February 24, 2004

By: Rick Towers
Website: http://www.1st-in-pets.com

Local dog trainer earns first National Pet Dog Trainer Certification in history

Local dog trainer Frances Dauster of GRAND BAY, AL has earned Level I certification through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers , the first national certification for dog trainers in history.

Up until the creation of the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no true certification process for dog trainers.  Many schools teach dog trainers and offer certification for their specific programs.  These certificates, therefore, reflect the teachings and quality of a specific school.  Other organizations offer take-home tests for “certification.”  The trainers are not monitored to make sure they are completing the test without any assistance or collaboration, nor is the testing process standardized.

The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers is a true certification entity pursuing accreditation from NOCA, the National Organization for Competency Assurance.  The Council administered its first test September 28 2001 during the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Annual Educational Conference in Ellenville, NY.  The test site was professionally secured and moderated by Professional Testing Corporation of New York.

This unprecedented process was originally implemented by the APDT, the largest association of dog trainers in the world, founded by noted veterinarian, behaviorist, and author Dr. Ian Dunbar.  Early on, the APDT recognized the need for certification for its profession.  Pet dog trainers needed a credible means of measuring their knowledge and skills and the dog-owning public needed a credible barometer for choosing a trainer. 

A task force of approximately twenty nationally known dog training professionals and behaviorists worked for three years to research and develop the comprehensive written examination.  The APDT also hired professional Testing Corporation to ensure the process met professional testing standards.  It then created a separate, independent council - the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers- to manage the accreditation and pursue further development.

Candidates who pass the exam will earn the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer and may use the designation “CPDT” after their names.  As creators of the examination, the task force members have also earned the use of the CPDT designation.  All certified trainers must earn continuing education credits to keep their designations, or take the exam again in three years.  With the inception of this certification, there are now 136 Certified Pet Dog Trainers in the United States and Canada. For more information, see pet travel supply.

About The Author:

Rick Towers is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-pets.com.  Pamper your pet and get up to date information on pet health, food, accessories, behavior, gifts and toys.