FAQs  About Good Dog Academy’s Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT) Certificate Program

Program Content & Structure

What exactly will I learn in this program?
You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a confident, ethical, and effective dog trainer. The curriculum covers learning theory, humane training techniques, canine body language, enrichment, client communication, canine first aid and more. You'll also develop practical skills through hands-on assignments with dogs.

Is this program recognized or accredited?
Yes. Good Dog Academy has been certifying professional trainers since 2013. Our graduates receive the Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT) Certificate and are eligible for membership with respected professional associations. Our programs are trusted by trainers, veterinarians, shelters, and pet professionals across Canada and beyond.

How long does it take to complete the program?
Most students complete the program within 4 to 6 months while also working part-time or full-time. The program is entirely self-paced, and you’ll have access for 12 months from the date of enrollment.

What if I need more time to finish the program?
We offer a one-time, 3-month extension for students who need more time to complete their coursework. To request an extension, simply email our team for approval before your one-year access expires.

Will I be working with real dogs during the course?
Yes. You’ll be encouraged to apply your learning with dogs through assignments, training exercises, and real-life case studies. If you don’t have your own dog, we offer suggestions for finding suitable dogs to work with in your community in our Student Handbook.

Career & Opportunities

Will this program help me start a dog training business?
Yes. The program includes a full module on business planning specifically for dog trainers. You’ll learn how to structure your services, price your offerings, attract clients, and build a career rooted in professionalism and compassion.

Do I have to start my own business or can I work for someone else?
Most of our graduates start their own business, but you don’t have to. Many certified dog trainers find rewarding careers working for established training companies, veterinary clinics, dog daycares, shelters, rescues, boarding facilities, and pet retail stores. Our program equips you with the skills and confidence to either launch your own business or step into an existing role within the industry—whichever path suits your lifestyle and goals best.

Can I work at a daycare, shelter, or pet store with this certificate?
Many of our graduates go on to work in dog daycares, shelters, pet stores, and pet care businesses. Your certification demonstrates that you’ve completed a comprehensive, evidence-based training program.

Support & Accessibility

What kind of support will I get during the program?
We believe that high-quality education includes high-quality support. As a student in our program, you'll receive comprehensive guidance and multiple opportunities to connect with instructors and peers throughout your learning journey. Here’s what you can expect:

• Monthly Live Student Webinars: Join our free Zoom webinars each month, where we answer student questions and dive into trending topics in the dog training industry. These sessions are recorded in case you can’t attend live. Graduates receive lifetime access to join these webinars anytime down the road.
• Dedicated Student Mentor Hours: Need one-on-one support? You’ll have access to regular mentor hours to ask individual questions and get help tailored to your progress.
• Personalized Feedback and Coaching: We provide detailed, constructive feedback on your practical submissions to help you grow your skills with confidence and clarity.
• Email Support: For quick or simple questions, our team is just an email away and happy to help.
• Peer Community Board: Connect with fellow students in our private community space—share experiences, ask for advice, and celebrate your progress together.

Our support system is designed to help you feel confident, connected, and capable as you work through the program and prepare for your career as a professional dog trainer.

I haven’t studied in a long time. Will I be able to keep up?
Yes. The course is designed to be approachable, even if you haven’t been in school for years. With clear lesson structure, video and written content, and real-life examples, you can learn in a way that suits your pace and style.

Cost & Payment

How much does the program cost?
We offer two options for our Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT) program:

• PPDT Basic Certificate Program – $895 CAD plus tax
  This includes our comprehensive core curriculum to prepare you for a successful career as a certified dog trainer.
• PPDT Bundle Program – $995 CAD plus tax
  This includes everything in the basic program plus additional mini courses to broaden your skill set:
• Dog Walker Certificate
• Daycare & Boarding Certificate
• Scent Work Series

These prices include all course materials, instructor support, downloadable resources, and your final certification. Both options are self-paced and include full access to student support, coaching, and feedback. The bundle is a great value if you’re looking to expand your services or work in multiple areas of the pet care industry.

Do you offer payment plans?
Regardless of your chosen payment method, you’ll receive immediate access to your PPDT program upon registration.
We offer a 7-day refund period for all enrollments.
Please note: Certification will only be issued once full payment has been received.

FULL PAY
The Full Pay option allows you to pay the entire tuition amount, including taxes, in a single payment at checkout.
This is the most straightforward option with no additional fees or payment scheduling.

