Who licenses dog trainers?

Well my guys love carrots.. Lol.. Kym I have no clue what they do in your state.. lol. But carrots- Hottie wants some.. lol. And thanks for the giggle of that image!

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Originally Posted by borzoimom

Do you have a certification as a dog trainer??? Its not a business- its traceable by certifacations.

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This is not about me or you. It's about licensing! The point is that there is no licensing currently available or necessary for dog trainers other than in some cases a business license.


As the site you posted stated, anyone can put out a shingle as a dog trainer--no dog trainers license is necessary or even available.

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Originally Posted by applesmom

This is not about me or you. It's about licensing! The point is that there is no licensing currently available or necessary for dog trainers other than in some cases a business license.


As the site you posted stated, anyone can put out a shingle as a dog trainer--no dog trainers license is necessary or even available.

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( bangs head on computer..) okay - put it this way Applesmom- your certification is listed as what the license is .. does that help?? Maybe you cant put certification numbers on your license in YOUR AREA, but they do here! My license is only under that one thing- it doesnt mean I can open a store under that licenese.. does that help??? I.E.- you have a car drivers license- you have a number to "drive"- that doesnt mean you are " licenced " to drive a truck! Does that help you to understand it????

Please don't hijack the thread with nonsense.

I'm still waiting for someone to show me a state that provides licensing for dog trainers that is anything other than a business license.

just out of mild curiosity why is it such a big deal. Owners will make decisions based on what think no matter what the licensing is. They are going to look at the credentials, what they have done in the past, what they've turned out, who've they've worked and trained with. And if the trainer sucks, they'll go somewhere else....The owners are with them the majority of the time arent they? It wouldnt be that hard to judge a buffoon who knows nothing from someone who has an idea of what they are doing.

Edit : I for one am probably going to get a job at petsmart for a year or two because that way I can get more experience in a controlled environment and work more with dogs...after I feel comfortable I'll move on to my own business in all liklihood. If I do well, people will come with me and I will have refrences and a pretty decent resumee...if not I close within a year...its kind of like natural selection.

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Originally Posted by applesmom

Please don't hijack the thread with nonsense.

I'm still waiting for someone to show me a state that provides licensing for dog trainers that is anything other than a business license.

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As I said in my earlier post. There is none Applesmom.

No regulatory society in any state.

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Originally Posted by borzoimom

( bangs head on computer..) okay - put it this way Applesmom- your certification is listed as what the license is .. does that help?? Maybe you cant put certification numbers on your license in YOUR AREA, but they do here! My license is only under that one thing- it doesnt mean I can open a store under that licenese.. does that help??? I.E.- you have a car drivers license- you have a number to "drive"- that doesnt mean you are " licenced " to drive a truck! Does that help you to understand it????

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Yes it helps me to understand that it's a business license to run a dog training business.

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Originally Posted by Ceph

just out of mild curiosity why is it such a big deal. Owners will make decisions based on what think no matter what the licensing is. They are going to look at the credentials, what they have done in the past, what they've turned out, who've they've worked and trained with. And if the trainer sucks, they'll go somewhere else....The owners are with them the majority of the time arent they? It wouldnt be that hard to judge a buffoon who knows nothing from someone who has an idea of what they are doing.

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I dont know either. .. My license is based off of certification. Like my husbands license is for commercial- that DOES NOT MEAN he can do residual. Virginia- a license has to be for a specfic purpose. But we have more laws than any other state too.

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Originally Posted by Dr.Goodnow

As I said in my earlier post. There is none Applesmom.

No regulatory society in any state.

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Thank you! :)

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Originally Posted by applesmom

Yes it helps me to understand that it's a business license to run a dog training business.

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YOu have to be certified if its a dog training school. Can you teach classes without it- yes- but a place like a high school for liablilty of traceable reports will not let you teach classes in their property if its a state run school. Its traced off of the number on your license.
I know Virginia is complicated, but I am not the law maker. Now if I build a building- and its not state run, yes- all I need is a license to run the business- including all activities. Does that help???

