HOW TO BECOME A DOG TRAINER

​Belleville, Quinte West, Trenton & Hastings County
Become A Certified Professional Dog Trainer Through Canine Correspondence Studies
With Instructor Norma Jeanne Laurette
​Study At Your Own Pace From Anywhere In the World | NO DEADLINES

For over 35 years I have helped dogs and their guardians throughout Belleville, Quinte West, Trenton and
Hastings County while also teaching professional dog trainers around the world. Whether your goal is to become a professional
dog trainer or simply learn more about the profession, this guide will help you understand what the career really involves.
Join hundreds of successful graduates who have completed
​the CCS program and are enjoying professional dog training careers.
Over 750 Students & Graduates in 18 Countries.
Norma Jeanne Talks About Her Professional Dog Trainer Philosophy

What It Means To Become A Qualified Dog Trainer


​Becoming a professional dog trainer can be a rewarding career for someone who loves dogs, enjoys helping people and wants to make a genuine difference in the lives of dogs and those who love them. If you’re considering dog training as a career in Ontario, Canada or anywhere around the world, there's much more to becoming a competent professional dog trainer than simply knowing how to teach a dog to sit, stay or come when called. A professional dog trainer needs a solid understanding of canine behaviour, learning theory, canine communication, dog training techniques, teaching skills, working with people and so much more. As a professional dog trainer and educator with decades of experience, I believe the most important place to begin is with the right educational course.

What Does A Professional Dog Trainer Need To Know?


Professional dog trainers work with dogs of various ages, breeds, personalities and backgrounds. They teach puppy and dog training classes, provide private training, help solve behaviour problems, work with guardians who need guidance understanding their dogs and some work with aggressive dogs, among many other areas of expertise. Because of this, a solid education needs to include more than just a collection of training exercises. It should also teach you how dogs think, learn and communicate and how to properly apply positive, humane and effective dog training and behaviour therapy exercises and techniques.

​Practical experience is equally important. Reading about dog training and passing a written examination does not prove someone can successfully handle and train a dog. The Canine Correspondence Studies professional dog trainer certification career course will make you a dog trainer however, experience will make you a good one. For this reason, I believe aspiring trainers should look for education that combines knowledge, practical skills as well as ongoing guidance, even after graduation.

Why Positive, Force-Free Training Matters


​My own career has been devoted to positive dog training and I believe professional trainers have an ethical responsibility to protect the physical and emotional wellbeing of the dogs in their care. Positive, reward-based training focuses on teaching dogs what we want them to do and motivating them to make correct choices, rather than relying on coercion, fear, intimidation or physical punishment to stop unwanted behaviour.

​When you become a professional dog trainer, people are trusting you with an important member of their family. Your education should prepare you to improve the relationship between dogs and their guardians, not damage it. This is why choosing an educational program that reflects humane, science-based principles is so important.

Choosing A Dog Trainer Education Program


There are many ways to learn about dog training, but they're not all the same. Before enrolling in any program, it's important consider whether it provides:

  • Instruction in positive, humane dog training techniques and behaviour modification methods.
  • A comprehensive education in canine cognition, learning theory, communication & body language and behaviour.
  • Requires written examinations up to a high standard.
  • Requires practical experience and testing with real dogs, also to a high standard.
  • Training in how to communicate effectively with clients.
  • Preparation for the realities of working as a professional trainer.
  • Qualified instructors who can provide feedback and answer questions promptly, even after graduation.
  • An internationally respected certification & designation upon completion.
  • A course that updates it materials based on the latest science.

You should also consider how the course fits your circumstances. If you are working, raising a family or living outside a major urban centre, the ability to study from home and set your own pace can make professional education much more accessible.

Canine Correspondence Studies


​Canine Correspondence Studies (CCS) provides professional dog trainer education and certification through a flexible online/correspondence format with hands on mentoring available in many locations world-wide, as well as ongoing mentoring by phone and email even after graduation. The program was founded in 1994 and was designed to prepare students for careers involving professional dog training, behaviour and aggression therapy, puppy imprinting, dog daycare, animal acting and more. Not only that, Canine Correspondence Studies has the best customer service in the industry.

