- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Like many other dog training professionals in the field, my journey into dog training started with my own “difficult” dog.
Banjo entered my life in the summer of 2011 and promptly flipped it upside down.
Young and terrified, the Manchester Terrier-Chihuahua mix had been found as a stray and spent much too long in the sheltering system. With my best intentions, I tried to support this adorable growling, snarling, and snapping mess of a guy. We both needed help.
I found Danette Johnston at Dog’s Day Out, a Seattle-based dog training center. She taught Banjo and I about the power of clicker training, and educated me on dog body language—turns out, Banjo’s “aggressive” behaviors were his species’ version of yelling, “Help! I’m uncomfortable and I need space!” This one piece of knowledge allowed me to advocate for him, making a huge positive change in both of our lives.
Inspired, my interest in dog training grew, and I became a sponge for the intricacies of dog behavior—learning from books, established trainers, and shelter dogs.
In 2019, Banjo—my soulmate, greatest teacher, and inspiration—passed away. Grief set my existential crisis on fire and my gut screamed at me to quit my day job and go for my passion full time. This time I listened—and leapt. I got my CPDT-KA and FDM certifications, launched my dog training business, The Paid Pup, and began working with clients.
Banjo’s legacy was born.
Credentials Can Vary, Which Makes Choosing a Trainer Confusing
Pop quiz: Do you know what a CPDT-KA and FDM actually stand for?
Most pet parents don’t—and that can be dangerous territory for you and your dog.
This is because generally accepted professional standards vary widely within the industry, meaning anyone can—and people often do—call themselves a “dog trainer” without any education, experience, or credentials. What’s worse, some dog trainers may be less than forthcoming if they use inhumane (and discredited) training techniques, so it may be hard for you to tell if a trainer you’re considering will use them with your dog.
So, how can you make the most informed decision when you are looking for a dog trainer? Strap in, I’m here to break it all down for you.
Note: All certifying bodies and schools of thought listed below practice fear-free, positive reinforcement, and/or humane dog training techniques. We recommend any trainer or behaviorist you use be certified in one or more of these techniques.
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Dog Trainer Credentials
Trainers with the credentials below will help with integrating a new dog into your life, from teaching basic life skills to tackling behavior concerns. Working with one of these trainers will help you learn the basics of how to communicate with a dog and set your puppy up for success.
KPA-CTP
Karen Pryor Academy, Certified Training Partner: Karen Pryor (Don’t Shoot the Dog) is credited with popularizing clicker training, and this certification is held in high regard.
The Dog Trainer Professional program consists of in-person workshops as well as online lessons and writing assignments and takes about six months to complete. Trainers must pass an online knowledge assessment, one teaching assessment, and one training assessment to receive certification.
CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Training-Knowledge Assessed: Given by the CCPDT, this requires a minimum of 300 hours of experience in dog training within the last 3 years and agreement to follow standards of practice, the code of ethics, and LIMA policy (least intrusive, minimally aversive). Dog trainers can receive their CCPDT from programs such as Animal Behavior College.
The credentials CPDT-KSA is the addition of Knowledge and Skills Assessed (KSA) credential, which includes video uploads of hands-on exercises.
IAABC-ADT
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Accredited Dog Trainer: This is a rigorous written online application that includes scenarios, and assesses problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as terminology, techniques, and history taking.
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CTC
Academy for Dog Trainers, Certificate in Training and Counseling: This credential is received after a 2-year, online, part-time program and successful completion of the final exam.
The program, designed by industry leader Jean Donaldson (best known for her groundbreaking book, The Culture Clash), offers a comprehensive education that covers ethology, applied behavior analysis, counseling skills—with an emphasis on trainer self-care throughout (you don’t want a trainer with burnout!).
VSA-CDT
Victoria Stilwell Academy, Certified Dog Trainer: Victoria Stilwell, host of the TV show, It’s Me or the Dog, offers a certification program made up of three tiers: Training Dogs, Teaching People, and Business Marketing and Branding. The Academy offers online and in-person options, and graduates receive certification upon completion.
Behavior-Specific Trainers
CSAT
Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer: Malena DeMartini, a leading expert in dog separation anxiety offers this program for experienced dog professionals. To be accepted into the program, trainers must have a minimum of three years of experience working with clients and their dogs on complex behavior issues such as fear and anxiety and/or reactivity. Applicants must also hold one of the certifications listed above.
