A topic near and dear to my heart is credentials and qualifications for dog trainers. Dog training is a completely unregulated field. Anyone can print a business card and say they are a trainers. As a consumer, you should know there are dog training certifications. Some come from online training courses. Others from schools, like colleges where you attend classes and have hands on training experience.
The certification I chose is Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed. This certification required me to obtain my knowledge through independent study as well as a minimum of 300 hours of hands on training. I have maintained this certification since 2003.
Just this year, a new certification came available. The new credential is Certified Behavior Counselor Canine-Knowledge Assessed. I am proud to say I am one of the first ten people worldwide to qualify for this recognition.
If you need help with your canine companion, look for a trainer who has some credentials . Research those qualifications to be sure you are comfortable with the methods that organization uses. Your choices can help increase professionalism in dog training. Cissy Sumner, CPDT-KA Best Behavior Dog Training Member, Board of Directors, CCPDT APDT #062323 AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator #13985 Vero Beach, FL 772-978-7863 www.bestbehaviordogtraining.org