PAYMENT PLAN 
For our Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT) programs, Good Dog Academy offers a 5-month, in-house payment plan. A small Payment Plan Fee is included in the total. 

Current payment plans include:

• PPDT – Basic: $200/month for 5 months, plus tax
• PPDT – Bundle: $225/month for 5 months, plus tax

All payments are automatically processed each month using the credit card provided at registration, on the same calendar day you enrolled.
If a payment is declined, your program will be temporarily paused until payment arrangements are made.
This flexible option allows you to spread out tuition while staying on track with your certification goals.

KLARNA
Good Dog Academy now offers financing through Klarna for our Professional Pet Dog Trainer programs. Klarna may provide extended payment plans ranging from 6 to 24 months, depending on your credit profile.

To use Klarna, select PPDT - Basic - Klarna or PPDT - Bundle - Klarna. Please note: 

• A service fee is added to the base tuition to cover Klarna’s processing costs, which is why the total appears higher when this option is selected.
• Good Dog Academy does not control Klarna’s financing terms, interest rates, or approval decisions.
• Your interest rate will be determined by Klarna.

Important Klarna Considerations:

• Credit Score Impact: Missed payments may affect your credit. Be sure to review Klarna’s terms and commit only if confident in your ability to meet the payment schedule.
• Customer Service: Some users have noted slower response times from Klarna support. We recommend reviewing their help resources before choosing this option.

This option is offered for your convenience if a longer payment schedule would better suit your needs.

Before You Enroll

Do I need experience to take this course?
Not at all. Whether you’re brand new to dog training or already working in the pet industry, we’ll guide you from foundational knowledge to professional-level skills.

What if I don’t have a dog right now?
No problem. You don’t need to have your own dog to complete the program. We offer tips for connecting with dogs in your community to complete your hands-on work in our Student Handbook.

Common Concerns

I don’t have much free time—can I still do this?
Yes. The program is fully self-paced, giving you the flexibility to work around your schedule. You’ll have 12 months to complete all requirements.
To avoid a last-minute rush, we recommend you start submitting your written and practical assignments at least 2 months before your deadline.

I’m not confident enough to take a program like this. What if I’m not cut out for it?
You’re not alone—many students feel unsure when they begin. But confidence comes from learning and doing. This program is built to support you step by step, with mentorship and guidance along the way. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to begin.

I can’t afford the full program right now. Do I have options?
Regardless of your chosen payment method, you’ll receive immediate access to your PPDT program upon registration.
We offer a 7-day refund period for all enrollments.
Please note: Certification will only be issued once full payment has been received.

FULL PAY
The Full Pay option allows you to pay the entire tuition amount, including taxes, in a single payment at checkout.
This is the most straightforward option with no additional fees or payment scheduling.

PAYMENT PLAN
For our Professional Pet Dog Trainer (PPDT) programs, Good Dog Academy offers a 5-month, in-house payment plan. A small Payment Plan Fee is included in the total.

Current payment plans include:

• PPDT – Basic: $200/month for 5 months, plus tax
• PPDT – Bundle: $225/month for 5 months, plus tax

All payments are automatically processed each month using the credit card provided at registration, on the same calendar day you enrolled.
If a payment is declined, your program will be temporarily paused until payment arrangements are made.
This flexible option allows you to spread out tuition while staying on track with your certification goals.

KLARNA
Good Dog Academy now offers financing through Klarna for our Professional Pet Dog Trainer programs. Klarna may provide extended payment plans ranging from 6 to 24 months, depending on your credit profile.

To use Klarna, select PPDT - Basic - Klarna or PPDT - Bundle - Klarna. Please note: 

• A service fee is added to the base tuition to cover Klarna’s processing costs, which is why the total appears higher when this option is selected.
• Good Dog Academy does not control Klarna’s financing terms, interest rates, or approval decisions.
• Your interest rate will be determined by Klarna.

Important Klarna Considerations:

• Credit Score Impact: Missed payments may affect your credit. Be sure to review Klarna’s terms and commit only if confident in your ability to meet the payment schedule.
• Customer Service: Some users have noted slower response times from Klarna support. We recommend reviewing their help resources before choosing this option.

This option is offered for your convenience if a longer payment schedule would better suit your needs.