10/28/2025
This is excellent, I couldn’t agree more!!!!
Would you go to a doctor who hadn't been to medical school? Who isn't licensed? Would you go to a dentist who hadn't been to dental school and isn't licensed? How abut a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a nurse who hadn't been to school for their profession and properly licensed?
Many professions, including cosmetology, are regulated in the United States. Cosmetologists in the U.S. are required to take and pass a written exam covering state laws, sanitation protocols, anatomy, chemistry, and cosmetology procedures.
On average, cosmetologists in the U.S. are required to complete 1500 hours of cosmetology education, which takes anywhere from 9 months to a year and a half to complete.
In Missouri, hairdressers are also required to complete 3,000 apprenticeship hours.
I know enough to know that hairdressers and cosmetologists can harm people with chemicals, and before I select any hairdresser to color my hair - if I ever do - I will check into their credentials.
Yet, dog training remains an unregulated industry, even though the potential for harm is great. Dogs have not only been seriously harmed, emotionally as well as physically, in the care of people calling themselves trainers, but they have died, particularly in board and train settings.
Not only are dogs harmed, but people are too. Their relationship with their dogs are damaged, and sadly, their dogs are not only harmed, but some die - way too many for dog training not to be a licensed occupation.
The general public is also placed at risk when dogs are improperly trained using harsh, improper methods.
There is no education, training, or testing required to call oneself a dog trainer, and virtually anyone can assume that title.
There is a very wide range of knowledge and skill among dog trainers. At one end of the spectrum are the elite trainers who have steeped themselves in the science of behavior and animal training, and at the other end are people who have learned what they know about dog training from personal experience and watching television - neither option alone a good one.
I'm reminded of the 1984 commercial starring Chris Robinson, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV." Sadly, many dog trainers are self-taught, playing the role of dog trainer, and the public is totally unaware.
There are voluntary standards of practice published by leading professional organizations, however, as well as voluntary education programs (ranging in quality, like the knowledge and skill level of dog trainers) and certifications.
As published countless times on this page, dog guardians would serve themselves and their dogs well by familiarizing themselves with the following standards and guidelines.
Position Statements published by the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior (AVSAB), including humane animal training, dominance, etc.: https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/
American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB) letter recognizing the need for evidence-based practice standards and regulatory oversight in dog training:https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.dacvb.org/resource/resmgr/docs/2024_ACVB_dog_trainer_regula.pdf
How to Select a Trainer (American College of Veterinary Behaviorists):https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.dacvb.org/resource/resmgr/docs/How-to-select-a-trainer-owne.pdf
How to Select a Trainer - a guide for veterinarians (ACVB):https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.dacvb.org/resource/resmgr/docs/How-to-select-a-trainer-vet.pdf
Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) International Practice Standards: https://apdt.com/standards-of-practice/
(Note: Other dog training organizations promote the use of tools and methods that are contrary to evidence-based best practice standards, so be informed!)
Dr. Andrew Luescher, DVM, DACVB (board-certified veterinary behaviorist), PhD, former director of the Purdue University Veterinary Behavior Clinic letter to National Geographic: https://beyondcesarmillan.weebly.com/andrew-luescher.html
I recommend the following websites for finding a qualified professional dog trainer:
1. Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior: : https://karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer/ #!biz/id/5aef5055f033bffc1617d264
2. Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT): https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/
3. Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers: https://academyfordogtrainers.com/trainers/
4. Pat Miller's Peaceable Paws Program: https://peaceablepaws.com/find-a-trainer/
5. Chris Bach's Third Way Trainers: http://www.trainthethirdway.com/links.asp
You can find a behavior consultant on the following websites:
1. The CCPDT website: https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/
2. The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians website: https://avbt.net/members-directory
Behaviorists:
1. If you would like to consult a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (veterinarian specializing and certified in behavior), look here: https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=4709
2. Find a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or Associate Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (ACAAB), a professional with an advanced degree in a behavior-related field and specialized education in animal behavior): https://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/web/committees-applied-behavior-directory.php
Cindy Ludwig, M.A., B.S., R.N., KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Willard, Missouri
