Top 11 Dog Handler Certifications

Certifications for dog handlers are important in the job market because they provide employers with a level of assurance that the handler is knowledgeable, experienced, and qualified to perform the duties of their position. Certification can also help demonstrate to potential employers that an individual has taken the time to invest in their professional development and is committed to providing quality services. Additionally, certifications can help dog handlers stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of being hired for a job. Finally, certifications provide a way for employers to evaluate and compare the qualifications of applicants.

The article reviews the top certifications for Dog Handlers and explains how they can help enhance a handler's career by providing in-depth knowledge and skills.

What are Dog Handler Certifications?

Dog handler certification is a program designed to provide handlers with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively with dogs. The certification covers a variety of topics related to animal behavior, safety protocols, training techniques, and other related areas. It provides handlers with the necessary foundation for working with canines in a wide range of settings, including professional kennels, pet stores, veterinary clinics, shelters, police departments and private homes.

By obtaining dog handler certification, individuals are better equipped to handle situations involving aggressive animals or those that may be difficult to control. It also helps handlers understand the importance of proper nutrition and exercise for their canine charges. Certification also teaches handlers how to recognize signs of stress or illness in their animals and how best to respond when such issues arise. Additionally, it provides information on how best to interact with other people when working with dogs in public places or when providing services for clients.

Overall, obtaining dog handler certification is beneficial for both the canine and its handler. By gaining an understanding of animal behavior as well as safety protocols and training techniques, individuals become better equipped to handle situations involving canines in any setting or situation. In addition, it allows them to provide their canine charges with adequate care and attention while keeping themselves safe from potential harm or injury in the process.

Pro Tip: When considering a dog handler certification, make sure to research the program and ensure it meets any applicable industry standards. Additionally, look for programs that provide hands-on training and practice with real-life scenarios to give you the best opportunity to learn and become certified.

Related: What does a Dog Handler do?

Top 11 Dog Handler Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Dog Handlers today.

1. American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification

The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (AKC CGC) Certification is a program that recognizes well-mannered dogs and responsible dog owners. The program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. To earn the AKC CGC Certification, dogs must pass a 10-step test administered by an approved AKC CGC Evaluator. The test includes basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come when called, and walking on a loose leash. It also tests for good behavior around people and other animals, as well as basic grooming skills like allowing someone to brush or pet the dog.

The certification process typically takes about two hours to complete. During this time, the evaluator will observe your dog’s behavior and assess whether it meets the standards of the program. If your dog passes all 10 steps of the test, you will receive an official AKC CGC Certificate from the American Kennel Club.

To get started on obtaining your AKC CGC Certification, you must first find an approved AKC CGC Evaluator in your area. You can search for one online or contact your local AKC club for more information. Once you have found a qualified evaluator, you can schedule an appointment to take the test with them.

The cost of obtaining an AKC CGC Certification varies depending on where you live and which evaluator you choose to work with. Generally speaking, most evaluators charge between $50-$150 per session for their services.

2. American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR Certification

The American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR Certification is a course designed to teach pet owners how to recognize and respond to medical emergencies in their pets. This certification program covers topics such as assessing an emergency situation, basic first aid techniques, and CPR for cats and dogs. The course typically takes about 8 hours to complete, and it can be taken either online or in-person at a local Red Cross chapter.

The cost of the course varies depending on the location and format chosen. Online courses generally range from $50-$100, while in-person classes range from $50-$150. Upon completion of the course, participants receive a two-year certification that can be used to demonstrate their knowledge of pet first aid and CPR.

3. National Dog Trainers Association Professional Dog Handler Certification

The National Dog Trainers Association (NDTA) Professional Dog Handler Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to work with dogs in a professional capacity. It is intended to provide assurance that an individual has a high level of knowledge and experience in dog handling and training.

To obtain the NDTA Professional Dog Handler Certification, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least two years of professional experience working with dogs, completing an approved course of study related to dog handling and training, passing an exam administered by the NDTA, and submitting references from current or former employers or clients. The exam consists of written questions covering topics such as canine anatomy and behavior, safety protocols for working with dogs, and basic obedience commands.

The cost of the NDTA Professional Dog Handler Certification depends on the specific requirements for each individual applicant. Generally speaking, it can range from $100 - $500 depending on the number of courses taken and other factors.

In order to maintain their certification status, applicants must complete continuing education courses every two years. This ensures that they remain up-to-date on best practices in dog handling and training.

Overall, obtaining the NDTA Professional Dog Handler Certification requires dedication and commitment but is well worth it for those seeking to advance their careers in this field.

4. International Association of Canine Professionals Certified Professional Dog Handler Program

The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) Certified Professional Dog Handler Program is a comprehensive program designed to equip dog handlers with the skills and knowledge necessary to work professionally with dogs. The IACP Certified Professional Dog Handler Program is an online, self-paced program that consists of four modules: Introduction to Professional Dog Handling, Canine Health & Nutrition, Behavior & Training, and Working with Clients.

The program takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete. Each module has a series of quizzes and assignments that must be completed in order for the student to receive their certification. Once all modules are completed, the student is required to submit their final project which includes a written report on their experience as well as a video demonstrating their skill and understanding of professional dog handling.