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Originally Posted by applesmom

Thank you! :)

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You're welcome. :cool:

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Originally Posted by Ceph

just out of mild curiosity why is it such a big deal. Owners will make decisions based on what think no matter what the licensing is. They are going to look at the credentials, what they have done in the past, what they've turned out, who've they've worked and trained with. And if the trainer sucks, they'll go somewhere else....The owners are with them the majority of the time arent they? It wouldnt be that hard to judge a buffoon who knows nothing from someone who has an idea of what they are doing.

Edit : I for one am probably going to get a job at petsmart for a year or two because that way I can get more experience in a controlled environment and work more with dogs...after I feel comfortable I'll move on to my own business in all liklihood. If I do well, people will come with me and I will have refrences and a pretty decent resumee...if not I close within a year...its kind of like natural selection.

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It's not a big deal Ceph. It's simply a topic for conversation, and hopefully a chance to educate pet owners that the term, "licensed dog trainer" only means that the trainer has a business license.

As you said, the proof is in the results; not the advertising!

How about this as an explantion- maybe it will help you. I teach classes twice a week at a highschool. In order for me to be in that building- if I were a teacher- I would have a diploma- as a trainer- I have to be licensed with a traceable certification in order to be in a state run school. Stupid?? I agree- but that is what they require. They do allow anyone with a 'degree/certification" " unlicensed " to teach at the school.
I have no clue what they do out where you are, or even where Kym is- thats the way it is here.

Man- I need to move. Apparently where you are, any tom dick or harry can do anything with nothing ever asked about it or traceable.. Jeez.. I get tired of paying this stupid thing every year and reporting address changes etc.. Or carrying the stupid thing with me.. jeez.. lol.

Years ago a friend of mine who was a teacher applied for a position as a dog trainer at a community college. She'd only trained a couple of dogs through novice in obedience, but she got the job.

Why did she get the job? She had a masters degree in teaching. :D

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Originally Posted by borzoimom

How about this as an explantion- maybe it will help you. I teach classes twice a week at a highschool. In order for me to be in that building- if I were a teacher- I would have a diploma- as a trainer- I have to be licensed with a traceable certification in order to be in a state run school. Stupid?? I agree- but that is what they require. They do allow anyone with a 'degree/certification" " unlicensed " to teach at the school.
I have no clue what they do out where you are, or even where Kym is- thats the way it is here.

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Perhaps I could understand better if you could post what your license says.
Leave out everything personal of course.

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Originally Posted by applesmom

Years ago a friend of mine who was a teacher applied for a position as a dog trainer at a community college. She'd only trained a couple of dogs through novice in obedience, but she got the job.

Why did she get the job? She had a masters degree in teaching. :D

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I have no clue.. Even if I teach at a state park, I have to have it. I can teach in my yard or other private property but not on a state run location. I have no idea what your laws are. And certifications have to have a number or other form of number/letter form to record. They can not be something you print off yourself.

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Originally Posted by applesmom

Perhaps I could understand better if you could post what your license says.
Leave out everything personal of course.

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I will make a copy of it- but most of it is personal information and I am not going to put that on a public forum including my certification number with. And you know EXACTLY why...

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Originally Posted by borzoimom

I will make a copy of it- but most of it is personal information and I am not going to put that on a public forum including my certification number with. And you know EXACTLY why...

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You don't need a copy. Just type what it says. There aren't that many words on a license of any kind.

This is my understanding from reading through the post -- please correct me if i'm wrong :)

Using examples sort of ...

Ex. 1: If i want to drive a car, I need to get a license because it is a government regulated deal. No license, no car. Dog Training is not controlled by the government, so the gobbment wouldn't have anything to do with issuing a license.

Ex: 2: At my previous workplace, I got a license to drive a Forklift with a 3rd party licencing agency (Hyster), because my company mandated that I had to. This is not an industry recognized license, and would not necessarly be transferrable to another company. The same could be said for dog licensing -- like I get a job at "Dog Training'R'US", and they mandate as a company policy that i get a license from "ABC Dog Training" in order to fullfill my job. I have a 'license', but its not certified against a centralized licensing board like a government standard, or even an industry standard (like Electricians might, using an earlier posted example). This means that my forklift license is only as good as the paper it was printed on, and as resume fodder, so something similar could be said about a dog training license.

