Our Standards for Trainers: Understanding DigUp-Approved Certifications
Finding the right trainer is crucial for helping your dog become a happy, well-adjusted, and safe learner. Unfortunately, anyone can claim to be a trainer. So, when you’re looking for dog training in NYC, how can you tell who has training and skills in humane, effective methods?
No standardized qualification or licensing system exists for dog trainers. However, pet guardians aren’t entirely in the dark. Reputable organizations can certify that a trainer has undergone rigorous study and adheres to recognized, science-based behavior principles.
This is promising, but sifting through the various certifications, understanding their meanings, and finding the right certified trainer for your dog’s needs can feel overwhelming.
DigUp’s mission is simple. We aim to bring as many certified NYC dog trainers together as possible in one easy-to-navigate location. This means that when you filter your search by your dog’s specific needs or the service you require, you can be confident that the trainer who comes up in your search uses science-supported, humane methods, and has the right expertise for your situation.
What Standards does DigUp Apply to Trainers?
Choosing the right dog trainer can make a world of difference in your daily life and your relationship with your dog. For this reason, DigUp only lists professionals with dog trainer certification from a reputable organization.
However, while we aim to make the world of certification as easy to navigate as possible, certifications aren’t the whole story.
Certified dog trainer and DigUp founder Amy Cowan, CPDT-KA, reiterates that while people should look for both general dog trainer certification (such as CPDT or KPA certification) and specialized certification depending on the dog’s needs (CSAT for separation anxiety, FFCP for navigating handling sensitivity), other considerations come into play.
“A good fit between the human and the trainer is crucial as well,” Amy advises. “People should interview trainers and find someone that they feel like can be vulnerable to, communicate openly with, and work collaboratively with.” She gives the example of a trainer who sends all the homework assignments as written instructions to a highly visual learner. This probably won’t be the best fit.
Amy also emphasizes the importance of the services a trainer offers, as not every trainer will have on their menu what you and your dog need. “For example, if you have a new puppy and are looking for a variety of dog training services, you might want to pick a place that has a physical location and offers services like playgroups and group classes as well as private training,” Amy recommends. You could find these on the “New Puppy” dropdown in the DigUp search tool.
We prioritize education and experience.
Just like a dog learning manners, trainers also need to repeatedly practice skills and apply knowledge to feel confident that they can work effectively with the next family who come to them for help.
Dog trainer certifications are a way for trainers to demonstrate that they’ve put in the time to study dog training on a certified trainer course, gather experience in working with dogs and their guardians, and pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge.
Having certification means that a dog trainer has also committed to ongoing education to stay current with the ever-evolving field of dog behavior science.
We only recommend trainers who use force-free dog-training methods.
Force-free training helps create a trusting and cooperative bond between you and your dog, making the learning process more enjoyable and stress-free for both parties. It also leads to more lasting results.
A dog trainer certification is also a reliable sign that a trainer practices positive reinforcement dog training techniques, which use rewards after desired behaviors to increase the likelihood that they’ll happen again rather than punishment or force.
For example, a recent study of 281 dog training businesses found that 72% of them used positive reinforcement methods, and these businesses were more likely to list their training credentials in their promotional materials.
We make recommendations specialized to your family.
Every animal is an individual, and every family has its own needs. When you search on DigUp, you can search and filter our results by the factors most relevant to you. Unlike a more general platform like Google or Yelp, our team verifies your results to ensure that the trainers recommended have the expertise you need.
DigUp maintains robust information on the specializations a trainer may have, using data from various continuing education organizations, such as Fear FreeTM.
The Different Dog Trainer Certifications And What They Mean
Different certified dog trainer courses have different implications. Understanding these will help you make the most educated decision when it comes to choosing what’s best for your dog.
While the trainers listed on DigUp may adhere to similar positive reinforcement training methodologies and force-free principles, many schools offer certifications, and trainers must meet varying requirements. They must also attend certified dog training classes of different durations and pass certification in various ways.
