice one it assists new net viewers, who
are wishing in favor of blogging.
Hi there, I read your blogs on a regular basis. Your writing style is awesome, keep it up!
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks
for supplying these details.
My relatives every time say that I am wasting my time here
at net, but I know I am getting familiarity everyday by reading thes nice articles
or reviews.
Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I am sure they will be benefited from this website.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board
and I to find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping
to give something again and aid others such as you aided me.
Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so
I came to look it over. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and
will be tweeting this to my followers! Superb blog and great design and style.
Hey there I am so grateful I found your blog, I really found you by error, while
I was looking on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the moment but I have saved it and also
added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I
will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the excellent b.
As the admin of this website is working, no uncertainty very shortly it will be
well-known, due to its quality contents.
I just could not depart your web site before suggesting that I actually loved the
standard information an individual provide on your visitors?
Is going to be again often in order to check out new posts
Great blog right here! Also your web site lots up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink for your host?
I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
Hi there this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to
manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no
coding skills so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I love looking through an article that will make people think.
Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this website regularly, this web
site is truly good and the people are genuinely
sharing nice thoughts.
Hello, this weekend is good designed for me, because this moment i am
reading this wonderful educational post here at my residence.
Awesome things here. I’m very glad to peer your article.
Thank you a lot and I am looking forward to contact you.
Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have created some nice practices and we are looking to trade methods with other folks, please shoot me
an e-mail if interested.
Good article! We are linking to this particularly great post on our site.
Keep up the great writing.
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend
your site, how could i subscribe for a blog website?
The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had
been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered
bright clear concept
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the challenges.
It was really informative. Your site is useful. Thank you for sharing!
The notion seems tough initially, and you may think this is as opposed to you.
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell
and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!
I have read so many posts regarding the blogger lovers except
this paragraph is really a good post, keep it up.
Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m going to start my own blog in the near future
but I’m having a tough time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Hello! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d
ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe
guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My blog covers a lot of the same subjects as yours and
I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!
For latest information you have to go to see
internet and on web I found this web page as a finest web site for newest
updates.
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one?
Thanks a lot!
This is a topic that is near to my heart…
Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?
Good article! We will be linking to this great post
on our website. Keep up the good writing.
Its such as you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, such as you
wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you just can do with
some percent to drive the message house a bit, but instead of that, that is great blog.
A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
Magnificent goods from you, man. I have be aware your stuff previous to and you’re just too excellent.
I really like what you have received here, certainly like what you are
saying and the best way through which you assert
it. You are making it entertaining and you continue to care for to keep it smart.
I can’t wait to read far more from you. That
is really a great web site.
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it
has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid different users like its aided me.
Great job.
This design is incredible! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to
start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job.
I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented
it. Too cool!