A trainer who has received the Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) credential has met strict eligibility requirements and has successfully demonstrated his or her knowledge by passing a 250 question certification exam. To meet eligibility requirements, candidate trainers must have:
- At least 300 hours experience in dog training within the last five years
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Three references, one each from a veterinarian, a client, and a professional colleague
The certification examination covers knowledge of dog behavior and application of training techniques. The exam’s five content areas include:
- Learning Theory
- Instruction skills
- Animal Husbandry
- Etiology
- Equipment.
Certified Pet Dog Trainers must maintain their credentials by completing 36 hours of continuing education every three years. To accomplish this Certified Pet Dog Trainers must attend workshops, conferences, and hands-on seminars for professional dog trainers. This continuing education requirement ensures that Certified Pet Dog Trainers are knowledgeable about the most current research, techniques, and thinking in the field.
To learn more about Certified Pet Dog Trainers visit www.ccpdt.org.