Dog trainer certifications and the difference between training and behavior work
Selecting a dog trainer or animal behavior consultant is one of the most important decisions that your family will make. Dog training is an unregulated industry and anyone can claim that they are a dog trainer or a behaviorist.
Ideally, your dog trainer should be nationally certified, (CCPDT is the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and it is the only national accreditation organization.) Certification through this organization ensures that your dog trainer’s education and experience requirements have been met for basic obedience work, and that they have been recommended for certification by at least three industry professionals, including veterinarians.
For dog behavioral problems such as fears, anxieties, aggression and phobias, a nationally certified Behavior Consultant, Clinical Behaviorist or Veterinary Behaviorist should be utilized. The skill sets and education required for behavioral work are significantly different from those required for dog trainers.
The skill sets and education required for behavioral work are significantly different from those required for dog trainers.
Get the facts
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior makes the AVSAB “How to choose a trainer” (PDF) fact sheet available to help dog owners choose the right professional for their dog training needs. Download Now
Paws In Training dog trainers and our staff Behavior Consultant are all nationally certified (CCPDT).
Our team members have the following qualifications:
- Certified Behavior Consultant-Canine, CBCC
- Fear Free Certified
- FEMA Certified, Emergency Animal Rescue
- CPR and First Aid Certified: Canine, Feline and Human
- AKC, Canine Good Citizen and Puppy Star Evaluators
Our team members are corporate or individual members of:
- Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- The American Association of Feline Practitioners’
- American Humane Association
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- Pet Professionals Guild
- American Kennel Club (AKC)