Do You Need Qualifications To Be a Dog Trainer?

Written by Good Dog Academy

You love dogs. Dogs love you. You’ve always dreamed of working with them every day—helping them learn, grow, and live their happiest lives. Sounds like the perfect career, right?

But before you jump in, you might be wondering… Do you actually need qualifications to be a dog trainer?

Let’s dig into what it really takes to start this rewarding career—and how to make sure you stand out from the pack.

The Truth About Dog Trainer Qualifications in Canada

Here’s the surprising part: in Canada today, there are no formal rules or regulations for becoming a dog trainer. Technically, anyone can call themselves one.

But here’s the catch… dog owners are becoming more educated. They’re no longer just looking for someone who “likes dogs”—they want qualified, professionally trained experts who use proven, science-based methods.

That means if you want to be taken seriously, earn trust quickly, and build a successful business, professional education and certification are essential.

Choosing the Right Dog Trainer Program

Not all dog training schools are created equal. When you’re researching programs, keep these important questions in mind:

• Do they have a written Code of Conduct? You want to train in a way that aligns with your values.

• Do they use evidence-based posative reinformcnet techniques?

• Can you easily reach instructors and administrators? Direct access to your teachers makes a huge difference.

• Do they provide a student handbook and clear graduation requirements? You need to know exactly what’s expected of you.

• Can they connect you with past graduates? Speaking to alumni gives you real insight into the program.

• Does the program include both theory and practical training? You need a solid knowledge base and hands-on experience.

• Are the instructors qualified? Make sure they have relevant education, experience, and up-to-date credentials.

• Is the schedule flexible? If you’re working or have family commitments, you’ll need a program that fits your life.

• Do you need a dog to participate? If so, how will you meet that requirement?

Why Certification Matters

While anyone can start training dogs without formal qualifications, certification gives you:

• Credibility – Clients will trust you more when you can show you’ve been professionally trained.

• Confidence – You’ll have the skills and knowledge to tackle a wide range of behaviours.

• Career Opportunities – Many businesses, shelters, and service dog organizations prefer certified trainers.

Plus, being certified shows that you’re committed to ongoing education and humane, ethical practices.

How Good Dog Academy Sets You Up for Success

At Good Dog Academy, we’ve built our Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT) Certificate Program to give you everything you need to launch a thriving dog training career:

• Recognized Certification – Instantly boosts your credibility with clients.

• Comprehensive Curriculum – Covers canine behaviour, training techniques, client communication, and business skills.

• Flexible Online Learning – Study from anywhere, at your own pace.

• Expert Mentorship – Learn directly from Jaime Knowles, a trainer with 25+ years of experience.

• Live Webinars & Hands-On Feedback – Get personalized coaching to build your confidence.

• Affordable Tuition – Just $895 Canadian, and many graduates earn this back within their first month after certification.

Your Next Step

If you’re serious about becoming a dog trainer, the right education will set you apart from the competition—and help you turn your dream into a sustainable, rewarding career.

🎓 Start your journey today!
Click here to learn more about the Good Dog Academy Professional Dog Trainer Program and take the first step toward your dream job working with dogs.