Professional Online
Pet Dog Trainer Certificate Program
This challenging and rewarding program is for you if…
- You are passionate about helping dogs
- You need the flexibility to study and work on your own schedule
- You need formal, science based education
- You need to develop dog handling and obedience skills
- You believe the standards of dog training can be improved
Graduate in as little as 28 weeks
Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate Program (PPDT)
Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate - PREMIUM includes Business Program
One-time Payment Option
$1295*
*includes tuition, processing fees and all taxes
Payment Plan Option
4 monthly payments of $350*
*includes tuition, plan fees, processing fees and all taxes and courses are released as payments are made.
Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate
One-time Payment Option
$995*
*includes tuition, processing fees and all taxes
Payment Plan Option
4 monthly payments of $275*
*includes tuition, plan fees, processing fees and all taxes and courses are released as payments are made.
Get Started Today!
Register Now
SEE DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BELOW
Theory & Practical
Tip Sheets
Instructional Videos
Quizzes & Final Exam
ONE-TIME PAYMENT OPTION: The first 8 courses are available to you immediately upon payment. EVERYTHING ELSE will open on Day 15 - the day after the Refund Period is complete. If you would like to have all program material unlocked prior to the end of the Refund Period, you can send us an email at anytime during the first 14 days waiving your refund eligibility.
PAYMENT PLAN OPTION: Four monthly payments. See what courses open each month as payments are made in the Student Handbook, page 27. No refunds are available with the payment plan option. If payment fails, access will be revoked in 30 days. If you would like to withdraw, simply send an email to [email protected] and we will stop future payments. If you would like to open material faster, you can pay out your plan and get access to all content at any time. Contact us at [email protected]
TIMELINE REQUIREMENT: You are required to complete your program in one year. We suggest that you set a reminder in your calendar to remind yourself at the 6 month and 9 month marks. After you have graduated, you will have access to all material for another full year. For example, if you graduate on June 1, 2020 you will have access until June 1, 2021. We strongly recommend that you download and review our Student Handbook for all GDA policies.
Introduction to Your Dog Training Program
Theory
Welcome to GDA and our online pet dog training certificate program! Explore some housekeeping topics and program expectations. Learn how Critical Thinking and Focused Observation will help you to become a better professional dog trainer.
Principles of Training
Theory
Why do we train dogs the way we do? This course discusses popular dog training methods used by professional pet dog trainers. Dog training principles are a common topic of debate and this course will help you to answer questions from your clients and help you to come to your own decisions about how to choose a training methodology that fits for you and your clients’ dogs.
Dog Training Equipment
Theory
Learn how to properly fit the most common and popular pieces of dog training equipment, pros and cons of each and how to help your clients select the most appropriate equipment for their dog.
Evolution of the Dog
Theory
This course examines the origins of the domestic dog and why there is so much diversification in this species. This will help you to determine the traits that are going to be most prominent in a variety of dog breeds, a necessary skill that will help you throughout your career.
Dog Breeds
Theory
As a Professional Pet Dog Trainer, breed trait knowledge is extremely valuable and will assist you in providing the best care for your clients and their dogs.This course helps you become familiar with many popular, and some of the less popular, dog breeds and their traits as recognized by popular kennel clubs.
Selecting a Dog
Theory
What questions and facts should you consider when choosing a dog or helping your clients to choose a dog?
Today's Canine
Theory
The start a dog gets in life, including his genetic make up, plays a big role in the outcome of the adult dog. How will knowing this information help you to develop great training plans for your clients?
The Physical Dog
Theory
This course studies a dog’s general health, brain and senses, life cycle, and common ailments - all important information that will help you in your career. It is surprising how much information is packed into this course!
Canine Language
Theory
How do dogs communicate? Understanding what canines are saying is crucial to your success in dog training.
Dog Training Philosophies
Theory
It is important to be educated about the various opinions and philosophies that exist in dog training and your clients will ask you many questions. Your answers will help them to trust you.
Learning Theory
Theory
An absolute must for any Professional Pet Dog Trainer! Training is both a craft and a science. Dog trainers must understand the science behind the way dogs learn as this will have a direct impact on how training plans are designed. This course explores the science behind how dogs learn.
Behaviour Problem Solving
Theory
During this course, we show you how to tackle common problem behaviours that clients will inquire about. We will offer a problem solving flow chart of solutions for each.