Now correct me if i'm wrong -- there is no single entity or dog training industry that would maintain a record of individual licencing practices? This would mean that each workplace, school, accreditation institute, etc. are responsible for handing out licenses, and may work concurrently with each other. However, like in Ex.2, a Dog Training license may not be recognized from workplace to workplace, state to state, or country to country etc.

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Originally Posted by applesmom

You don't need a copy. Just type what it says. There aren't that many words on a license of any kind.

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State of Virginia
Name -address- certification number- .. received from.. on date, last renewal -- , licensed by number ( state number) certification for following --- ( sch./ puppy/intermediate/ advanced/ handling-show, police training of corp/ tracking/ seach & rescue. Subject to re-certification on - ( date), subject to license - ( date). This license is granted only under items listed with no further action granted. Bearer of license is currently bonded, and insured, with certifacations as listed above. Signed- issuer date. Verification of certication by - ( name of person on file or last checked person) on date -

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Originally Posted by applesmom

You don't need a copy. Just type what it says. There aren't that many words on a license of any kind.

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I am curious what that says too.

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Originally Posted by Blue_Frog

This is my understanding from reading through the post -- please correct me if i'm wrong :)

Using examples sort of ...

Ex. 1: If i want to drive a car, I need to get a license because it is a government regulated deal. No license, no car. Dog Training is not controlled by the government, so the gobbment wouldn't have anything to do with issuing a license.

Ex: 2: At my previous workplace, I got a license to drive a Forklift with a 3rd party licencing agency (Hyster), because my company mandated that I had to. This is not an industry recognized license, and would not necessarly be transferrable to another company. The same could be said for dog licensing -- like I get a job at "Dog Training'R'US", and they mandate as a company policy that i get a license from "ABC Dog Training" in order to fullfill my job. I have a 'license', but its not certified against a centralized licensing board like a government standard, or even an industry standard (like Electricians might, using an earlier posted example). This means that my forklift license is only as good as the paper it was printed on, and as resume fodder, so something similar could be said about a dog training license.

Now correct me if i'm wrong -- there is no single entity or dog training industry that would maintain a record of individual licencing practices? This would mean that each workplace, school, accreditation institute, etc. are responsible for handing out licenses, and may work concurrently with each other. However, like in Ex.2, a Dog Training license may not be recognized from workplace to workplace, state to state, or country to country etc.

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EXACTLY :D

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Dog trainers do not have to be licensed or certified in any way to call themselves professional dog trainers. Unlike professions
such as doctors, teachers, or dentists, there is no body governing
all dog trainers and requiring standard techniques or qualifications.
Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, regardless of their level
of experience, methods, or skills. Most dog trainers have
no formal education in canine behavior but instead acquired
knowledge and experience through hands-on apprentice/internships
with established trainers, working in animal shelters, boarding
kennels, or doggie daycares, attending seminars, and training
their own dogs.

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Choosing a good dog trainer

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Q- What are licensed and certified dog trainers? Q- What are licensed and certified dog trainers?
There are only two types of licensed dog trainers. They are: Guide dog trainers, who train Seeing Eye dogs and Sentry dog trainers who train Police dogs. Only these two types of dog trainers are licensed by the state. ALL other trainers are not licensed. A certified dog trainer is a bit ambiguous at this time. By this, I mean that there are many trainers who just decided to become a dog trainer, who have little or a lot of experience, and who went to a school and got certified. Since there are no requirements to become a pet dog trainer, the field is wide open to anyone who feels they have some knowledge of dog training to call themselves a trainer.

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There are only two types of liscensed dog trainers

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Hiring a Dog Trainer

How can you know who you’re hiring?
There are no licenses required to call yourself a dog trainer. State and national governments do not regulate the industry. There is no group that looks at what’s covered at a school for dog trainers to make sure it’s accurate and adequate.

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Hiring a dog trainer

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Originally Posted by Blue_Frog

This is my understanding from reading through the post -- please correct me if i'm wrong :)

Using examples sort of ...
However, like in Ex.2, a Dog Training license may not be recognized from workplace to workplace, state to state, or country to country etc.

