The word ‘certification’ in the dog training world is confusing. Here we’ll explain what being a certified dog trainer really means – and what it doesn’t.
The word ‘certification’ in the dog training world is confusing.
As an unregulated profession, it falls to the dog training industry to define itself and to provide guardrails by which its members practice. Dog training clients are left to attempt to decipher which professionals, certifications, and organizations are appropriate pools from which to find professional dog training help.
What do dog training clients really want?
While all guardians seeking professional help with their dogs want to find effective and long-lasting solutions to the issues they’re facing, the vast majority are also committed to finding paths forward that do not introduce pain, fear or discomfort for their dogs as well.
As the debate over dog training tools and methods continues to shift from an internal industry discussion into public view, guardians are increasingly presented with options to hire so-called ‘balanced’ trainers which first try to employ only positive methods but also allow for the use of aversive tools and methods (those causing pain, fear and purposeful discomfort) as well. Often, ‘balanced’ trainers will use the same friendly-sounding terms and catchphrases as positive trainers, making it difficult to determine exactly what the ultimate methodologies are actually used by the trainer.
Add to this confusion that almost anyone in the world can legally refer to themselves as a professional dog trainer, and that many dog training schools allow and even promote aversive tools and methods by their graduates, and it becomes nearly impossible for an average, well-meaning dog training client to know the underlying principles of the dog training professional they’re considering hiring.
Finding a qualified dog trainer – ideally one with credentials and certifications that are meaningful and that align with the client’s ethical boundaries – is ultimately the primary focus for people looking for professional behavior-related help.
What does it mean to be a certified dog trainer?
So where does that leave the client?
They’re left to look beyond the prospective dog trainer’s website and marketing materials to learn more about the letters after their name. Usually, this includes an investigation into which dog trainer academy they attended as well as which third-party organizations vouch for the trainer.
Realistically, it’s doubtful that a busy dog guardian who is simply looking for the best trainer for their dog will recognize (or maybe even care much) about the alphabet soup of letters in a dog trainer’s email signature. Perhaps some will be more impressed than others if the list is long enough, and we certainly don’t begrudge any training professional wanting to publicize all the various educational accomplishments and organizational connections they may have.
Indeed, like most dog training schools teaching people to become dog trainers, the Victoria Stilwell Academy provides its graduates with the opportunity to present themselves as a VSA-Certified Dog Trainer (or VSA-CDT). It’s a prestigious designation that reflects an impressive combination of time, effort, knowledge, skills and financial investment, and we’re thrilled to help our graduates display their accomplishment proudly.
The truth is that the value of any dog trainer certification depends upon the criteria and assessment processes in place by the entity granting the certification to the trainer as well as the guiding principles and reputation of the certifying entity.
How to compare dog trainer certifications
Because the dog training industry is unregulated around the world, almost anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, so the bar is currently very low for anyone to ‘hang a shingle’ and begin taking money in return for offering dog training services.
Just as anyone can refer to themselves as a professional dog trainer, almost any entity can currently state that it ‘certifies’ its members or graduates to be a certain level of dog training professional. While this classification can sometimes be as valuable as the paper used to designate the certification, the dog-owning public continues to place varying degrees of importance on the label of being ‘certified.’
Important factors to consider when comparing dog trainer certifications include:
- The reputation of the school or organization providing the certification
- How long the school or organization has existed
- The standards of practice and ethical standards endorsed and condoned by the certifying body
- Whether the certifying body has affiliations or accreditations from external third party entities (such as Open College Network London)
- Whether the school is authorized to provide qualified educational services by their local or state authorities
- A review of a sampling of the professionals currently using the certification
Although some countries are beginning to explore the idea of government licensing of the dog training profession, until such regulation becomes the norm, those in need of a quality professional dog trainer will continue to rely on word of mouth, referral and recommendations, and the various dog trainer certifications currently available in most municipalities.
Types of dog trainer certifications
Because the field of dog training is largely unregulated, attempting to understand the various types of dog trainer certification currently available can often be confusing.
While specific nomenclature and designations vary by country, most dog trainer schools provide some level of self-defined certification for their graduates. Some certifying organizations also exist in various countries (separate from any educational institution), while other organizing bodies serve as mere associations without any certification required for membership.
In the USA, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB) are some of the best-known certifying organizations for dog trainers.
In the UK, the IAABC, PPAB, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) – not to be confused with the US-based non-certifying membership organization of the same name – are a few of several positive training-based organizations which offer certifications without education. The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter is a nationally-recognized organization comprised of leading entities dedicated to providing accountability and a level of trust for the UK dog-owning public. VSA and VSPDT are founding members of the charter, and VSA graduates automatically enjoy charter practitioner status based on their ongoing credentialing via VSA.
There are other certifying bodies in the US and the UK, but in VSA’s opinion, many of them either have qualifying standards lower than we recommend and/or they promote and condone dog training tools, philosophies and methods that are widely considered outdated and potentially harmful to dogs’ well-being. Other countries have similar types of certifying entities as well.
Finally, there are a handful of ‘lettered behaviorist’ designations such as Applied Animal Behavior Certification (CAAB) and organizations such as the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) which are certifying boards for veterinarians and PhDs that are specially trained to advance the behavioral health of animals. Most of these designations require advanced degrees and in many cases are only available for graduates of veterinary schools.
Who should pursue dog trainer certification?
Due to the nature of the dog training industry and the confusion among the public regarding training methods and terminology, it is more important than ever to ensure that dog training professionals hold the appropriate certification.
Those who care about their profession, no matter what it is, want to be sure they are offering the safest and most effective methods and services to clients before accepting money for these services. Whether or not clients are familiar with the certifying body’s reputation, standards of practice, or standing within the training industry, they will be looking for as much verification as possible before entrusting their beloved dogs’ care to a professional.
More importantly, becoming dog training certified provides additional benefits including:
- A network of like-minded professionals from whom advice can be sought
- Support in a sometimes intense, emotionally taxing field
- A tool to combat all-too-common ‘imposter syndrome’
- A solid foundation from which to continue lifelong learning and evolution
At its core, pursuing certification is also an ethical commitment. Dog trainers have a direct impact on the emotional and physical well-being of both dogs and their guardians. Choosing to become certified as a positive dog trainer demonstrates a dedication to using humane, evidence-based methods, minimizing harm, and prioritizing the welfare of the animals in your care. It reflects a professional responsibility to be educated, accountable, and transparent, ensuring that every client receives guidance rooted in compassion, integrity, and best practices.
To learn more about the certification VSA provides its graduates, including its state-authorized qualifications, accreditation from Open College Network London, third party affiliations, recommendations and continuing education recognition, and more, contact the VSA team or explore its flagship professional Dog Trainer Course for more information.