​CCS allows students to choose their own start date and study at their own pace for a stress-free study program, instead of working toward strict course deadlines. This can be particularly helpful for students who need to fit their education around existing work, family commitments and unpredictable life events. The CCS course includes written study as well as practical training. Students word with dogs of their choice and submit practical training exercises on video for evaluation, providing an opportunity to develop real-world handling and training skills rather than relying solely on written knowledge. Written examinations and practical exercises can be resubmitted when additional work is required at the student's convenience and at no additional charge, allowing students to continue learning and improving their knowledge and skills.

What Can A Dog Training Career Look Like?


Professional dog trainers have many options available to them to apply their skills.
Depending on their education, experience and interests, dog trainers can offer the following:

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A professional dog training career can be shaped around your interests, the type of work you enjoy most and around your schedule.

Certification & Professional Standards


​​Earning your CCS certification and designation is an important way to demonstrate that you have successfully completed professional education and developed the knowledge and practical skills expected of a qualified dog trainer. 

Example of CCS Certification & Designation: Jennifer Sauder, CTB.ccs (Certified Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist of Canine Correspondence Studies)

CCS graduates who earn CCS certification and commit to only using positive methods can also apply for International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA) certification, designation and membership at no additional charge.

Example of adding IPDTA Certification & Designation: : Jennifer Sauder, CTB.ccs, IPDTA-CDT (Adding International Positive Dog Training Association) IPDTA Certified Dog Trainer)

​Founded in 2002, IPDTA certification/membership is specifically associated with professional, positive and force-free dog training. The association has established standards for humane dog training and requires certified members to uphold those standards. For anyone considering dog training as a career, I recommend looking beyond a certificate on paper. Ask what the credentials represent, where they're respected and whether the organization behind it has meaningful professional standards.

My Advice To Future Dog Trainers


If you are considering becoming a certified dog trainer, don’t rush into the first course you find. Take the time to learn what professional dog training really involves. Talk to experienced trainers. Investigate the education being offered. Find out if you will earn a respected certification and designation, if practical training is included and if you will receive personal guidance. And always speak with the course owner to ask questions and make sure it’s the right fit for you. Most importantly, choose education that prepares you to be responsible for the wellbeing of the dogs and people you will eventually serve.
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After more than three decades as a respected dog training authority, teaching over 7000 thousand classes and rehabilitating many hundreds of dogs with fear, behaviour and aggression issues, I continue to believe that a good education is one of the most important investments a future dog trainer can make. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a professional dog trainer through Canine Correspondence Studies, you can request your free information package.
Whether you're looking for professional dog trainer education or simply want to discuss whether this career is right for you,
​I'd be happy to help. Contact me for more information or request your free CCS information package today.

Our First Dog Training Book Is The Perfect Companion To Our Dog Training Classes

One of Norma Jeanne & Greg Ceci's book covers
Blueprint To A Happy Dog
The approach and procedures given here are based on the best available current scientific data, but also upon the experience of the two authors. Between the two of them they have taught thousands of dog obedience classes and have rehabilitated many hundreds of dogs, which had been plagued with emotional and behavioral problems. They both recognize that an important aspect of modifying the behavior of dogs involves knowing something about the dog's mental state, and its emotional responses. It is only in that way that a practical plan of action can be designed. With that information in hand they can truly provide you with a "Blueprint To A Happy Dog". 

Dr. Stanley Coren Ph.D., F.R.S.C.: World-renowned scientist, professor of psychology, TV personality (Good Dog Show) and author of over 30 best-selling books including: How Dogs Think, The Intelligence of Dogs, and How To Speak Dog. 

Become A Professional Certified Dog Trainer with Canine Correspondence Studies with Norma Jeanne

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