Despite there being many internal dog training schools, it’s important to teach compassionate dog owners the differences between certificates and certifications.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is a nationally and internationally recognized certification within the dog training industry. It is well-regarded by employers, clients, veterinarians, and other pet professionals as a sign of a trainer’s expertise.

A dog trainer who holds a certificate with a specific internal dog training “school” is not the same as a Professional Certified Dog Trainer.

Internal dog training schools often focus on one specific aspect of dog behaviour like detection, obedience or scent work whereas the CCPDT requires a deeper level of knowledge in all aspects of canine behaviour and training.

The CCPDT certification process is a rigorous and highly standardized process. 

There is significant third-party oversight and industry-wide recognition, making it challenging to obtain but provides confidence in a trainer’s expertise.

It requires candidates to meet specific criteria, including hands-on training hours, experience with various training techniques, knowledge of various aspects of canine needs and behaviour and passing a comprehensive exam. Candidates for the CPDT exam are assessed on a broad range of skills, including canine behaviour, ethology, training methods, learning theory, behaviour modification techniques and ethics. The certification also requires trainers to continue their education to maintain their credential.

Once certified, individuals must engage in continuing education to maintain their credential (e.g., 36 hours of CEUs every three years). This ensures that certified trainers stay current with new training methods, canine behavior research, and industry trends. Continuing education is also an ethical requirement, ensuring that trainers maintain a high level of professional development.

Unlike a CPDT, a dog trainers who has obtained a certificate from a specific school means they have simply completed an internal program based on that specific school’s methods. There is no continued universal, standardized assessment to maintain said certificate. 

Specific dog training schools can be great to gain expertise in a specific area of training like working with police or military dogs but outside of these niches, these certificates do not demonstrate the trainers commitment to ethical treatment of animals and putting welfare first. 

When shopping for a trainer, ask questions about their education and whether they are certified with an externally regulated certification board or if their certificate is for a specific type of training. If you are looking for support with a complex behavioural issue or even guidance with your new puppy, it is important to find a trainer who has demonstrated their expertise in all aspects of canine behaviour and not just a specific niche like working or scent detection.