Table of Contents
- 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.
View this post on Instagram
Lifting the Lid on Dog Training Certifications
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.
View this post on Instagram
Certifications and Credentials: Who’s Who
The structure of education and training for behavioral concerns in the dog world is much the same as it is for us humans.
- Dog Trainers are like benevolent coaches—they cheer you on and guide you through building basic life skills, and provide support and direction as issues come up with your dog.
- Behavior Consultants are like therapists—they work with you to uncover and understand the reason behind your dog’s behaviors by exploring patterns, trauma, genetics, environment, and individual experience.
- Veterinary Behaviorists are like psychiatrists—they assess brain and body and can prescribe medication to help your dog get to a place where they can learn coping skills.
Pro tip: When considering working with a trainer or behaviorist, think about what issues you’re specifically trying to address with your dog: basic life skills training? A particular behavioral concern? Puppy classes? Use the break down below to help you find the right specialist for your specific needs with your dog.
Note: All certifying bodies and schools of thought listed below practice fear-free, positive reinforcement, and/or humane dog training techniques, and we recommend any trainer or behaviorist you use be certified in one or more of these areas.
iStock/Sanja Radin
Dog Trainer Credentials
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.
- Best for: Puppy-raising, teaching basic life skills, incorporating enrichment, integrating a new dog into your life, learning the basics of how to teach your dog, and tackling common behavior concerns—like over-reactions, fear and nervousness, pulling on leash, jumping up, mouthing, and restlessness.
- Find a KPA CTP here
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. CPDT-KSA is essentially the same, with the addition of Knowledge and Skills Assessed (KSA) credential, which includes video uploads of hands-on exercises.
- Best for: Puppy-raising, teaching basic life skills, incorporating enrichment, integrating a new dog into your life, learning the basics of how to teach your dog, and tackling common behavior concerns—like over-reactions, fear and nervousness, pulling on leash, jumping up, mouthing, and restlessness.
- Find a CPDT-KA here
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.
- Best for: Puppy-raising, teaching basic life skills, incorporating enrichment, integrating a new dog into your life, learning the basics of how to teach your dog, and tackling common behavior concerns—like over-reactions, fear and nervousness, pulling on leash, jumping up, mouthing, and restlessness.
- Find an IAABC-ADT here
Samson Katt/Pexels
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!).
- Best for: Puppy-raising, teaching basic life skills, incorporating enrichment, integrating a new dog into your life, learning the basics of how to teach your dog, and tackling common behavior concerns—like over-reactions, fear and nervousness, pulling on leash, jumping up, mouthing, and restlessness.
- Find a CTC here
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.
- Best for: Puppy-raising, teaching basic life skills, incorporating enrichment, integrating a new dog into your life, learning the basics of how to teach your dog, and tackling common behavior concerns—like over-reactions, fear and nervousness, pulling on leash, jumping up, mouthing, and restlessness.
- Find a VSA-CDT here
View this post on Instagram
Specialties
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.
- Best for: Dogs experiencing separation anxiety
- Find a CSAT here
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!
- Best for: Dogs who have a difficult time with husbandry procedures (nail trims, grooming, vet visits)
- Find a FFCP here
Memberships
A trainer who is a member of an organization that is committed to ethical practices in dog training is a green flag! Use these links to search for a trainer in your area:
- PPG, Pet Professional Guild
- AVSAB, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
- APDT, The Association of Professional Dog Trainers
View this post on Instagram
Behavior Consultant Credentials
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.
- Best for: Dogs who display behavior concerns such as fear, frustration, big reactions to environmental stimuli (barking, jumping, lunging, biting), anxiety and hyper-vigilance, and aggression.
- Find a CDBC here
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. The maintain this title, behavior consultants must complete continuing education credits, or retake the exam every three years.
- Best for: Dogs who display behavior concerns such as fear, frustration, big reactions to environmental stimuli (barking, jumping, lunging, biting), anxiety and hyper-vigilance, and aggression.
- Find a CBCC-KA here
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.
- Best for: Dogs who display behavior concerns such as fear, frustration, big reactions to environmental stimuli (barking, jumping, lunging, biting), anxiety and hyper-vigilance, and aggression. This designation has the added bonus of holding ethics and force free teaching to the highest standard.
- Find a PCBC-A here
View this post on Instagram
Veterinary Behaviorist Credentials
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.
- Best for: Dogs who display more serious behavioral health issues such as anxiety, hyper-vigilance, aggression, chronic frustration, and more. Also dogs who have chronic health issues, or anything that could be medically related to a sudden change in behavior.
- Find a DACVB here
Animal Behaviorist Credentials
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.
- Best for: Dogs who display more serious behavioral health issues such as anxiety, hyper-vigilance, aggression, chronic frustration, and more.
- Find a CAAB here
Notable Programs and Certificates
UW-AAB, Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior: The University of Washington offers a three-course, nine-month certificate program that covers ethology (the study of animal behavior through multiple different but related 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.
- Best for: Dogs who display behavior concerns such as fear, frustration, big reactions to environmental stimuli (barking, jumping, lunging, biting), anxiety and hyper-vigilance, and aggression.
- There’s no directory for these folks yet!
FDM, Family Dog Mediation: This title is given when Kim Brophey’s Family Dog Mediation course is completed. 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. Specifically, ethology (the study of animal behavior through lab and field science as well as neuroanatomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology). LFDM is a licensed Family Dog Mediator, and that has multiple designations and more in-depth requirements.
- Best for: Diving into your dog’s world (L.E.G.S.—Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) and learning how to meet their biological needs, while looking at teaching and common behavior concerns from a new perspective.
- Find an FDM here
View this post on Instagram
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.
