Resources

Below is an excellent write-up – How to Find a Qualified Dog Trainer, from the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, that I chose to include in my resources list because it offers clear guidelines for finding a Qualified Dog Trainer.

Please scroll down for a list of local, certified dog trainers that I feel comfortable recommending when I am unavailable to help. Please note that, although I am familiar with these colleagues and their training practices, the list does not constitute a formal endorsement, and I will not be held responsible for the advice provided or their professional practices.

Also, below is a list of online resources (the list will continue to expand) that I find valuable and am happy to share.

How to Find a Qualified Trainer. Dog training is an unregulated industry, which means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer! We recommend that dog parents choose their trainers and behavior consultants wisely.

Seek Out

  1. Trainers who practice science-based methods that utilize food rewards.
  2. Trainers who ask about your dog’s history and work with your dog as an individual.
  3. Trainers who want to include you in training.
  4. Trainers who provide references.
  5. Trainers who are certified by CCPDT, IAABC, KPA., and CTC (my addition). See below for more information and databases of certified trainers.

Avoid

  1. Trainers who talk about dominance or being a pack leader.
  2. Trainers who use techniques such as alpha rolls, leash pops, or any other physical manipulation.
  3. Trainers who use tools like prong, shock, or choke collars.
  4. Trainers who take your dog away from you to train them.
  5. Trainers who guarantee behavior change.

What Do All Those Letters Mean? Certifications and why they matter.

Accreditation Boards CCPDT – Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

  • CPDT-KA® (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and has at least 300 hours of dog training experience.
  • CPDT-KSA® (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge and Skills Assessed) indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and an objective skills-based assessment, along with at least 300 hours of dog training experience.
  • CBCC-KA® (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed) indicates that a dog behavior consultant has passed a comprehensive exam on behavior modification and has at least 300 hours of dog behavior consulting experience.

IAABC – International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

  • Certified Members have completed a rigorous application process, including evaluation by a panel of dog training and behavior experts who have determined the trainer’s ability to handle more complex behavior cases. Additionally, they have completed at least 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting with a client present.
  • Associate Certified Members have a minimum of 300 hours of client experience and have submitted two case studies for review by a panel of dog training and behavior experts, who have determined the trainer’s ability to handle more complex behavioral cases.

Schools KPA – Karen Pryor Academy

  • KPA CTP (Certified Training Partner) indicates that a dog trainer has graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy. They have demonstrated a high level of technical knowledge in training and teaching. They have passed several rigorous exams in the science and practice of animal training, client teaching, and problem-solving animal behavior. For more information on what to look for in a trainer, please refer to the links below.

The Academy for Dog Trainers CTC (Jean Donaldson’s former San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers).

  • Considered the “Harvard of Dog Training” due to its rigorous, hands-on, and science-based curriculum.

Certified Dog Trainers in the Santa Fe Area:

Working with a professional remotely. It CAN be done!

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
IAABC

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
DACVB

Animal Behavior Society
ABS

Online Resources for private training and Classes:

Resources for Puppies: