Dog-training certification can be provided by training schools or organizations that offer take-home tests; however, these nonstandardized tests only certify you for the particular programs taught by these schools and organizations. In order to distinguish yourself as a professional and well-respected instructor, you will need to become a certified trainer with a nationally recognized group.
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Significance
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The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) ethical standards for dog trainers and promotes humane and effective training methods. Meeting certification requirements is a demanding and time-consuming process but also highly beneficial for your career. Becoming a certified member lets potential clients know that you possess the expertise and knowledge necessary to provide safe, high-quality training.
Requirements
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Provide documentation showing that within the last 5 years, you have had at least 300 hours of dog training experience. Instructing group classes or private sessions as the head trainer accounts for 75 percent of your total required hours. The remaining 25 percent comes from related areas, such as training shelter dogs, grooming, working as a veterinary technician or providing class assistance.
Pass the Certification Exam for Pet Dog Trainers. In order to take the exam, you will have to submit a signed application. You must have a high school diploma or acceptable equivalent in order to be eligible for the test.
Provide three references along with your application. A veterinarian, a client and a professional colleague will be required to assess your skills and verify that they support your candidacy.
Sign the Code of Ethics on the application. The code states that you will conduct training classes ethically and deal with clients in an honest and professional manner, which includes respecting confidentiality and refraining from guaranteeing successful outcomes.
Send payment for the test fee along with your application.
Exam
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The exam tests your knowledge of training methods and dog behavior. The exam covers five content areas. The Instruction Skills section contains questions about interpersonal skills, teaching skills, managing the training environment and dog handling skills. The Animal Husbandry section covers health and hygiene issues, such as vaccinations, contagious diseases, parasites and spaying or neutering. The Ethology section covers areas such as domestication, social and physical development, behavioral problems and body language. The Learning Theory section deals with training technique topics such as reinforcement, punishment and conditioning. The Equipment section focuses on the use of basic training items such as halters, harnesses and clickers, as well as the safety and purpose of supplementary items, such as shock collars.
You will know your results within 4 weeks after the testing period. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to submit a new application and send in the payment. You can take the test as many times as you need.
Certification Period
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Your certification status will last for 3 years. After this time, you will need to accumulate continuing education credits with programs approved by CCPDT and fulfill any new qualification requirements in order to maintain your status. Alternatively, you can retake and pass the current exam.
Warning
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The CCPDT will revoke your certification if you provide false information on your application or if you misrepresent your certification status. You will also lose your certification if you are convicted on charges of animal neglect or cruelty.
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