Guide to Dog Training Certification

What is dog training certification?

Dog Training

In order to show that they are qualified to train dogs, all dog trainers must pass a dog training certification assessment. This assessment is comprised of two parts. The first section is a knowledge assessment is designed to test the potential trainer on all the facts and ideas taught in the training certification class. This test is about 250 multiple choice questions. According to the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) passing score for this portion of the test is 188. Second is the skills portion of the assessment, trainers are quizzed on the skills they learned during class. Generally this portion is graded on a rubric.

Why do trainers get them?

Dog trainers seek out certification for two reasons. First, professional trainers are required to get their certification before training dogs. Do advertise as a professional dog trainer without the proper certification would be considered false advertising. Second, trainers get certificates to show to potential customers that they have passed the certification test and are qualified to train their dog. There are many different types of certifications and some of the best dog trainers have more than one certification under their belt.

What are the different types of certifications?

• Certified Clinical Behavior Consultant
• Certified Animal Behavior Consultant
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
• Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

How does one obtain a certificate?

The first step in obtaining a certificate in professional dog training is to locate a school. You can find dog training schools here. There are various schools that provide many different types of certificates. Some schools provide only one type of certification, whereas others have classes for every type. One must take the classes first and then move on to the assessment as all of the skills a trainer will be tested on are taught during the classes. Associations of professional dog trainers are typically the most reputable places to be trained and certified. At the end of the schooling, the potential trainers must sign up for a testing date in which they will be tested in the two areas mentioned above. Once the trainer passes, they receive their certificate in a matter of weeks and are able to advertise to train dogs professionally.