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CPDT-KA Frequently Asked Questions |
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Not All Dog Trainers Are
Alike
What is a CPDT-KA?
The CPDT-KA
designation stands for Certified
Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed and
indicates that a dog trainer
has earned this
credential by demonstrating their knowledge and
experience in dog training.
Each professional dog trainer who earns the CPDT-KA
designation is required to meet
hourly minimums
teaching classes, providing private dog
training, and working with dogs before being
permitted to sit for a psychometrically sound
written examination. Candidates who pass the written
examination for professional dog trainers earn the
title Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge
Assessed and may use the designation, "CPDT-KA,"
after their names.
The written examination covers all facets of the
dog training profession, including:
-
Canine
Ethology
-
The
Science of
Learning
Theory
-
Animal
Husbandry
-
Classroom
Management and
Technique
-
Training
Equipment and more.
A
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge
Assessed stays informed of current knowledge in
the field and is familiar with the latest, most
effective training techniques and equipment and
is required to attain continuing education units
to recertify every three years. A Certified
Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed
adheres to a strict Code of Ethics and provides
a reference from a client, colleague, and
veterinarian as part of their application for
certification.
This certification
program is based on humane training practices and
the latest scientific knowledge related to dog
training. Competence and continued growth in
training practices is promoted through the
recertification of qualified professionals.
Why choose a CPDT-KA?
As a dog owner, the CCPDT understands how important it is for you to find a dog trainer that you can trust has the knowledge necessary to meet the needs of you and your dog. Dog training and behavior change is a science but it in not a regulated science. There is no licensing and no oversight. With the CCPDT designations, you can gain the confidence you need to choose a dog trainer for your dog.
Begin your search for a dog trainer by looking for the CPDT-KA designation. This stands for Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed and indicates that a dog trainer has a minimum of 300 hours of experience; references from a veterinarian, client, and colleague; and has passed a comprehensive, psychometrically sound examination testing the dog trainer's knowledge of learning theory, canine ethology, animal husbandry, classroom management, teaching techniques, and more.
Next, go meet the trainer and ask to observe a training class. Are they professional in their appearance and in their marketing materials? Can they knowledgeably and clearly answer questions regarding dog training and their dog training methods? Do you feel comfortable with them personally?
Are they patient and thorough in answering your questions or the questions of students in their classes? Do they have experience in working with the issues that you are experiencing with your dog? Can they provide references from clients?
There are also several things that should raise red caution flags in your assessment of a trainer. If the trainer talks about wolf behavior more than dog behavior, has a focus on dominance and submission, or bases their methods on force, they are not meeting the current standards of care in the dog training industry.
Our CPDT-KA designations gives you the assurance that the trainer has the knowledge necessary to train dogs and teach others to train their dogs. Your interview can tell you whether they can meet the individual needs of both you and your dog.
What is the CCPDT?
With there being no
licensing, mandatory
educational requirements or nationally
available certification process for dog trainers,
the Certification Council for
Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
was created in 2001.
The CCPDT's certification program is the
first national certification for dog trainers.
The CCPDT currently
offers a Certification for Professional Dog
Trainers that assesses knowledge of the science
of dog training and has an experiential
requirement. This certification is titled the
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge
Assessed (CPDT-KA). This certification program
is based on humane training practices and the
latest scientific knowledge related to dog
training. Competence and continued growth in
training practices is promoted through the
recertification of qualified professionals.
The Certification Council for Professional Dog
Trainers is committed to maintaining rigorous
testing and recertification system to provide
dog owners with information to help them make an
informed choice when selecting a dog trainer. A
professional dog trainer who has earned the CPDT-KA
designation demonstrates a high level of
excellence in the field of dog training and a
commitment to maintaining their knowledge at the
highest level!
If you live
outside the WNY area click on the
Certification Council for Professional
Dog Trainers to find a CPDT-KA
in your area.
Our trainers are
also professional members of the Association of
Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) which is an organization
focused on providing educational opportunities
for individuals interested in dog training. To
view the
APDT’s membership list visit this link.
For more
information on pricing and schedule availability
contact us |