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Exactly!
I am enjoying this because apparently alot of states do not do this. Leave it to Va. to slam us with laws.. lol..

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Originally Posted by binka_nugget

I don't know what it's like in the United States but in Canada, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Heck, anyone can call themselves a "certified dog trainer".. just print out a certificate and there ya go!

I teach private and group classes. I've never been certified (though joining CAPPDT is on my to-do list).. everything I know is through hands-on experience and trial and error. I've mentored with behaviorists and trainers and have gone to seminars, but I've never been certified. :)

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Wherever did you get the idea that in Canada we can call ourselves dog trainers and teach without certification and licensing? We go to the same college as we do for horse studies except take dog studies, We first have to have put five dogs through cgc, td, cd,cdx,ud, tx and shutzhund. We then have to judge at matches and local shows for 1 yr. Meanwhile we are also volunteering to do classes for our kennel club. When we do get to judge an obedience show, we do so under the supervision of a renowned judge who marks us as we judge. You have to judge 5 formal shows . Then an obedience judge will put you through your paces and watch you handle a class of dogs and will certify that you are eligible to teach on your own. Meanwhile, if you intend to make a career of this you can apply for a licence. The reason many don't apply for a licence is because of the tax grab.
Sure, we have pet stores that will hire young people to train in the store, but it isn't exactly training, more socialization. The dogs don't even learn to sit.
But isn't there always going to be self made trainers who think that following a book or watching a video qualifies them?

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Originally Posted by mike001

Wherever did you get the idea that in Canada we can call ourselves dog trainers and teach without certification and licensing? We go to the same college as we do for horse studies except take dog studies, We first have to have put five dogs through cgc, td, cd,cdx,ud, tx and shutzhund. We then have to judge at matches and local shows for 1 yr. Meanwhile we are also volunteering to do classes for our kennel club. When we do get to judge an obedience show, we do so under the supervision of a renowned judge who marks us as we judge. You have to judge 5 formal shows . Then an obedience judge will put you through your paces and watch you handle a class of dogs and will certify that you are eligible to teach on your own. Meanwhile, if you intend to make a career of this you can apply for a licence. The reason many don't apply for a licence is because of the tax grab.
Sure, we have pet stores that will hire young people to train in the store, but it isn't exactly training, more socialization. The dogs don't even learn to sit.
But isn't there always going to be self made trainers who think that following a book or watching a video qualifies them?

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Its like that here, but the prior titles were part of acceptance in the school to have you certified. In order to be on the higher levels you have to have demonstrative proof of prior handled titled dogs..

Licensing for dogs trainers doesn't exist in any state in the US. Period. You DON'T need a license to open a dog training business anywhere - including Virginia. You just hang out a shingle and go. How do I know? I'm a professional trainer who networks with trainers from all over the country.

Certification can come from "schools," however, it really doesn't mean anything. Many of these "schools" are scams, and charge excessive amounts of money for something you can do in a local training club. The only certification I like and have any respect for is APDT. However, even that isn't monitered. A trainer could sign up with APDT, stating they engage in positive training, and turn around and use shock collars.

Borziomom is wrong on this issue. Hands down. No state requires dog trainers to be licensed. Dr. Goodnow has posted the correct information all along. I find people who say that certification or licensing is important are those who have paid large amounts of money to get these worthless pieces of paper.

Why is it important to know if licensing really exists or not? Simple. Students who don't know put their trust in this worthless piece of paper. They feel it has real teeth behind it, when in fact, it doesn't. So, they are basically being taken for a ride. As far as proving you're bonded and insured, all you have to do is show a student your insurance papers to prove that. You don't need a license. I wouldn't waste my time or money on any of these gimicks.

As far as ABC certification, some certifications do require some training and hands-on. experience. This type of certification would carry more weight than others. However, a person who goes this route is paying thousands of dollars for experience and training they can get at a well-run local training club for free. I'm afraid many would-be trainers are getting taken advantage of in this type of program. Yes, there is training. No, it's nothing you couldn't get on your own for free working in your local dog training systems.

