Trainer Accreditation

Learn from a world-elite dog trainer

Our owner, Megan Stanley, has achieved the highest level of accreditation possible in the dog training industry. As one of the first four people in Canada to earn their CBCC-KA certificate, she brings unparalleled expertise to the training curriculum that she’s developed for Dogma Academy.

Are you a dog care professional who’d like to learn more about canine behaviour? The Dogma Academy offers a variety of courses on canine behaviour and handling, towards gaining skills to successfully work with dogs. You will gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to be successful in any business catering to canines and dog services.

Our most popular program

The Dogma Certified Behaviour Consultant program is our most comprehensive program that covers everything you need to know to become a professional dog trainer. We offer hands-on learning in group classes, day school and private training. You'll learn about everything from puppies, to obedience, to fear/reactivity, coaching people, safety and taking care of your personal well-being.

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The scaled down option

This is an ideal program for individuals who want to start their career as a dog trainer, but do not want to work with complex behaviour, or want to add dog training knowledge to set themselves apart, or provide the best in care to the dogs in their current job. The dogma Dog Trainer program covers everything you need to become a professional dog trainer.

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Dog training requires more than just knowledge

The key to success is hands-on experience. Dogma Academy offers a complete dog training apprenticeship program, designed for individuals who are serious about a career in dog training. Over a 12-month period, you receive the knowledge and skills required to safely manage and work with dogs, modify behaviour, and teach your clients how to train their dogs, using the most positive, and effective training techniques. You have until November 30th to join our current session. We offer the most comprehensive hands-on training around to ensure you have the confidence and experience to pursue your dream of becoming a professional dog trainer.

Program Details

Requirements

18 years or older
Access to a dog for training
Physical capability to handle dogs of different sizes and activity levels
Agree to sign a Code of Ethics to commit to reward-based methods during your time as a student and as a graduate representing the DDT and/or DCBC designation.
Abide by requirements outlined in Student Handbook
Commit to obtaining their CPDT-KA within 2 years after graduating to maintain their DCBC designation

What's Included

DDT Theory (over 50 hours):

Training Methods
Puppy Development
Canine Communication
Learning Theory
Basic Dog Training
Clicker Training
Behaviour Problem Solving
Dog Play

Shelter Dogs
Basic Grooming
Canine First Aid
Instructor’s Skills
Group Classes
Private Training
Compassion Fatigue

DCBC Theory (additional 50 hours):

Complex Behaviour Problem Solving
Fear
Reactivity
Anxiety
Aggression

Consulting Skills
Compassion Fatigue
Group Classes
Private Training
Safety

Practical Experience (over 200 hours):

Minimum 90 hours of group class observation/assistance for DDT, additional 50 for DCBC
Minimum 30 hours of hands on dog day school experience, additional 10 for DCBC
Minimum 30 hours of private training observation/assistance for DCBC
Successfully complete Foundations and Focus & Reliability with one dog.
Minimum 18 hours of co-teaching group dog classes
Opportunity to observe/assist in any of dogma’s service offerings (excluding DCBC exclusive options if you are just completing DDT)
Attend a 3-day workshop March 22-24
Attend a 3-day workshop August 16-18 (DCBC only)

Additional Certifications (within DDT):

Pet First Aid Certificate
Handling Certificate

Additional Opportunities

Exclusive apprenticeship pricing on select dogma services
Unlimited access to dogma’s large library of dog behaviour training books & DVDs
Free or discounted attendance to any continuing education event hosted by dogma
Complete the Dog Daycare Attendant certification (program details announced shortly!) for only $250 + gst
Mentorship with a dogma certified trainer, unlimited email/phone support
2 hours of mentorship with Megan Stanley (DCBC only)

Payment Options

Dogma Certified Behaviour Consultant Apprenticeship Program (DCBC): $5295 + gst

includes access to online program, full curriculum and mentorship with a dogma certified trainer for 12 months
program fees are non refundable
Payment Plans available:
- 3 Monthly payments of $1775 + gst
- 6 Monthly payments of $900 + gst
- 12 Monthly payments of $465 + gst

Dogma Dog Trainer Apprenticeship Program (DDT): $3200 + gst

includes access to online program, full curriculum and mentorship with a dogma certified trainer for 6 months
program fees are non refundable
Option to complete DCBC for only $2400 + gst within 2 years of registering for DDT.
Payment Plans available:
- 2 Monthly payments of $1625 + gst
- 3 Monthly payments of $1100 + gst
- 6 Monthly payments $550 + gst

A great option for dog pros like groomers, dog walkers, sitters, and more

Set yourself apart from the competition, keep yourself (and your team) safe and ensure you are providing the best for the dogs in your care. Learn how dogs communicate, how to safely and effectively interact with them, first aid, basic training and more. All conveniently provided online and there for you to reference at anytime!