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Dog trainers complete training programs that do not require them to earn a college degree.
People who want to become dog trainers do not have to spend long hours attending classes in a traditional school or training program setting.
Many online dog trainer programs give students the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training that they need for a successful career.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that there is much faster-than-average job growth expected for all animal care workers, including trainers, through 2034.
Choosing one of the best online dog trainer programs is important for people who want to have the best training and to gain a reputation as a trustworthy, professional dog trainer.
The best online dog trainer programs are also likely to give information about a path to becoming certified dog trainers.
Certified dog trainers are likely to get the best jobs and earn a higher salary than dog trainers who do not have a certification.
Earning certifications helps dog trainers become trusted professionals among individual customers, professional organizations, and businesses.
This guide provides comprehensive information about the best online dog trainer programs and how to become a professional, certified dog trainer.
Earn your accredited, affordable Dog Training Certificate online with Penn Foster!
Best Online Dog Trainer Programs
People who have an interest in becoming a dog trainer do not have to enroll in a program in the traditional on-campus setting.
Many online dog trainer programs give students the skills and knowledge that they need for a successful career in this growing industry.
Some schools and online programs offer certifications or provide courses that may lead to becoming eligible for obtaining a certification from a professional organization.
Once you complete one of the best online dog trainer programs, join a professional organization.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends joining an organization such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
1. Academy for Dog Trainers
The Academy for Dog Trainers is known for its excellence in educating dog trainers.
The school offers students the chance to pursue their dream of becoming a dog trainer and to earn the Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC).
The school indicates that this is its most prestigious certification.
It also has the most CEUs.
Students who complete the two-year online program benefit from the school’s post-graduate support.
Graduates can participate in forums.
They also have access to hundreds of hours of content.
The $8,225 tuition includes the coursework for the program and an onboarding package.
The onboarding package includes books, materials, and training gear.
Students may choose several other courses, including the $219 Client Counseling course and the $20 Introduction to Dog Training course.
The program has open enrollment to meet the needs of its students.
2. CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
David Muriello, a certified dog trainer and service dog coach, founded CATCH Academy to pursue his passion for training today’s aspiring dog trainers.
The academy focuses its program on training students to become professional dog trainers in a hands-on, distance learning format.
The courses, which are approved by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, are taught in a self-paced, flexible format.
The Core Skills – Dog Trainer course tuition is $1,324 when paid in full.
The Basics Pro – Dog Trainer and Behavior course tuition is $3,080.
Students pay $5,487 for tuition and materials if they choose to enroll in the Master Class Certification program.
Students who graduate from this program earn the title Certified Dog Trainer.
The school also offers various hands-on workshops for students and professional dog trainers.
3. Karen Pryor Academy
Karen Pryor Academy offers several hands-on programs that give aspiring dog trainers the knowledge and skills that they need to start their career and for professionals to enhance their career.
The academy indicates that its innovative online programs are designed for dog trainers at every level.
The starting point for people who want to become dog trainers is the Dog Trainer Foundations course.
The course gives students basic dog training knowledge and skills.
Enroll at any time and complete the self-paced coursework on any device.
Students can get started in the program by paying $249 in tuition.
Specialize in training puppies by enrolling in the academy’s Puppy Start Right for Instructors course.
The curriculum and training prepare students to become puppy socialization class instructors.
Students also learn the skills to teach great puppy classes.
The tuition for the puppy preschool bundle is $655.
The stand-alone course tuition is $479.
Gain the knowledge and skills to become a professional dog trainer when you enroll in the Dog Trainer Professional program.
Students receive personalized coaching and instruction.
The program costs $5,600.
4. The Academy of Pet Careers
Enjoy the flexibility of learning the skills and knowledge that it takes to become a certified professional dog trainer at The Academy of Pet Careers (APC).
Although the school offers an in-person program, staff recognize that online training is better for many aspiring dog trainers.
Students gain practical skills, hands-on training, personalized attention, and ongoing support after graduation.
They receive all materials that are needed for the online dog trainer program, including a training toolkit.
The comprehensive program is designed for students to graduate in 12 months or less.
Earn a nationally recognized credential, the APC-PDT, upon graduation.
The upfront tuition is $4,400.
5. ISCDT
The ISCDT Dog Trainer program offers students the pathway to becoming certified dog trainers.
Gain practical and advanced knowledge and skills by completing the 18 online lessons.
Hands-on practice helps students to better understand what they learn in online coursework.