Borziomom, your insistance that Virgina is different is amusing. I remember that one thread where you also insisted that large dogs couldn't do agility in AKC in Virginia only as well. I would be very interested to see any proof of your statement that Virigina requires dog trainers to be licensed. As everything governmental wise is on the web in my state, I'd think you'd find the same in your's.

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Originally Posted by borzoimom

State of Virginia
Name -address- certification number- .. received from.. on date, last renewal -- , licensed by number ( state number) certification for following --- ( sch./ puppy/intermediate/ advanced/ handling-show, police training of corp/ tracking/ seach & rescue. Subject to re-certification on - ( date), subject to license - ( date). This license is granted only under items listed with no further action granted. Bearer of license is currently bonded, and insured, with certifacations as listed above. Signed- issuer date. Verification of certication by - ( name of person on file or last checked person) on date -

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So what this a certificate from a class or issued by the government?

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Originally Posted by mike001

Wherever did you get the idea that in Canada we can call ourselves dog trainers and teach without certification and licensing? We go to the same college as we do for horse studies except take dog studies, We first have to have put five dogs through cgc, td, cd,cdx,ud, tx and shutzhund. We then have to judge at matches and local shows for 1 yr. Meanwhile we are also volunteering to do classes for our kennel club. When we do get to judge an obedience show, we do so under the supervision of a renowned judge who marks us as we judge. You have to judge 5 formal shows . Then an obedience judge will put you through your paces and watch you handle a class of dogs and will certify that you are eligible to teach on your own. Meanwhile, if you intend to make a career of this you can apply for a licence. The reason many don't apply for a licence is because of the tax grab.
Sure, we have pet stores that will hire young people to train in the store, but it isn't exactly training, more socialization. The dogs don't even learn to sit.
But isn't there always going to be self made trainers who think that following a book or watching a video qualifies them?

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As far as I know, there isn't a law stating the requirements for someone to call themselves a dog trainer. There are places to get certified and recognized.. CWCC, CAPPDT, Prewitt, APDT, etc.. but there isn't one sole organization that all trainers HAVE TO belong to. Would I go to a trainer who did everything you mentioned over someone from Petsmart? You bet! Even before I started teaching I always picked my trainers carefully.. but there's nothing stopping the average person from deciding to call themselves a dog trainer. There are plenty of trainers here who have never been certified by an organization and are making a living from training dogs.

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Originally Posted by caseysmom

So what this a certificate from a class or issued by the government?

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The certification came from a 10 week course. They give you a certificate with a number on it. It was involved when I did it. They didnt take just anyone.

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Originally Posted by borzoimom

State of Virginia
Name -address- certification number- .. received from.. on date, last renewal -- , licensed by number ( state number) certification for following --- ( sch./ puppy/intermediate/ advanced/ handling-show, police training of corp/ tracking/ seach & rescue. Subject to re-certification on - ( date), subject to license - ( date). This license is granted only under items listed with no further action granted. Bearer of license is currently bonded, and insured, with certifacations as listed above. Signed- issuer date. Verification of certication by - ( name of person on file or last checked person) on date -

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That is a business license, possibly required by the school. Agilityk9trainer is correct, none of the states regulate dog trainers other than those I posted earlier which is guide dog trainers and sentry dog trainers.

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Originally Posted by borzoimom

The certification came from a 10 week course. They give you a certificate with a number on it. It was involved when I did it. They didnt take just anyone.

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I am sure they didn't...no doubt you had to come up with some money :D

o..

1. Dog Training Licenses are not mandated by any government (state, province or country) = Not government mandated

2. Dog Training Licenses are not mandaged by the industry (no centralized body overseeing the Dog Training industry) = Not industry mandated

3. Dog Training Licenses -may- be mandated by an individual workplace, in conjunction with accredited schools, training facilities, colleges, universities, etc. = Possibly individual workplace mandated
4. Dog Training licenses look good if you have a personal business, as something to supplement a portfolio to present to potential clients.

This is a copy froma PM from Blue-Frog

Pasted by permission.