Fear and Anxiety
Theory
During this course we look into the definitions and relationships between fear and anxiety. How does fear and anxiety affect your training plans? How can you assist clients with dogs who display fearful and anxious behaviours?
Reactivity
Theory
Should you work with reactive dogs? This course analyzes reactivity and possible scenarios you may encounter when working with dogs throughout your career.
Euthanasia
Theory
Working as a Professional Pet Dog Trainer, this sensitive topic will come up in your career. This course offers basic facts about euthanasia and discusses ways to support your clients during this difficult decision making process.
Nutrition
Theory
As a well-rounded dog professional, you need general knowledge about nutrition and dietary options. Nutrition will impact how a dog behaves and learns.
Bylaws
Theory
As a professional in the pet dog industry, what information do you need from your municipality in order to comply with its bylaws? What questions should you ask when you are considering opening a business at home or in a dedicated location?
Instruction
Theory
Remember that dogs always come with a human! Learn valuable tips that will prepare you to work with and instruct clients. Speaking skills, registration forms, demonstration dogs and more are must haves before you step into your first class!
Final Written Exam
Theory
Show us what you’ve learned! Get ready to take your Canine First Aid next and then on to Practical.
Canine First Aid
As a professional, it is crucial that you know what to do in an emergency. Dogsafe® Canine First Aid is designed to teach you the knowledge and skills you need to deal with a sick or injured dog until veterinary care is available. The topics are covered in-depth so you have a thorough understanding of the principles of canine first aid. Once you successfully complete this course and its test, you will receive a Dogsafe® Canine First Aid Certificate.
Exclusive Business for Professional Pet Dog Trainers Program
We will help you to create your own unique business path by challenging you to think about the details of your business while working through exercises.
Basic Dog Obedience Skills
Lesson 1
Skill Development
Cues and Markers | Focus on Cue | Touch Targeting | Team Work Game - relationship building
Basic Dog Obedience Skills
Lesson 2
Skill Development
Sit Stay | Loose Leash Walking | Release Cues
Basic Dog Obedience Skills
Lesson 3
Skill Development
Move to Heel on Cue | The ‘Bank of Plenty’ Game | ‘Back Up’ to Leash Pressure | Sit and Down in Heel Position
Video #1 Submission
Basic Obedience Skills Lessons 1-3
Skill Development
Used to evaluate your dog handling skills. Reviewed by our Director of Training. Extensive feedback and coaching given.
Basic Dog Obedience Skills
Lesson 4
Skill Development
Down Stay | Treat Toss - Recall Foundation Game | Formal Heel in Motion
Basic Dog Obedience Skills
Lesson 5
Skill Development
180° Turns | One Minute Sit and Down Stays with Distraction | Formal Recall Techniques | Collar Desensitization
Basic Dog Obedience Skills
Lesson 6
Skill Development
Sit and Down Transitions from Six Feet | Proofing Your Skills
Video #2 Submission
Basic Obedience Skills Lessons 4-6
Skill Development
Used to evaluate your dog handling skills. Reviewed by our Director of Training. Extensive feedback and coaching given.
Intermediate Obedience Skills
Lesson 1
Skill Development
Heeling with No Hands | Heeling Patterns
Intermediate Obedience Skills
Lesson 2
Skill Development
Stand On Cue and Stand Stay | High Arousal Low Arousal Game
Intermediate Obedience Skills
Lesson 3
Skill Development
Proofing Your Stays | Come To Heel
Video #3 Submission
Intermediate Obedience Skills Lessons 1-3
Skill Development
Used to evaluate your dog handling skills. Reviewed by our Director of Training. Extensive feedback and coaching given.
Intermediate Obedience Skills
Lesson 4
Skill Development
Down, Sit Transitions | Recalls From A Distance
Intermediate Obedience Skills
Lesson 5
Skill Development
Stationary Position Game | Advanced High Arousal Low Arousal Game
Intermediate Obedience Skills
Lesson 6
Skill Development
Down in Motion | Off Leash Heeling and Proofing
Video #4 Submission
Intermediate Obedience Skills Lessons 4-6
Skill Development
Used to evaluate your dog handling skills. Reviewed by our Director of Training. Extensive feedback and coaching given to get the most out of your dog training certification BC, Canada, and the U.S.
