Certification for professional dog trainers and behavior consultants

Dear Certificants,
Spring has been busy for us over here at the CCPDT headquarters. We kicked off the season with our annual in-person board meeting in New York City, where we talked about some of the most pressing issues in the field of dog training. The CCPDT board spent...

by Helen Bemis, CPDT-KA
What could a typical multiple puppy play date look like?
You might see bundles of fur, closely matched by size, with a variety of personalities. Some may be discovering new playmates. Some may be investigating and playing with toys. Some may want to hide and watch the others play. You will often hear laughter...

By Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA
Being a trainer has its challenges, but let’s be honest: it sure is a fun career! Those of us who get to train are lucky to be able to do something so valuable on a variety of levels. Not only are you improving the lives of both dogs and their families...

By Jacqueline Wilhelmy, CBCC-KA, MS, VMD, DACVB
There is, perhaps, nothing more satisfying than using operant conditioning to shape a dog’s behavior. To owners, it can look like magic. To dog trainers, it is bittersweet but rewarding to send a client out into the world with the skills to keep their...