To get the IACP Certified Professional Dog Handler Program, you can purchase it directly from the IACP website. The cost for this program is $199 USD.

5. National K-9 Learning Center Professional Dog Handler Certification

The National K-9 Learning Center Professional Dog Handler Certification is a comprehensive program that provides professional dog handlers with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with a variety of dogs. The certification includes both classroom and hands-on training in areas such as animal behavior, canine psychology, health and nutrition, obedience training, agility, protection work, and more.

The program takes approximately two weeks to complete. It begins with an online course which covers topics such as canine anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition and safety. After completing the online coursework, students will attend five days of in-person instruction at the National K-9 Learning Center in Columbus Ohio. During this time they will learn how to properly handle and train dogs from experienced instructors.

To get certified by the National K-9 Learning Center Professional Dog Handler Certification program applicants must have a minimum of two years experience working with dogs or be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program related to animal science or veterinary technology. They must also pass a background check prior to enrollment.

The cost for the National K-9 Learning Center Professional Dog Handler Certification is $1,250 plus any travel expenses associated with attending the classes in Columbus Ohio.

6. Animal Behavior College Certified Professional Dog Trainer Program

The Animal Behavior College Certified Professional Dog Trainer Program (ABC-CPDT) is a comprehensive program designed to provide dog trainers with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become certified professional dog trainers. The program consists of an online course, hands-on training sessions, and an examination.

The online course provides students with the foundational knowledge they need to become successful professional dog trainers. This includes topics such as learning theory, behavior modification techniques, canine health and nutrition, business management principles, and more. The online course takes approximately 8 weeks to complete.

The hands-on training sessions are conducted by experienced dog trainers who provide students with real-world experience in working with dogs. During these sessions, students will learn how to work with different breeds of dogs in various settings such as obedience classes or private lessons. They will also learn how to assess a dog’s temperament and develop appropriate training plans for each individual dog.

Once the online course and hands-on training sessions have been completed, students must pass a comprehensive examination in order to receive their certification from ABC-CPDT. This exam covers all aspects of professional dog training including learning theory, behavior modification techniques, canine health and nutrition, business management principles, and more.

The cost of the ABC-CPDT program varies depending on the type of program chosen by the student (e.g., online only or online plus hands-on). Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD depending on the package chosen by the student.

7. Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner Program

The Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner Program (KPA CTP) is an advanced certification program designed to recognize and reward professional dog trainers who have achieved a high level of excellence in their field. The program is based on the principles of positive reinforcement and humane, science-based training methods.

The program consists of three levels: KPA CTP Level 1, KPA CTP Level 2, and KPA CTP Level 3. Each level requires the completion of a series of courses, assessments, and practical demonstrations in order to receive certification. The courses include topics such as operant conditioning theory, learning theory, animal behavior, teaching skills, problem solving techniques, and more.

In order to become a KPA CTP Level 1 Trainer, you must complete the following:

• Complete the online Foundations Course
• Successfully pass the Foundations Exam
• Complete the online Skills Course
• Successfully pass the Skills Exam
• Complete two Practical Demonstrations with an approved Mentor Trainer
• Submit a video demonstrating your teaching skills with a dog or other animal

Once all requirements are met and approved by KPA staff members, you will receive your official KPA CTP Level 1 Certification. This process typically takes 8-12 months to complete.

In order to become a KPA CTP Level 2 Trainer, you must complete the following:

• Complete all requirements for KPA CTP Level 1 Certification
• Complete additional online courses including Advanced Skills Course & Problem Solving Course
• Successfully pass both Advanced Skills Exam & Problem Solving Exam
• Complete two additional Practical Demonstrations with an approved Mentor Trainer

Once all requirements are met and approved by KPA staff members, you will receive your official KPA CTP Level 2 Certification. This process typically takes 12-18 months to complete.

In order to become a KPA CTP Level 3 Trainer, you must complete the following:

• Complete all requirements for both Levels 1 & 2 Certification
• Complete additional online courses including Leadership Course & Business Management Course • Successfully pass both Leadership Exam & Business Management Exam • Complete two additional Practical Demonstrations with an approved Mentor Trainer Once all requirements are met and approved by KPA staff members, you will receive your official KPA CTP Level 3 Certification. This process typically takes 18-24 months to complete.

The cost for each level varies depending on which course options you choose (eLearning vs Live Online). Generally speaking however it will cost approximately $500 - $1000 per level depending on which course options you choose.

8. International School for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Handler Certificate

The International School for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Handler Certificate is a certification program designed to provide professional dog handlers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively handle dogs in a variety of settings. The program consists of three courses: Basic Dog Handling, Advanced Dog Handling, and Professional Dog Handling. Each course is designed to provide students with the most up-to-date information on canine behavior, safety protocols, and best practices for handling dogs.

The Basic Dog Handling course covers topics such as basic obedience commands, proper handling techniques, crate training, puppy socialization, basic grooming skills, and more. The Advanced Dog Handling course focuses on advanced obedience commands, leash walking techniques, problem-solving strategies for difficult behaviors, canine body language recognition and interpretation, and more. The Professional Dog Handling course covers topics such as client communication skills, business management basics for dog handlers, safety protocols for working with large groups of dogs or aggressive animals in public settings, legal considerations when working with clients’ pets or animals in public spaces, and more.