Program graduates earn a diploma and the title Certified Dog Trainer – Comprehension (CDT-C).
The tuition for the dog trainer program starts at $399.
6. Penn Foster
The accredited Online Dog Obedience Trainer/Instructor program offers students the chance to complete a dog trainer program in just five months.
The self-paced online program prepares students to work in various settings.
It also prepares students to advance their professional dog trainer careers.
The curriculum includes lessons about the history of dog training, the periods of dog development, and how the periods of dog development may affect their behavior.
Students learn about different training techniques used by dog trainers, and about how to build a successful dog trainer business.
The tuition for the program is $749.
7. Animal Behavior College
Learn how easy it is to have a career as a dog trainer by enrolling in the Dog Obedience Instructor program at the Animal Behavior College.
The online program includes hands-on learning experiences to complement online coursework.
Students gain the basic knowledge and skills to become dog trainers.
They also gain real-world experience through the externship.
Students prepare for the Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge Assessed certification.
They also train for canine first aid and CPR certification.
The tuition starts at $2,899.
It includes course materials and an externship.
What Courses Are in an Online Dog Trainer Program?
Some courses that are in an online dog trainer program are often similar from one school to another.
The curriculum may vary based on things like the specific type of program, such as whether it is an entry-level dog trainer program or if it is a program that is designed for advanced trainers or certifications.
Students take courses that include the history of dog trainers, the different types of dog trainers, and the methods that are used in dog training. Learning Theories, Training Fundamentals, and Dog Training Safety are examples of some courses.
Can You Earn a Dog Trainer Certification Completely Online?
The short answer to whether you can earn a dog trainer certification online is that, yes, you can earn a certification online.
The type of program and the requirements at each school determine whether the program is completely online, and if you can earn the certification by completing a program online.
Many schools and certification entities require hands-on training for students to become certified dog trainers.
The good thing is that students who enroll in online dog trainer programs can complete the required hands-on training or externships near their own home.
The Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) gives information about the various dog trainer certifications, including the Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) certification and the Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge and Skills Assessed certification.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Dog Trainer Certification Online?
The time it takes to earn a dog trainer certification online depends on several things.
The type of program is one thing that determines how long it takes to earn a dog trainer certification through an online program.
Different schools create their curriculum based on their own programs for dog trainers.
Students who enroll in a basic or entry-level dog trainer program are likely to earn their certification in a shorter time, compared to someone who wants to enhance their skills and earn advanced dog trainer certifications.
Some schools and facilities offer dog trainer programs for people who want to become certified dog trainers for law enforcement agencies.
Some other schools offer programs for people to become sports dog trainers.
These types of programs may take more time to complete than basic dog trainer certification programs.
One school may have a program that lasts a few months, while other programs may last for a year or even two years.
Find the online dog trainer program that works for your interests, your professional goals, and the time that you want to spend in an online certified dog trainer program.
How Much Does an Online Dog Trainer Certification Cost?
Students need to know that there are several things that determine the cost of a dog trainer certification.
The school’s tuition and fees, the supplies and materials costs, and the type of program are some things to consider when looking for schools that offer online dog trainer programs.
It is important that students look for schools and programs that offer a certification, and not just a certificate of completion or diploma. Earning a certificate likely does not prepare students for earning a certification.
Check to make sure that the school and the dog trainer program have accreditation.
People who complete programs that are not accredited will likely have a difficult or nearly impossible time starting or advancing their dog trainer career.
The program may cost less, but you do not want to ruin your chances of having a great career as a certified dog trainer.
The testing fee to earn the certification credential also determines how much it costs to earn a certification after enrolling in an online dog trainer program.
Summary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other sources indicate that there will be a higher-than-average need for dog trainers when compared to other occupations.
The need for more dog trainers is based on things like the fact that more people have dogs than in previous years.
People want to have their pets trained, whether their dog is a Yorkie or a Great Dane.
Completing an accredited dog trainer program that prepares students to earn one or more certifications is the best path for aspiring dog trainers.
Many schools offer dog trainer programs in an online format, which allows students greater flexibility than in-person programs.
The length of time that it takes to complete an online dog trainer program or to earn a dog trainer certification depends on the specific school, its programs, and the type of certification.
Take into consideration the tuition before enrolling at any school or dog training facility.
The tuition may be a few hundred dollars at one school, while it is a few thousand dollars at another school for a similar program.
Certificate programs may seem like a better option, but they may be offered at schools without accreditation from professional agencies.
These programs may also not lead to a dog trainer certification.
