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May 05, 2020

Finding the Right Dog Trainer

If your dog has behavior issues you may have been told by your vet or someone you know that you need to see a trainer, behaviorist, behavior specialist, or vet behaviorist. But what does all that mean? Are all of these types of professions done by one person? Who should I call and how do I find out what they do?

The following information will explain the certifications that each type of training professional receives. When you are looking for someone to help you with your pet’s behavior it is up to you to take the first steps in finding the right person with the right skill set to help you with your pet.

About Trainers

A dog trainer does more than train dogs – they train people, too! Whether you are talking to a trainer, a dog trainer, a clicker trainer or a certified professional trainer, you should look for the following credentials and certifications to know that the professional you have chosen to work with as received the education and experience to help you teach you and your dog.

Trainers help people and their pets learn obedience and puppy socialization. Some trainers work in group class sessions, some do private lessons and many do both. Trainers should also be able to educate their clients on animal care and husbandry. Some trainers may have additional specialty skills. Many professionals that work with animal behavior have received some sort of dog training certification as well as additional certifications and education.

Different Types of Certifications

KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Clicker Training Professional)

www.karenpryoracademy.com and www.clickertraining.com
Graduates of Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Training Professional Academy where excellent technical knowledge and hands-on skills have been demonstrated. Students must complete a series of coursework and training completed with one dog throughout the entire program from start to finish. Graduates must continue their education post-graduation. Graduates are not required to re-certify.

CPDT-KA/CPDT-KSA Certified Professional Dog Trainer 

Certification recipients have submitted logs documenting hundreds of hours of training which can include training pets privately, in group lessons, dogs in shelters, and behavior modification work. The recipient will also be required to pass an exam over animal behavior, husbandry, instruction skills, ethology, equipment and learning theory. Recipients are also required to complete Continuing Education annually and recertify every 3 years.
Applications require reference letters from 3 professionals including a current CPDT-KA recipient, a veterinarian and a client and a signed commitment to uphold the code of ethics. Recipients of the CPDT-KSA credentials will be required to submit videos of training sessions to be reviewed before receiving this title.

ABCDT/ABCDT-L2 Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer

Certification recipients have submitted logs documenting hundreds of hours of training which can include training pets privately, in group lessons, dogs in shelters, and behavior modification work. The recipient will also be required to pass an exam and following certification are required to receive Continuing Education annually. Applications require reference letters from 4 professionals including a client, a colleague, a veterinarian, and a shelter and a signed Code of Ethics.

CTC Certified Trainer and Counselor from Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers

Certification recipients are required to complete rigorous coursework and a 6 hour exam on dog training and behavior.

Where to Look

Here are some websites that list certified trainers:

Dallas-Fort Worth area trainers

http://dfwforcefree.weebly.com/

Certified dog trainers
www.apdt.com

Certified Behavior Consultants
www.iaabc.org

Bottom Line

  • Remember, you need to be a part of the training process right alongside your dog! Your trainer will give you the tools you need for long-term success with your dog. 
  • Talk to or meet with several trainers to figure out which one is the right fit for your dog and their behavior concerns.
  • Make sure your trainer uses force-free methods rather than punishment-based training. Your dog will be happier and more trusting of you if their good behaviors are rewarded, rather than being conditioned to be fearful of punishment or pain if they make a mistake. Choke collars, prong collars, shock collars and other pain-inducing training tools should NEVER be used.
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