The International School for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Handler Certificate can be completed in approximately 6 months if taken full-time or up to 12 months if taken part-time. To get the certificate students must complete all three courses successfully and pass an online assessment at the end of each course.

The cost of the International School for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Handler Certificate varies depending on which payment option you choose. Payment options include a one-time payment plan or monthly payments over a period of time. Prices start from $995 USD (one-time payment) or from $99 USD per month (monthly payments).

9. National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors Certified Professional Dog Trainer Program

The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors Certified Professional Dog Trainer Program (NADOI CPDT) is a comprehensive program designed to help dog trainers develop their skills and knowledge in the field of dog training. The program is accredited by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI). It is designed to provide trainers with the highest level of professional certification and recognition within the industry.

The NADOI CPDT program consists of two parts: an online course and a practical exam. The online course covers topics such as canine behavior, learning theory, teaching methods, problem-solving techniques, safety protocols, and more. The practical exam is conducted by a certified NADOI evaluator who assesses the trainer’s ability to apply what they have learned in the online course to real-world situations.

The NADOI CPDT program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. During this time, trainers must complete all required coursework and pass both the online course and practical exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once all requirements are met, trainers will receive their NADOI CPDT certification.

The cost for the NADOI CPDT program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$1500 USD for the entire program including tuition fees, materials, and testing fees.

Overall, obtaining your NADOI CPDT certification is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to professionalism in the field of dog training and increase your credibility as a trainer.

10. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Behavior College Certificate Program

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Behavior College Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to educate and certify individuals in the field of animal behavior. It is an online program that takes approximately 8 months to complete, with 6 courses and a final exam.

In order to get the certificate, students must first complete an application form and submit it to the college. Once accepted into the program, students will be required to complete six courses which cover topics such as animal behavior, canine training, feline behavior, animal welfare, animal learning theory, and professional ethics. After completing all six courses and passing a final exam, students will receive their certificate from the ASPCA Animal Behavior College.

The cost of the program varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. This includes all course materials as well as access to an online instructor for guidance throughout the program.

11. PetTech Pet Care Services Technician Certification

PetTech Pet Care Services Technician Certification is a certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of those who provide pet care services. It is designed to help ensure that pet care professionals have the necessary training and qualifications to provide safe, effective, and quality service to their clients.

The certification process takes approximately 3-4 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online exam which tests their knowledge on topics such as animal health, safety protocols, nutrition, grooming techniques, and customer service. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete a hands-on practicum in which they demonstrate their ability to perform basic pet care tasks such as bathing, brushing teeth, nail trimming, and administering medications. Finally, applicants must submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their understanding of pet care services.

The cost for the PetTech Pet Care Services Technician Certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Dog Handler Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are seeking. If you are looking for a job as a professional dog handler, then it is likely that you will need some kind of certification or qualification in order to be considered for the position. Dog handling is an important and complex skill, and employers tend to look for individuals who have received formal training in the field. A certificate from a reputable organization can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for the job.

In addition to demonstrating your expertise in dog handling, having a certificate may also give you access to other opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. For example, some organizations may require their employees to have certain qualifications before they can work with animals or handle certain types of dogs. Having a certification may open up these positions to you if you meet all of the requirements.

Finally, having a certificate may also make it easier for employers to trust and rely on your abilities as a dog handler. When employers see that an individual has taken the time and effort to obtain such certification, they know that they are dealing with someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in their field. This can make it easier for them to trust your judgement when it comes to handling dogs safely and effectively.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a dog handler certificate depends largely on what kind of job you are looking for. If you want to pursue professional dog handling opportunities, then having one can be extremely beneficial and provide many advantages over those who do not possess such qualifications.

Related: Dog Handler Resume Examples

FAQs About Dog Handler Certifications

1. What is a Dog Handler Certification?

Answer: A Dog Handler Certification is a certification that demonstrates a professional level of knowledge and skills in the handling, care, and training of dogs. It typically includes an evaluation process to ensure the handler has the necessary competencies required to safely and effectively handle, care for, and train dogs.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Dog Handler Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Dog Handler Certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers or customers, as well as provide credibility in the field. It may also open up opportunities for further career advancement or specialization in certain areas of dog handling.

3. How do I get certified as a Dog Handler?

Answer: To become certified as a Dog Handler, you must first complete an approved course or program that covers topics such as canine behavior, safety procedures, and health issues related to working with dogs. After completing the program, you will need to pass an exam administered by an approved certifying body in order to receive your certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Dog Handler?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as a Dog Handler varies depending on which type of certification you pursue and how quickly you progress through your chosen program or coursework. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within one year or less if studying full-time.

5. Is there any continuing education required after becoming certified as a Dog Handler?

Answer: Yes, many certifying bodies require continuing education credits after receiving your initial certification in order to maintain your credentialing status over time. This may include attending workshops or seminars related to dog handling or taking additional courses for credit each year.