In answer
YES EXACTLY
You got it correct Blue_Frog

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Originally Posted by caseysmom

I am sure they didn't...no doubt you had to come up with some money :D

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Boy you aren't kidding. It was 2 grand last time- and I was gone from home for 10 weeks. I doubt at this point its worth it. Next time I will have 5 borzois ( my 4 and galinas pup).. And for what- to be able to teach in a state run place like a state park or a high school? I have class tonight in handling. My basement was soaked with water for 12 hours from a broken water heater, used every towel I own, AND 5 hours with a shop vac in 24 hours. We have hot water now with a new heater- but I am dead tired. AND MEANWHILE- trying to get the back suite ready before Galina leaves to be bred so I do not have to do it when she comes back so she can get use to everything.
After reading the posts above- I am like- why the heck would I have to go through sooooooooo much garbage.. Its really stupid! The first time was it was required to train police dogs- but all these years later- I really wonder I will tell ya.. No one cares anyway .. Jeez!

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Originally Posted by caseysmom

I am sure they didn't...no doubt you had to come up with some money :D

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Coming up with money was the least of the worries. Going to college to study dog nutinion, dog behaviors, illnesses, etc, just to name a few was a lot tougher than finding the money. They marked you hard, fair but hard.
So what eveybody is saying in effect is that these so called owner trained service dogs are legal and we and everyone else spent our money foolishly and wasted our time?
I can just go out and hang my shingle proclaiming that I train service dogs?
I also wasted my time trying to get the best education that I could to learn about training dogs, when all I had to do was post an ad in my local paper and advertise myself as a dog trainer and take somebody's money?
Well, for myself, I'd rather have the satisfaction of an education under my belt.

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Originally Posted by Dr.Goodnow

o..

1. Dog Training Licenses are not mandated by any government (state, province or country) = Not government mandated

2. Dog Training Licenses are not mandaged by the industry (no centralized body overseeing the Dog Training industry) = Not industry mandated

3. Dog Training Licenses -may- be mandated by an individual workplace, in conjunction with accredited schools, training facilities, colleges, universities, etc. = Possibly individual workplace mandated
4. Dog Training licenses look good if you have a personal business, as something to supplement a portfolio to present to potential clients.

This is a copy froma PM from Blue-Frog

Pasted by permission.

In answer
YES EXACTLY
You got it correct Blue_Frog

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Yes she got it right! Which brings us back to the original question. Who issues dog training licenses and what are the qualifications?

In Canada you apply to your own town's council for any licence, including a dog training licence. After reviewing your qualifications and with the 3 referrences you supply they have the last word.

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Originally Posted by mike001

Coming up with money was the least of the worries. Going to college to study dog nutinion, dog behaviors, illnesses, etc, just to name a few was a lot tougher than finding the money. They marked you hard, fair but hard.
So what eveybody is saying in effect is that these so called owner trained service dogs are legal and we and everyone else spent our money foolishly and wasted our time?
I can just go out and hang my shingle proclaiming that I train service dogs?
I also wasted my time trying to get the best education that I could to learn about training dogs, when all I had to do was post an ad in my local paper and advertise myself as a dog trainer and take somebody's money?
Well, for myself, I'd rather have the satisfaction of an education under my belt.

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Mike, w'ere talking about the US, not Canada. Also, in the US people CAN become animal behaviorists. These folks DO have real education from accredited universities under their belts. Their education does matter and is important.

For the average professional dog trainer, certificiations aren't needed.

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Originally Posted by mike001

Coming up with money was the least of the worries. Going to college to study dog nutinion, dog behaviors, illnesses, etc, just to name a few was a lot tougher than finding the money. They marked you hard, fair but hard.
So what eveybody is saying in effect is that these so called owner trained service dogs are legal and we and everyone else spent our money foolishly and wasted our time?
I can just go out and hang my shingle proclaiming that I train service dogs?
I also wasted my time trying to get the best education that I could to learn about training dogs, when all I had to do was post an ad in my local paper and advertise myself as a dog trainer and take somebody's money?
Well, for myself, I'd rather have the satisfaction of an education under my belt.

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No one is denying the importance of education mike001. In my 30 year involvement in the dog fancy, I've been to more seminars and classes than I can remember, trained more dogs than I care to admit, and enjoyed every single moment of it. I still wouldn't have to be licensed anywhere in the United States if I wanted to put out my shingle as a dog trainer.