Professional Dog Training

The Diploma of Professional Dog Training program is a rigorous and advanced, completely distance-oriented program of study designed to help dog trainers or other animal field-related professionals upgrade and expand essential skills and knowledge for their careers in dog training beyond the industry standard, and attain a valuable credential. It involves an intensive distance course on the principles of behavior and the technology of dog training. ​ This program does not address assessing and resolving problem behaviors. The Diploma of Canine Behavior Science and Technology program would include both training and problem behavior resolution, and is worth considering if the student’s goals include working with clients to help resolve problematic behaviors. ​ CASI employs a shaping model of education, setting students up for success, and provides support and guidance, along with multiple opportunities to refine and resubmit assignments, rather than simply assigning a grade and moving on. This results in greater conditioning and minimal stress for the student. It also means that incorrect answers do not result in failure or low grades but rather an opportunity, with guidance, to condition the correct response. ​ The graduate is awarded a Diploma of Professional Dog Training and is allowed to use the letters PDT after their name. ​ This program has video submission requirements. ​ If you intend to help resolve problematic behaviors and to include coursework that involves working hands-on with dogs, consider the Diploma of Canine Behavior Science and Technology.