Dog Trainer Certification FAQ

Our staff has taken different courses to learn the craft of dog training. Each member completed their training program feeling that something was lacking from their educational experience. One of the most glaring problems was that the program only taught one method of training. There are several different learning styles and we believe you should learn them all and then choose the method that best serves you and your clients.

Another problem was cost. No one should miss out on learning a new craft because of tuition. Therefore, we offer courses that equally prepare you to train dogs and satisfy every budget.

ISCDT- Dog Trainer Program covers the different training methods and theories of dog training so after you graduate, not only are you ready to train dogs, you will possess the ability to explain the process to dog owners. In addition, we help you motivate dogs and their owners and provide solutions to common problems that often arise. Our course provides the tools you need to prevent your clients from getting “stuck” while training.

To ensure you are prepared to work with canines as a professional dog trainer, ISCDT students must successfully complete arduous assignments in order to graduate from the program and earn the title of a Certified Dog Trainer. Some of the material covered in the online program includes:

Part I

• understanding canine behavior
• how dogs learn
• classical conditioning
• operant conditioning
• frustration free training
• four different stages of training

Part II

• charging the mark
• marker training/clicker training
• hands-on work with dogs
• hand signals and verbal commands
• basic commands (hands on work)
• timing, body language and tone

Part III

• learn to read and understand dog’s communication through body language
• calming signals
• what causes a dog to stop using calming signals
• human body language and dog training

Part IV

• learn how to properly teach commands
• shaping/generalizing behavior
• Generalizing commands (hands on work)
• fading treats for real-life rewards
• bridging stimulus

Part V

• all about puppies and how to train them
• red flags when it comes to puppy behavior
• What is FRAP and how to help dog owners
• seven dog groups
• canine personalities and characteristics
• causes of fear and aggression in dogs

Part VI

• tools of the trade
• How to push through a bad training lesson
• Annoying behavior and how to fix it
• how to resolve the most common troubling behaviors
• Learn facts over myths
• motivating dogs

Part VII

• struggles with recall and how to fix it
• different training styles and what works best for your client
• when humans get in the way of dog training
• what can get you stuck in dog training and how to avoid it

Part VIII

• causes of aggression
• muzzles
• dog bites and children
• teach dogs’ proper behavior

Part IX – Mentor work

• feedback on all assignments
• tips and dog training advice
• enhancing public speaking skills
• troubleshoot issues in your training

See the 18-lesson curriculum.

We currently offer three programs for people interested in learning the craft of dog training, as well as those wanting to expand their knowledge. Each program affords the student the opportunity to work with animals under the guidance of one of our Certified Dog Trainers.

• The online dog training program consists of eighteen interactive lessons where students are required to pass weekly written exams and provide video diaries of their work with dogs. During the course of study, students have access to their mentors through email and video chat. We encourage students to volunteer with rescues or animal shelters so they have access to different types of dogs and various issues. In addition, students receive access to a private social media page where they will receive training tips and can communicate with ISCDT staff. Qualified students will receive a diploma and earn the title of a Certified Dog Trainer – Comprehension (CDT-C).
• In-person training options available as well. Please contact us for more information.
• Our final offering is to help you get your business off and running. This is our online course entitled “Starting Your Own Dog Training Business” and can be found on our courses page where it lists an outline of the course.

ISCDT - Dog Trainer Program is an online dog trainer certification program based in Farmingdale, New York. You complete 18 self-paced lessons, submit video homework that is reviewed by working dog trainers, and earn your certification as a Certified Dog Trainer.

Yes. Every lesson, assignment and mentor review happens online, so you can study from anywhere. If you’d like hands-on experience as well, in-person training is available on Long Island. Contact us for details.

No. The program is designed for all experience levels, from dog lovers just starting out to working trainers who want a recognized certification.

Most hands-on lessons include video assignments. You film yourself training a real dog, upload the video in the course, and an experienced trainer reviews it and gives you feedback.

Full-time students can complete the online course in as little as eighteen weeks. Learning the craft of dog training takes time and patience. We suggest students take their time completing the course. In order to master a skill, you must work with several different dogs and solve various obedience problems. Therefore, while it will not take twelve months to complete the course, we do allow students a full year to master this skill.

Students enrolled in the hands-on programs may decide to complete the written course before working with their mentors or they may study the course in conjunction with the hands-on work.

In order to serve the needs of our students, enrollment is ongoing. You can begin your studies with ISCDT at your convenience and complete the coursework on your own schedule. We allot you 52 weeks to complete the course.

Students wishing to participate in the one or two week in-person programs should contact us for available dates.

You can e-mail ISCDT at info@iscdt.com regarding the course and enrollment.

Course fees are non-refundable after one week from enrollment or once two lessons are completed. See our Terms of Service for details.

At ISCDT- Dog Trainer Program, we don’t adhere to the cliché “you get what you pay for.” Instead, we’re on a mission to empower knowledgeable and compassionate dog trainers, ensuring access for all at an affordable cost. Why? Because dogs deserve trainers who are committed to their well-being, and you deserve a chance to make a difference in their lives.

We recognize that not everyone can afford exorbitant fees ranging from $9,000 to $15,000 just to acquire a new skill. One of our partners faced a similar challenge, juggling the responsibilities of raising three kids with the looming prospect of college tuition expenses. After extensive research, she discovered a school that generously offered discounts for those involved in rescue work, opening doors for her in this fulfilling career. We’re inspired by her story and eager to pay it forward by providing EVERYONE with the opportunity to master the art of dog training. Your dreams shouldn’t be limited by your budget, and we’re here to ensure they aren’t. Join us, and let’s make a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners, together.

The Certified Dog Trainer Course is $399, paid once. The Business Course ($49) and Housebreaking Course ($15) are separate courses, sold individually. Compare courses.

Yes. The ISCDT Dog Trainer Program is accredited by ICES International Accreditation.

A mentor is assigned to each student. The mentor guides you through your educational journey to ensure you fully understand all assignments and content of the program. Students will have access to their mentor through e-mail and video chat.

ISCDT is run by Katie McKnight, CDT, a Canine Behavior Practitioner and Certified Bite Prevention Educator, and Jessica Freedman, CPT, a Certified Professional Trainer and founder of Sublime K9 Dog Training. Meet Katie & Jessica.

Call us at (516) 460-7448, email info@iscdt.com, or use our contact form. We’re happy to answer any questions before you enroll.