How To Find A Certified Dog Trainer

Are you in the market for a dog trainer? Do you want your dog tolearn from a top notch certified dog trainer? You may havedreams of seeing your dog in professional dog competitions andshows. Therefore, you need to have your dog trained by acertified dog trainer to ensure the best results. Why should youhire a certified dog trainer instead of a basic dog trainer? Acertified dog trainer is one that takes their dog trainingcareer seriously enough to become certified. You can feelcomfortable in the fact that they have met high dog trainingstandards and passed certification exams and tests. You don'twant a fly-by-night dog trainer, but a certified dog trainerthat is in it for the long haul. How do you find a certified dogtrainer? There are numerous dog trainers available in the marketplace today. Dog trainers range in age, skill level, andexperience. Your neighbor might tell you that they are a dogtrainer because they have read a few books on the subject andtaught their dog to fetch the newspaper. This is not sufficientdog training experience. You should consult a variety ofresources. Try asking your dog breeder, groomer, andveterinarian. They can direct you to local schoolsthat have certified dog trainers on their faculty. Various petsupply stores have programs that train and certifytheir dog trainers. Example pet supply stores include PETCO.However, research what they mean by "certification". Is thecertification by PETCO standards only or by a universalcertification? Find out what the requirements are for theircertified dog trainers. Only then can you determine if their dogtrainers will supply the skill level and experience you desire.You need to find a dog trainer that has had comprehensivetraining and can proudly demonstrate that they are a certifieddog trainer. Be aware, though, that there are many "certifieddog training" schools and home correspondence courses available.Not all of these schools are credible nor do they provide properinstruction. You need to find a dog trainer that hascertification as described by the Certification Council for PetDog Trainers. The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers isa well respected organization that provides testing andcertification services for dog trainers. They administerspecific tests in various states around the countryapproximately twice per year. These intensive tests root out theprofessional dog trainer from the average dog trainer. Check outtheir website at: http://www.ccpdt.org/. The CertificationCouncil for Pet Dog Trainers also provides a listing ofcertified dog trainers. You can search through this listing tofind a certified dog trainer in your area. This roster ofcertified dog trainers comprises certified dog trainers all overthe world. The certified dog trainer list will give you theircontact information including name, city, phone number,

ande-mail address. Another great feature is that they list the datethe dog trainer became certified. This will let you know howmany years they have been in the business. Perusethe list at: http://ccpdt.org/rstr/index.html. Certified pettrainers do not only need to pass a certification exam andtesting, they must also continue their education throughworkshops, conferences, and other means. When selecting acertified dog trainer ask them about the extent of theircontinuing education. You want a certified dog trainer thatcontinues to hone their craft. They should actively learningabout various methods. This demonstrates that theyare committed to providing the best dog training. A certifieddog trainer should have at least three to five years of dogtraining experience. This is especially true if they chargehigher fees. You can take the plunge with a newly certified dogtrainer if cost is an issue. Newly certified dog trainers maycharge lower rates in order to establish a list of clients andgarner experience. "Master" certified dog trainers are thosethat have twenty to thirty years of experience. They may havegreat skill and in depth background experience, but may come ata higher price. You have the beginning knowledge regardingfinding a certified dog trainer. Spend time searching resourcesavailable through your dog breeder, veterinarian, and pet supplystore. Scour the book store, library, and Internet for detailedinformation. You can find a certified dog trainer in your areaas well. You wouldn't go to an unlicensed doctor would you? Sowhy would go to a trainer that is not certified? Certified dogtrainers are out there and ready to help you and your poochlearn valuable skills. They are committed to your dog, theircareer, and learning everything they can about becoming a topnotch dog trainer. Who knows, your certified dog trainer mayhelp your dog win the Westminster dog show. Not only would yourdog be trained well and achieve glory, but the expense would bewell worth it.