Are you being ignored in the dog training world simply because you lack the appropriate dog trainer certification? Being judged according to a piece of paper can definitely be frustrating, especially if you possess skills and knowledge surpassing those of your certified competitors.
Unfortunately, the dog training industry will probably never give up their love affair with extensive certification processes – but you can even the playing field by jumping in headfirst, earning a certification that lands real, high-paying positions.
1. Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
As the very first national certification program for dog trainers, the CCPDT is quite prestigious in many professional circles. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers offers three major programs: Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), and Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA). These certificates are at least partially recognized in 16 countries, including Canada and Mexico.
2. The Animal Behavior Society – Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
The Animal Behavior Society grants the Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist (AAAB) and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) certifications. The former is better for those who are just breaking into the field with a master’s degree with an emphasis in animal behavior, while the latter dog trainer certification is aimed toward accomplished professionals who hold a doctoral degree in their short list of applicable fields.
3. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Surprisingly, this well-known dog trainer certification may be the easiest to obtain of any certifications mentioned previously. The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants is a positive dog training organization that offers dog trainer certification to members who submit case studies and demonstrates at least 500 hours of related coursework.
So, how would you like to have a fancy acronym after your name? Every dog trainer should feel proud of being recognized by any of the above organizations – titles like AAAB and CBCC-KA are not given out to just anybody – they’re granted to the best of the best. Get your dog trainer certification and start getting the respect that hundreds of other certified trainers have already earned!
