FAQs  About Good Dog Academy’s Complete Dog Professional Bundle 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 Dog Trainer Certificate and are eligible for membership with respected professional associations. Our programs are trusted by trainers, veterinarians, shelters, and pet professionals across North America 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 planning a business 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?
The Complete Dog Professional Program is priced at $849 for Full Pay registration or 5 monthly payments of $200. This includes all 4 Certificates.

• Professional Dog Trainer Certificate
• Canine First Aid Certificate
• Dog Walker Certificate
• Daycare & Boarding Certificate

These prices include all course materials, instructor support and downloadable resources. The program is self-paced and includes full access to instructor and 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.

I can’t afford the full program right now. Do I have options? Do you offer payment plans?
Regardless of your chosen payment method, you’ll receive immediate access to your program upon registration.
We offer a 7-day refund period for all enrollments.

PARTICIPATION & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Waiver Requirement: A completed waiver is mandatory for participation in the program.
Payment Requirement: Certificates will be issued only upon receipt of full payment.

Full Pay

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

In-house Payment Plans 

For our Complete Dog Professional Bundle, Good Dog Academy offers a 5-month in-house payment plan. A small Payment Plan Fee is included in the total. The total monthly payment is $200 for each of 5 months.

All payments are automatically processed monthly using the credit card provided at registration, on the same calendar day you enrolled. This flexible option allows you to spread out tuition for 5 months while staying on track with your certification goals.

If your payment is declined, access to your program is automatically put on a temporary hold and you will have three weeks from the date your payment is declined to bring your account up to date. The system will attempt to process your payment up to four times during this period. If you are able to have your payment succeed immediately, please advise Geri at [email protected] to reactivate your program.

Once your payment is successful, your access to the program will be automatically restored, and you’ll be able to continue from where you left off.

If the issue isn’t resolved within this timeframe (3 weeks), your enrollment will be cancelled and no refund will be offered. To resume your studies, you will need to re-register and restart the program from the beginning, including all quizzes, the final exam and any practical work.

If re-registration is needed, you are eligible for a $250 credit toward your new program tuition. To claim your re-registration coupon code, please email Geri at [email protected]. If you are reaching out for a re-registration coupon code, be sure to let us know whether you’d like to enroll with the Full Pay or In-house Payment Plan option, as the coupon code will differ based on your selection.

Please also be aware that Canine First Aid registration is only available once. If you’ve already registered, you will not be eligible to repeat it as part of your re-registration. You will need to connect with Dogsafe® and register privately, then provide us with your certificate.

Price details and Course Descriptions for the Complete Dog Professional Bundle, click here.

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, you will need to 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.