Instructions
Explore credentialing organizations. While plenty of local and online schools may offer a "certificate in dog training," obtaining professional certification is another matter entirely. As a budding professional, you will want to be sure you fulfill the proper requirements to become certified and to renew your certification as often as needed. Some credentialing organizations include the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT - apdt.com) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT - ccpdt.org).
Compare education options. Depending on your existing background and education, some programs may be more beneficial to you than others. For example, certification with the CCPDT requires either 500 hours of consulting about canine behavior in the previous five years OR an advanced degree in psychology, social work or the life sciences with 300 hours consulting about canine behavior in the previous three years. Obviously, if you hold a degree matching that description, you have a bit of a head start on your education.
A good dog training education program should include sections on the history of dog training, animal learning concepts (conditioning, reinforcement, motivation), dog behavior and dog training class design. The program should be based on hands-on learning as well as lectures and reading and should last for weeks, not days.
Consider an apprenticeship. With the hefty consulting time requirement that credentialing agencies demand in order to test, you will need a great deal of hands-on work. Some of this can no doubt be obtained as part of an educational program, but you will most likely need more time to fulfill the requirements. Speak with local experts and see if you can arrange an apprenticeship. You may be able to arrange a paid assistant position, or you may need to take an unpaid internship in order to meet your goals. In either case, you probably will learn a great deal and make plenty of connections during your time as an apprentice.
Volunteer with dog-related organizations. Most areas have local animal shelters that could certainly benefit from a trainer-in-training working with their dogs to help them become more adoptable. Hours volunteering will likely count toward your certification requirements, and they will help you gain invaluable experience with different types of dogs.
Make connections with people who will eventually be able to recommend you. Credentialing organizations require letters of recommendation before they will certify you, usually some letters from previous clients, some from previous supervisors, and some from other industry professionals such as veterinarians.
Assemble your required letters of recommendation, transcripts, records of work performed and any other documentation the credentialing organization requires. Submit your paperwork before any due dates and study for any applicable tests.
Sit for any tests your credentialing organization requires. Be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before and eat a hearty breakfast.
Renew your certification as needed. Most credentialing organizations have continuing education requirements that you need to fulfill, so be sure to keep learning throughout your career.
How to Get a Certificate in Dog Training
Your dog is the picture of obedience. It comes when called, drops on recall and even fetches dumbbells that you throw over jumps. People have started to suggest that you should train dogs professionally, and you're beginning to wonder if they are right. Well, they very well may be -- if you are committed to a career working with dogs and furthering your understanding of their behavior, a career as a certified dog trainer could be for you.