Dog Trainers in Austin: What Does it Mean to be Certified?
There are lots of dog trainers in Austin. Almost everyone you know has met or learned from at least one dog trainer in town. But as many of you know, not all dog trainers are created equal. For years, (and we mean YEARS), fresh graduates of a local dog training "academy" have come to DogBoy's looking for work as a dog trainer. We have never hired them for two reasons:
- This school will graduate & "certify" anyone who pays the $6,000-$10,000 tuition fee (4-12 weeks) and passes the tests (no innate animal communication skills required).
- Graduates have all learned how to use aversive methods like choke, pinch/prong and shock collars. (The "right way" -Ahem.)
As you can imagine, it is much easier to teach someone who knows nothing about dogs our philosophy and methods, than it is to "unteach" someone who thinks they know everything about dogs. As a Pet Friendly Facility that prides itself on humane behavior modification, we prefer to follow the methods and certification qualifications of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The certification our trainers work towards is the title Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
What does CPDT-KA mean exactly?
To become CPDT-KA, you must:
- Have at least 225 hours of lead training in the last 5 years, including private lessons and group classes.
- Have at least 75 hours in other related areas such as, shelters, grooming, veterinary technician, boarding and daycare facility.
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- A total of 3 references
- 1 from a veterinarian
- 1 from a dog training client
- 1 from a colleague in the dog training and behavior profession
- Pass a 250 question examination that covers:
- Instruction skills
- Animal husbandry
- Ethology (the study of animal behavior in their natural habitat)
- Learning theory
- Equipment
- Business practice and ethics
- Once certified, the trainer must obtain a certain number of CEUs each year.
Why it’s important to use a certified trainer:
- Almost anyone can teach a dog to sit, but certified trainers have extensive behavioral knowledge and an understanding of how dogs learn and why they do the things they do.
- CPDT certified trainers use positive methods to get reliable lasting results.
At DogBoy's Dog Ranch, our Vision is "Strengthening the human-dog bond through education, care and play." We take that vision quite seriously, and that's why certification means so much to us. If you need help with your dog, we're here for you. And you can guarantee that we'll treat both you and your dog with respect and dignity in a safe and loving environment.
Blog post by Lydia Yancey, DogBoy's Assistant Kennel Manager, who is currently in training to become a CPDT-KA.
Photo by Nicole Mlakar Photography