Dog Training Certifications

Although there is no standardized qualification or licensing system for trainers, there are reputable organizations that certify that a trainer has undergone rigorous study and adheres to recognized, science-based principles of behavior. Holding a certification from one of these organizations is a valuable indicator of a trainer’s commitment to professional growth and staying current with the latest developments in the field. 

Below is a list of certifications you may see when searching on DigUp:

CertificationStands ForCertifying Organization
CPDT-KACertified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge AssessedCertification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
CPDT-KSACertified Professional Dog Trainer – Skills AssessedCertification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
CBCC-KACertified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge AssessedCertification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
KPA-CTPKaren Pryor Academy Certified Training PartnerKaren Pryor Academy
ABCDTAnimal Behavior College Dog TrainerAnimal Behavior College
CAABCertified Applied Animal BehavioristAnimal Behavior Society
CDBCCertified Dog Behavior ConsultantInternational Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
FFCPFear-Free Certified ProfessionalFear Free, LLC
CSATCertified Separation Anxiety TrainerMalena DeMartini Separation Anxiety Training Certificate Program 
CSAP-BCCertified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior ConsultantJulie Naismith
FPPEFamily Paws Parent EducatorFamily Paws
CTCCertificate in Training and CounselingAcademy for Dog Trainers
CCDTCATCH Certified Dog TrainerCATCH Canine Trainers Academy 
SFTD-CPTSchool for the Dogs Certified Professional TrainerSchool for the Dogs