Best Online Dog Training Certification Programs

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Why We Chose It: Karen Pryor is the top choice for training professionals and is one of the most prestigious dog training certificates you can get.

Karen Pryor offers a six-month program with a time commitment of about 10-20 hours per week. The total cost is $5,300, which you can pay in five interest-free installments or 12-15 monthly payments with interest. To take the course, you need consistent access to a dog and one other animal. Previous clicker-training experience is required. You also need to be able to attend at least one in-person workshop at one of Karen Pryor’s 25 locations. 

Animal trainer and author Karen Pryor launched the program in 2007, and since then 1,800 dog trainers have become certified. The program focuses on force-free training with positive reinforcement. You can expect to take a variety of courses from efficient shaping to everyday behavior issues, as well as a curriculum focused on helping you build a business. 

You can access the online classroom 24/7, where you’ll find 250 videos and more than 40 downloadable training exercises. When you graduate, you’ll be part of an alumni network and listed on the Karen Pryor certified training partner directory.

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Why We Chose It: Academy for Dog Trainers offers the prestigious Certificate in Training and Counseling and features one-on-one video coaching and a rigorous curriculum.

Of all the programs we evaluated, Academy for Dog Trainers (ADT) had the most breadth in its curriculum, with courses that teach concepts above and beyond what other programs offer. However, it also takes two years to complete (most students spend 15-20 hours per week) and costs $7,525 in total if you prepay. There’s also a payment plan with an initial $3,500 payment followed by $500 monthly payments for 10 months, but that brings the total cost to $8,500. A limited number of scholarships are available for applicants actively working in a shelter or rescue. 

Formed by Jean Donaldson in 1999, ADT has certified more than 700 trainers. This program features one-on-one video coaching and discussion forums, so you’ll receive plenty of support, and you’ll get materials and training to help you run a future business. The program operates entirely online. 

Dog handling experience is required, and not just with your own dog; you must have volunteered or worked with a variety of dogs to be eligible for this rigorous program.

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Why We Chose It: International School for Certified Dog Trainers (ISCDT) offers one of the cheapest basic online certifications for dog training, with the option to add an internship for hands-on experience.

If you’re looking for a basic online course that you can complete in less than five months, the ISCDT might fit the bill. The program costs just $399 and results in the title of Certified Dog Trainer. It’s self-paced and online and can be completed in 18 weeks to one year. You also have the option of taking a two-week or four-month internship with Sublime K9 Dog Training on Long Island, but note that the costs for these internships plus the online course are $1,999 and $3,999, respectively. 

The program consists of 18 detailed lessons with supporting video content. You’ll also work with a dog and complete video assignments. Instructors are available during business hours to answer any questions. 

To be eligible for the program, you’ll need experience in the canine industry as a trainer, walker, groomer, or another related job. Although online reviews from students are excellent, the ISCDT is not as prestigious as some other schools.

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Why We Chose It: Cooperative Paws is an online-only program that earns the title of Certified Service Dog Coach. It’s more affordable than other programs and was developed by a highly credentialed dog trainer.

Cooperative Paws is a 12-week program that requires about two hours of coursework per week, which can be completed on your schedule. There’s a $50 application fee and the total tuition of $2,450 can be split into three equal payments due at regular intervals. The program was developed by Veronica Sanchez M.Ed., CABC, CPDT-KA, a service dog training expert who has been training dogs since the 1990s. You’ll learn about topics like service dog laws, working with people with disabilities, public access training, and more. Graduates earn the Service Dog Coach (SDC) certification. 

Cooperative Paws is a program designed for experienced dog trainers looking to train service dogs. You’ll need professional dog training experience along with knowledge and skills, which you can demonstrate with various certifications or coursework. For example, if you previously studied at Karen Pryor, The Academy for Dog Trainers, or Victoria Stilwell Academy, you’ll qualify for the Cooperative Paws program, but there are other ways to meet the prerequisites as well. You’ll also need experience conducting behavior evaluations and you’ll commit to force-free training methods. 

Like other programs, you’ll need access to a dog for training practice.

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Why We Chose It: Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA) is a reputable, self-paced online program with a flexible duration that offers students one-on-one support and earns the prestigious VSA-CDT designation.

Victoria Stilwell Academy was founded in 2010 and has since then become one of the most prestigious online certification programs. Victoria Stilwell is a world-renowned TV personality, public speaker, and author recognized as an authority on dog training.

If you want to see what a professional dog training certification is all about, Victoria Stilwell Academy offers free starter courses. Once you enroll in the program, you’ll have six to 12 months to complete the 100+ hours of study. The total cost of the program is $3,950 ($3,450 during the current promotion), and you can get a loan through Climb Credit, a lender that specializes in career development loans, or pay a higher overall price in installments. There are also scholarships available for nonprofit employees. 

The program also has highly trained faculty, and each student is assigned a dedicated faculty advisor. The course content is all HD video lessons and is accessible 24/7. You’ll learn about topics like advanced training, human psychology, and marketing. You’ll also have access to downloadable resources to enhance your learning and help you with your future business.

The $99 application fee is refundable. To be eligible for the program, you need to be at least 18 and speak English, but there are no dog training prerequisites.