Certified Dog Trainer Program - Online with Externship
Learn to Become a Dog Trainer
Do you love dogs? As an ABC Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), you will possess the skills necessary to make a difference in the lives of people and dogs you work with. Since a well-trained dog may remain with one family their entire life, the human-animal bond has the opportunity to flourish. Become a certified dog trainer and help keep dogs in “forever homes” while creating a loving family environment for everyone. This rewarding career could be yours!
Call 1-800-795-3294 today or submit the completed form to request more information.
New and Improved LIMA Compliant Curriculum
In support of ABC’s strategic alliance with The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and our commitment to keeping dogs safe from injurious training methods, our updated curriculum will continue to advocate science-based, positive reinforcement training philosophies, including using the least invasive minimally aversive (LIMA) training techniques. This enhanced curriculum now includes an additional 300 pages of information and features a beautiful, sleek graphic design and enhanced training videos with the goal of providing dog training students an improved learning experience. The improved curriculum also includes content on conducting remote training lessons; up-to-date information on how to get the most out of using both current and traditional marketing tools such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media, email and print media; and an expanded appendix of various training and business forms. Take a sneak peek at our new curriculum here.
Students in pursuit of the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA®) certification need to be LIMA Compliant which is one of the many reasons our certification preparatory program teaches ABC students LIMA training techniques.
Curriculum – What Will You Learn?
Decades of training experience have been incorporated into this extremely comprehensive positive motivation-based training curriculum, which includes in person training with an ABC-approved mentor dog trainer. This program also includes your voluntary enrollment in ABC’s international dog training and adoption campaign called “Students Saving Lives.” This portion of the program allows you to volunteer in a shelter. This program is also designed to prepare students who are in pursuit of additional independent certifications through reputable organizations like The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), in addition to certification through Animal Behavior College. Make your childhood dream of helping animals a reality at ABC.
Here are the 11 stages that every graduate completes:
- Stage 1 – A Basic Study of Canines
- Stage 2 – Learning Theory
- Stage 3 – A Trainer’s Toolbox
- Stage 4 – Training Fundamentals
- Stage 5 – How to Teach Basic Obedience Cues
- Stage 6 – Learning the Art of Effective Problem Solving
- Stage 7 – Safety
- Stage 8 – Public Speaking & Teaching Group Classes
- Stage 9 – Business Building
- Stage 10 – Externship, Shelter Practicum and Pet CPR & First Aid Certificate
- Stage 11 – Final Exam & Graduation
Affordable Tuition - Cost & Payment Options
Tuition ranges from Regular price: $2,899.00 to $5,647.00 depending on the payment options you qualify for.
Payment plans available to qualified individuals. Please contact us directly at 1-800-795-3294 to discuss eligibility requirements and payment arrangements customized to fit your needs.
*Ask about our discount for Active Military and Veterans who enroll in our distance learning courses.
Mentor Locations Available Across the U.S. and Canada
ABC is a viable option for students across the United States and Canada. That’s because ABC has over 3,000 contracted mentor dog trainers across North America. For the location nearest you, call 1-800-795-3294 and speak with an admissions counselor directly.
Bring the School to Your Living Room
Our unique course combines the flexibility of home study coupled with invaluable real world training experience with an ABC-approved dog trainer. Training has never been more convenient!
Do What You Love
Get Started Today! We have open enrollment so your education can begin immediately. A dog training career is about making a difference in the health and lives of animals! Call today! 800-795-3294
Dog Obedience Instructor Course Catalog
The catalog includes general information about the school, the school’s policies and its Mission Statement. Please click here to review the Course Catalog.