For example, some courses assess knowledge of the theory (known as knowledge-assessed courses), while others confirm that the certifying body has evaluated the trainer’s applied skills (skills-assessed). Other certifications demonstrate that a trainer is well-equipped to address specific needs, such as separation anxiety or managing interactions between dogs and children.
Also, consider the difference between dog trainers and behaviorists. If you’re simply trying to help your dog learn manners, like not jumping up on guests or settling when you need them to, a certified dog trainer may be more suitable. However, a behaviorist can help you and your learner navigate underlying issues with fear, anxiety, or frustration that may be contributing to dangerous or aggressive behavior.
Here’s what the different canine training certifications you’ll find on DigUp mean:
| Course name | Certifying body | Course length | Assessment format | Subjects studied |
| CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer—Knowledge Assessed) | Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) | Requires at least 300 hours of experience in the last three years. | Pass a 200-question exam. | Ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction. Compliance with LIMA (Least Invasive Minimally Aversive) is required. |
| CPDT-KSA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer—Knowledge and Skills Assessed) | Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) | Builds upon CPDT-KA; specific length not specified. | Submit video recordings of training sessions for evaluation by the CCPDT. Demonstrates knowledge from CPDT-KA and practical application of skills. | Demonstrates knowledge from CPDT-KA and practical application of skills. |
| CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine—Knowledge Assessed) | Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) | Not specified. | Pass a standardized test. | Applied behavior analysis, consulting skills, best practices, ethology, body language, observational skills, health, development, life stages, anatomy, and physiology. |
| KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy—Certified Training Partner) | Karen Pryor Academy | A six-month program. Includes ten hours of weekly online instruction and four weekends of in-person training. | Assesses both technical knowledge and hands-on training techniques. | Technical knowledge and hands-on training techniques, performed in compliance with ethical guidelines. |
| ABCDT (Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer) | Animal Behavior College | A combination of real-world and home study. | Combines real-world training with a mentor trainer and an online dog training course. | Provides an academic and functional foundation in dog training, including LIMA-compliant training techniques. |
| ACAAB (Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) | Animal Behavior Society (ABS) | Requires a master’s degree and a minimum of two years of professional experience in applied animal behavior. Recertification is required every five years. | Requires a master’s degree with a research-based thesis, minimum professional experience, three letters of recommendation, and a case study or research-based paper for recertification. Applicants must have presented at an ABS annual meeting within five years prior to applying. | Focus on applied animal behavior. Coursework must include 30 semester credits in behavioral science courses, including nine semester credits in ethology, animal behavior, and/or comparative psychology, and nine semester credits in animal learning, conditioning, and/or animal psychology. |
| CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) | Animal Behavior Society (ABS) | Requires a doctoral degree in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior, including five years of professional experience, OR a doctorate in veterinary medicine plus two years in a university-approved residency and three additional years of professional experience in applied animal behavior. | Requires a doctoral degree with emphasis on animal behavior, professional experience, thorough knowledge of literature and scientific principles, original contributions/interpretations of animal behavior information, and significant experience working with a species. Endorsement requirements are identical to ACAAB, including three letters of recommendation. Applicants must have presented at an ABS annual meeting within 5 years prior to applying. | Same coursework requirements as ACAAB. Broad background in animal behavior theory and application, including principles of animal behavior, research methods, and dissemination of knowledge. |
| CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant) | International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) | Not specified. | Requires written case studies and responses to questions, and demonstration of competency in six core areas. Certification centers around the practical application of behavior change principles. | Assessment and intervention strategies, consulting skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and relevant species-specific knowledge of healthcare, husbandry, nutrition, and behavior. Follows LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) strategies. |
