When you choose a “certified” dog trainer, you may assume you have selected a dedicated professional who has taken it upon themselves to make an investment in their knowledge, skills, and experience. This is usually a safe assumption but does still require a little more research on your part to make sure you AND your dog are in safe, educated hands.

Currently there is no governing body overseeing the certification, rules or regulations for dog trainers in the USA and no state requires that dog training professionals be certified.  At the same time, there are multiple (and a growing number of) organizations that will grant these “certifications”.  Not all require the same amount of hands-on experience or knowledge of dog behavior.  In fact, it is fairly easy and simple to obtain a certification by taking an online course. The only requirement is that you pass open book examinations with very little to no experience with hands-on dog training. There are other organizations that only require you to pass a written test (with no course study). You pay an annual fee to become “certified” which allows you to place the organization logo on websites, business cards, etc.

These “certified” trainers go into the dog training profession with minimal experience!  This is very hazardous situation.  Trainers who are inexperienced tend to apply various training techniques that can do more harm than good.  Without the proper knowledge and experience, new behavior problems can actually appear where there were none before.  Unfortunately, it is up to the owner to research what types of certifications trainers have and what those certificates mean. There are trainers who are actually certified through schools with state accreditation that require graduates to meet strict requirements, both written and hands on. However, it is very difficult for dog owners to differentiate between certifications. Below are TIPS when selecting a trainer:

• Google their certification and what was required to achieve it - the title of “Behaviorist” should only be used by those with a PhD in Animal Behavior

• Ask trusted friends/pet professionals for recommendations - Online reviews (good or bad) aren’t always accurate

• Prior to your initial consultation, make a list of questions. Example: What training tools/methods they use or don’t use. If any of the answer isn’t clear or feels confusing, ask for clarification - if that doesn’t help, run

• Ask for referrals (at least 2) and contact them

• What is their experience with your dog(s) age, breed, behavior, & known history if applicable

• Will the person you are speaking work direct with your dog and if so, in what context

• If it is a “board & train” - where will your dog stay, how many do they train at a time, do the dogs interact and if so in what ways.

• Read contracts CAREFULLY - any mention of “nondisclosure” is a red flag

• Are deposits required - if so, what is the refund policy should something come up or you decide to go another route

• Careful with the “Lifetime Guarantee” - get clarification on what this requires of you and the trainer/company

*Carolina Canine Training’s Certification*

Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers sets the bar very high, and all graduates must meet written and hands on requirements after an intensive course of study in order to receive certification.  The curriculum and graduation requirements at Starmark Academy are regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission’s Department of Colleges and Career Schools which holds all state colleges and trade schools to the same standards. The Canine Training & Behavior Specialist diploma is the highest degree of certification offered at Starmark. Not only is Liz a certified Canine Training & Behavior Specialists, but she is also a former Academy Director & Lead Instructor to over 300 aspiring dog trainers working to achieve the same certification.