Why Choose Us?
Why should you choose us? We are Certified!
Finding the right dog trainer for you and your dog is important. Working with a qualified professional can, in some cases, mean the difference between a harmonious life with your dog and having to give up your dog for re-homing or euthanasia.
But the search process can be confusing. Dog training is a science, but the industry is (as yet) unregulated with no licensing requirements or regulatory oversight. This makes it difficult to know what to look for.
That’s where independent certification comes into the picture. The Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers gives you a way to hone in on dog training professionals whose knowledge and skills have stood up to a rigorous, standardized test. Here’s a guide for your search:
Step 1: Look for our certifications
The designations are: CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA.
CPDT-KA indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and has at least 300 hours of dog training experience.
CPDT-KSA indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and an objective skills-based assessment along with at least 300 hours of dog training experience.
CBCC-KA indicates that a dog behavior consultant has passed a comprehensive exam on behavior modification and has at least 500 hours of dog behavior consulting experience.
Step 2: Assess the trainer
Browse the trainer’s website and any other marketing materials. Does everything look and sound professional? Do the messages appeal to you? If so, set up a phone call or in-person meeting. Can the trainer answer your questions about training, behavior, and methods knowledgeably and clearly? Is she (or he) patient and thorough in her replies? Do you feel comfortable with her? Does she have experience working with the problems you need help with? Can she provide references from clients?
Step 3: Beware of red flags
A couple of things should raise a red flag in your assessment. If the trainer focuses on a model of dominance and submission—using language like “dominant” and “alpha” —or uses primarily punishment based methods, that trainer doesn’t meet the standards of science-based training.