Quote 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?
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.