Choosing a Dog Trainer

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What is "CPDT"?


Choosing a Trainer

The popularity of both dog training shows on television and books about canine behavior is a wonderful thing in that people are becoming more aware of the benefits that training can offer.

Jean Donaldson Founder of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog TrainersHowever, it is important to realize that not all techniques presented in these shows and books are equal. Some methods are based in long-standing myths about dog behavior. Others engender risks not realized by average pet owners. At The Cultured Canine, we think the best materials are those which explain dog behavior in terms of learning theory based on the work of Pavlov and Skinner and which focus on using positive reinforcement to motivate changes in behavior.

To help you make up your own mind, we'd like to share Jean Donaldson's well-written, factual and succinct article on this topic with you. We hope it will guide you and other dog-lovers you know when you're choosing training services for your dog.

Read Jean Donaldson's article

Introducing APDT
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education.

It was founded in 1993 by Ian Dunbar DVM, Ph.D. as a forum for trainers to associate with one another and to discuss topics of mutual interest.

It has since become a member-driven organization producing educational conferences in locations throughout the United States. The annual conference has grown from 250 participants a few years ago to 1500 participants.

The Cultured Canine is proud to be a member of APDT and adheres to its code of conduct.



The San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers and the CTC

"CTC" stands for Certificate in Training and Counseling. It is granted by the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers to graduates of their 6 week intensive program.

The SF/SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers was founded in 1999 with the aim of providing comprehensive and leading edge education to dog trainers, behavior counselors and other companion dog professionals. It is rapidly gaining a reputation as the "Harvard for Dog Trainers."

The Academy's main instructors are Jean Donaldson, author of several books about canine behavior (including The Culture Clash and Dogs are from Neptune) and Janis Bradley, a clicker trainer and educator with 20 years in curriculum design and counseling.

All techniques taught at the Academy are both dog and people-friendly. The six-week, full-time program is academically rigorous. It is comprised of lecture, written assignments and lots of hands-on training work both teaching foundation behaviors to shelter dogs and teaching group classes to SF/SPCA volunteers. All graduates must pass both practical and written exams.

"I graduated as valedictorian from Academy in December, 2004. I am still amazed at how well the program prepared me to help my clients, both people and dogs," said Diane Podolsky of The Cultured Canine. "The academic content was every bit as rigorous as a college course and working with the shelter dogs was challenging as well."

What is CPDT and what does it mean?

"CPDT" is the acronym for Certified Professional Dog Trainer. This certification is awarded by The Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) to dog trainers who have a minimum of 300 hours of experience teaching people to train their dogs and who achieve a passing score on a written exam. Applicants must provide references from a veterinarian, a client and a colleague to be eligible to take the exam.

The CCPDT's certification program is based on humane training practices and the latest scientific knowledge related to dog training. Competence and continued growth in training practices is promoted through the recertification of qualified professionals.

Clients of CPDTs benefit not only from their trainer's proven expertise but from their commitment to continuing education.

Please take a moment to read the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainer's Mission Statement and Code of Ethics. The Cultured Canine is proud of its adherence to this code and to offer you the advantages of working with a CPDT trainer.

Resources for learning more about dog training

Reasons to choose a Certified Pet Dog Trainer

Dr. Dunbar's Radio Show
914-288-0020 • info@theculturedcanine.net              

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