| FFCP (Fear-Free Certified Professional) | Fear Free, LLC | Online education course. | Online education program. | Skills to manage and handle dogs and cats with less apprehension during veterinary visits, procedures, and other care. Techniques can also be used at home to address behaviors that hinder pet owners from administering home care. |
| CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer) | Malena DeMartini Separation Anxiety Training Certificate Program | A three-month program. | Requires completion of the program. | Solely focused on diagnosing and implementing strategies to manage separation anxiety. |
| CSAP-BC (Certified Separation Anxiety Pro™ Behavior Consultant) | Julie Naismith | The taught component lasts 9 weeks, with assessments taking up to six months to complete. | Requires passing three assessments: The Departure Plan-Building Assignment, a 35-question online test, and a Client Practical session with a real client. Emphasizes testing skills, not just knowledge. | Science, concepts, and methodology in managing fear and anxiety, as well as training in the context of different scenarios and applications, including puppies and seniors. |
| FPPE (Family Paws Parent Educator) | Family Paws | A 13-week course. | Requires weekly virtual meetings, assignments, collaboration, participation in a private Facebook group, and commitment to professionalism and compassion. After completing the course, participants must take an exam to qualify. | Prepares individuals to help families create safer, lasting relationships between their children and dogs, including toddlers and newborns, by recommending practical management and training solutions for overwhelmed families. Emphasizes force-free methods and does not accept applications from those who use force, intimidation, or aversive tools. |
| CTC (Certificate in Training and Counseling) | The Academy for Dog Trainers | People move through different levels of the course at their own pace. | After graduating, students take a final exam. Progress through levels involves training practice (video), written assignments, and knowledge tests. | Covers how animals learn, how to change their behavior, and how to work with clients, including fearful and aggressive dogs. The curriculum also includes critical thinking skills, canine ethology, and various breeds of dogs. Emphasizes evidence-based curriculum, client counseling, and critical thinking skills. |
| CCDT (CATCH Certified Dog Trainer) | CATCH Canine Trainers Academy | Flexible, self-paced remote learning course. Includes 10 phases. Can consist of hands-on workshops. | Involves demonstrating hands-on training and teaching skills, and graduating from each phase, leading to final certification. | Offers a complete education based on the standards of the CCPDT and the position statements of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). Covers puppy development and manners training, and behavior solutions. Includes topics like fear, aggression, and separation anxiety. Promotes positive reinforcement methods without aversives. |
| SFTD-CPT (School for the Dogs Certified Professional Trainer) | School for the Dogs | An intensive 6-month virtual program. Suggested minimum of ten hours a week for coursework and hands-on work with a dog. | Involves hands-on assignments, quizzes, and a final exam encompassing both theory and practical skills. | Covers understanding canine behavior, client communication, and urban dog training, including leash reactivity, socialization, and environmental stressors. Emphasizes a holistic, science-backed approach including canine psychology. |
| PMCT (Pat Miller Certified Trainer) | Peaceable Paws Academy | A 6-day intensive academy. This academy is the first step toward Pat Miller Trainer Certification. | The PPA expected students to read several books in advance and prepare for discussion about and testing on the concepts. Students are assigned to work with a shelter dog. Eligibility to become PMCT and higher levels (PMCT-2 and PMCT-3) depends on grades. | A college-level course exploring behavior science and the hands-on application of force-free dog training methods. Graduates gain a thorough understanding of how dogs think and learn, as well as hands-on experience training shelter dogs. The academy emphasizes fear, pain, and intimidation-free training. |
Trainers need to recertify after varying lengths of time to stay current with the evolving science and approaches involved in dog training. They achieve this by attending new certified dog trainer courses to earn continuing education units (CEUs), and they must earn a certain number to recertify.
A CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA trainer has to recertify every three years, earning 36 CEUs. CBCC-KA recertification occurs every five years, again requiring 36 CEUs.
You’ll see these certifications across the DigUp search pages, so use your understanding of them to guide your approach to finding the right trainer for your dog. Regardless, you can be assured that they adhere to the high standards of DigUp for canine well-being and development.
What to Expect When Your Dog Sees a Certified Trainer
Doing the proper groundwork before you and your dog visit a trainer can help you assess whether they connect with both of you. However, training will generally follow this format, even though every dog is an individual who requires a personalized approach.
