Whether you have a new puppy, or an older dog that is in need of training it is important to know what kind of trainer you are hiring. We have compiled some information on Dog Training Certification and what you need to know. Not only do we want you to have the right trainer for your dog, we want you to understand the differences between certifications.
DOG TRAINING CERTIFICATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Certificate Programs: A certificate program is popular for teaching individuals a specific set of skills. The goal of a certificate program is to educate an individual on specific skills to complete a task or provide a service. Some great certificate programs for dog training are: Animal Behavior College, San Francisco SPCA and Karen Pryor Academy. These programs will teach a trainer how to work with dogs to train them in specific ways. At the end of the program the trainer will receive certification. If your trainer has certification from the above mentioned academies, you are sure to have a great educated trainer to help you with your pets.
Certification: General certification is a bit different. It is typically done by independent organizations outside the educational process. It is set up as testing to determine if the trainer has met a standard of knowledge and skill sets. In order to keep a certification year to year, the trainer will have to complete continuing education classes throughout the year. This is a great way to know that your trainer is continuing to learn more on a regular basis. For quality certification, look for Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers and International Association Of Animal Behavior Consultants on their certifications.
When choosing a dog trainer, you want to make sure you are giving your dog the best start possible. That means having a trainer who is well educated on the latest humane techniques of training. It also means dog training certification should be taken into consideration. If your potential trainer doesn’t offer to let you view their certification then you know they aren’t a good choice for you.
Do your research and learn about what education they have, and how they will handle various issues your dog may have. You want to have the best training possible to put your puppy or dog on the right path. Just like you would focus on finding the right counselor or educator for your child, you should look for a trainer with the right dog training certifications for your puppy.
Is there anything else you think readers should know about dog training certification? Tell us in the comments!
