I am proud to report I have passed the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers Knowledge Assessed examination. I am now authorized to use the initials CPDT-KA as part of my signature and professional documents.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®) offers the only international, standardized certification for professional dog trainers and behaviour consultants. The CCPDT is the leader in the development of rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices. Approximately 5,000 dog training professionals worldwide maintain the CCPDT’s certifications as a mark of high professional distinction, which is interesting, in that there are literally hundreds of thousands of practicing dog trainers on our continent alone.

The exam itself measures a broad range of knowledge and skills in ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction. A potential candidate must have at least 300 hours of professional dog training experience to qualify to sit the exam. Once the certification is earned, it must be maintained by means of continuing education through the dog trainer’s professional career.

Personally, I underwent the process of certification to validate my instincts and knowledge gained so far against those of my accomplished peers. The science behind the techniques I am using, or have yet to have an opportunity to use were particularly gratifying – I was able to implement the learning immediately. I believe my clients, both human and four-legged, are even better instructed as a result.

The Board of Directors of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is pleased that you have successfully passed the CPDT-KA examination with a score of 716 of 800. We hope you are proud of such a wonderful professional achievement.

With many thanks to all the professional dog trainers from whom I have learned first hand – Lisa Marshall, Dahlia Ayoub, Lucinda Glenny, Candice Shute – and all the pet parents that had confidence in me to let me help them coach their perfect puppies.

I am looking to make the best use of these crazy work-can’t work-kinda-work-work-with-restrictions kinda times with even more good stuff – there is no down side to expanding one’s own knowledge.