FFCP
Fear Free Certified Professional: This title deserves a call out because it’s an additional commitment to force free, fear free practice. Fear Free is an official title created by Dr. Marty Becker and focuses on the pet’s physical and emotional well-being.
This program is designed for any professional who is already working with pets and has at least one certification. Look for this designation at grooming businesses and veterinary practices as it’s a sign the staff is dedicated to your pup’s comfort.
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Behavior Consultant Credentials
For dogs who have a more difficult time training, these behavior consultant credentials are what you want to look for. Dog trainers with these credentials have spent years honing in their craft and learning about dog behavior.
If you have a dog who expresses their feelings through big reactions or has anxiety, hyper-vigilance, or aggression, these are the credentials to search for.
CDBC
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant: This title is given by the IAABC, and the requirements are extensive. To qualify to take the exam, the IAABC suggests four years and 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting, at least four years of education, and a working knowledge of the association’s Core Areas of Competency.
The exam requires written demonstration of learning theory and general knowledge, four scenario assessments, and three case studies. Those seeking certification must agree to the IAABC’s standards of practice, professional code of ethics, and LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) policy.
CBCC-KA
Certified Behavior Consultant Canine, Knowledge Assessed: This title is given by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT requires a minimum of 300 hours of dog behavior consulting within the past three years, successful completion of a 200-question multiple choice exam, and adherence to their standards of practice, ethics code, and LIMA policy.
To maintain this title, behavior consultants must complete continuing education credits, or retake the exam every three years.
PCBC-A
Professional Canine Behavior Consultant-Accredited: This certification is overseen by The Pet Professional Credentialing Board (PPAB). Requirements include hands on consulting experience, 30 credit hours of continuing education, and a commitment to force free behavior practice.
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Animal & Veterinary Behaviorist Credentials
Most serious behavioral issues happen when dogs need medical assistance to feel more secure and have the confidence to change their behavior. If your dog has chronic frustration, vigilance, or anxiety, you’ll want to turn to one of these experts to help. These experts will work with your trainer and you as a team.
DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist: These are the top tier professionals of the dog behavior world. They are licensed veterinarians (DVM, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) who have completed extensive education in behavioral science and development, learning theory, and psychopharmacology. They have the ability to treat both mind and body and understand how medical conditions can affect behavior.
CAAB
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist: This designation is similar to a veterinary behaviorist, but these individuals do not have a veterinary license and cannot prescribe medication. They have two to five years of formal postgraduate training in the field of animal behavior and have attained a master’s or doctorate degree.
Notable Programs and Certificates
UW-AAB, Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior: The University of Washington offers a three-course, nine-month certificate program where they can learn more about concerning behaviors and how to manage them.
The course covers ethology (the study of animal behavior through scientific principles), learning theory, and how to diagnose and treat companion animals. Applicants should have two years of college coursework or post-secondary education or training—an associate degree or higher is preferred.
There is no directory for professionals with this credential yet.
FDM, Family Dog Mediation: This title is given when Kim Brophey’s Family Dog Mediation course is completed. It’s best for dog parents who want to understand their dog’s biological drives more.
This is a new model that goes beyond traditional dog training to build a bridge between the “why” and the “how” of dog behavior by looking at the whole picture of the species through the lens of multiple scientific principles. LFDM is a licensed Family Dog Mediator, and that has multiple designations and more in-depth requirements.
Do Professional Memberships Matter?
A trainer who is an active member of an organization or community is a huge green flag! We are constantly learning better ways to engage and train our dog. A trainer who stays up to date with the latest research and engages with how to incorporate those learnings is more likely to provide a better experience.
These memberships are a sign your trainer is committed to ethical practices in dog training:
- PPG, Pet Professional Guild
- AVSAB, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
- APDT, The Association of Professional Dog Trainers
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The Bottom Line
When considering working with a dog trainer or behaviorist, don’t be taken in by vague or undefined credentials, flashy Facebook ads, or 100% guarantees. Your dog is an individual and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to training them.
Trust and transparency with your trainer and assurance of compassionate, humane, and fear-free treatment should be your top priority. Your best bet as a pet parent is to do your research, ask questions, and advocate for your dog.
I did it for Banjo, and it made all the difference for the both of us.
Need More Dog Training Help?
Apps like GoodPup offer private virtual training from the comfort of your home. Check out GoodPup here.