Finding a trainer
Amy advises shopping around to find the right match. “People should interview multiple trainers to find one that has the skills and experience that match their needs, and also that they feel like is the best fit for both human and dog learner,” she recommends.
On DigUp’s Explore page, you’ll find trainers who offer free consults so that people (and learners) can get to know them before booking a session.
The first session
Amy advises that in an initial dog training session, the trainer will take you both through the following:
- Get to know you and the dog.
- Talk through your concerns and goals.
- Discuss setting up the dog’s environment for success, as well as management techniques, including physical and mental enrichment opportunities.
- Showing you some simple exercises.
“Most first sessions are 60 to 90 minutes, and since the majority of the first session is humans chatting through information, a lot of trainers are opting to have these sessions on Zoom,” explains Amy. “Toward the end of the session, you might also expect to work on a few simple training exercises.”
Next steps
After the first session, the trainer will have a clearer idea about what the rest of your training plan will look like. The layout of your sessions will look different depending on the dog’s individual needs.
“This could range from a few follow-up private sessions with you and your dog, private day training sessions where the trainer works with your dog directly, or a group class,” Amy suggests. On DigUp, you can filter trainers by the services they offer.
Notes/Homework
The work certainly doesn’t stop when the session ends. Dog training is an ongoing project that guardians and learners collaborate on at home. “You should also expect to receive Notes or Homework, outlining what you discussed and instructions for how to continue training at home,” says Amy.
How Can You Tell When A Trainer Isn’t Working Out?
Both humans and dogs should feel motivated to work with a particular trainer. If you feel like the trainer you’ve been working with isn’t the best match for your family, that’s totally ok.
Finding the right individual for your team is crucial, and DigUp can support you every step of the way, whether you’re finding a trainer for the first time or looking to find a better fit for your needs.
If you’re looking to switch trainers, try the DigUp search facility to find a more specialized or suitable NYC dog trainer here.
Dog Boarding and Training: Do Trainers Need A Separate License to Board Dogs?
Many people see board and trains as an attractive option to send their dog off and receive a perfectly well-mannered companion back in a few weeks.
However, you may be surprised to know that, like the rest of the pet care industry, board and train programs are also unregulated, and many people advertise board and train services without any license or certification. “This means that pet guardians should be especially careful to only look for certified trainers if they are looking for board and train facilities, since they won’t be around to ensure their dog’s physical and emotional safety,” warns Amy.
However, boarding and training are specific to the trainer’s in-house environment, and your dog may require additional training to apply the lessons learned in that space to their daily life. For example, for NYC pups, learning to navigate city life is a crucial aspect of training and socialization. Needless to say, they probably won’t learn the appropriate skills if they attend a board and train program Upstate.
Dog boarding and training is a significant investment, without being the quick fix it may initially seem to be. “Board and trains are also usually the highest upfront cost, so people should be confident of what they’re signing up for,” cautions Amy. “They should also be interviewing the trainers and making sure they get regular updates and that they’re receiving their own education on maintaining the dog’s training at home.”
If this service is suitable for your dog, you can be confident that every board and train on DigUp is run by a certified dog trainer. Find out about the different services dog trainers offer.
The Takeaway
- Dog trainer certifications demonstrate that professionals who work with dog behavior change adhere to LIMA principles, which prioritize scientifically backed, force-free training methods that are based on positive reinforcement. DigUp is run by certified trainers and features them accordingly.
- Certifications vary by the length of the course, the type of assessments certificants are required to pass, the level of knowledge and skills that are examined during evaluation, and whether they address specific behavioral needs, such as separation anxiety.
- Some trainers offer free consults to help you check whether they’re the right fit for you and your dog. These trainers are highlighted in the DigUp Explore pages. Training sessions may take the form of different services, such as group classes or private sessions. You can use these as filters on DigUp to find appropriate results.
- Be especially rigorous about finding a certified trainer if you opt for a board and train facility