8 Best Online Dog Training Certification Programs

Special skills are required to train a dog, which is why we have a curated list of the best online dog training certification programs that will equip you with professional dog training skills.

A well-trained dog is a key to a good dog, and we all want a good dog that obeys our commands. Sitting when you tell it to do so, to stop barking when you signal it to, going potty in the right place, and so on. Having a disobedient dog can be stressful and even make you regret having one in the first place but with the right training, you can gradually develop them to behave just how you want them to.

Training with a dog builds an unspoken language between you through words, hand signals, whistles, and other methods all of which you will learn from the best online dog training certification programs discussed here. And these programs are designed for the following kinds of people to join:

  • If you’re an experienced dog trainer looking to sharpen your dulled skills by learning new dog training techniques and expanding your knowledge base.
  • Whether you’re a dog walker looking to break into the field of dog training
  • If you aren’t any of the above but just a mom, dad, teenager, or a family with a dog and simply want to train your dog to heed your commands.
  • Are you expecting a new dog and want to get basic knowledge on how to handle one? These best online dog training certification programs are also for you.

The best online dog training certification programs curated here are reputable ones that will increase your chances of getting employed in the industry and they are taught by professionals in the industry.

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Who Needs A Dog Training Certification?

The people who need a dog training certification are those looking to become dog trainers and those who want to learn more to advance their skills in dog training. When these people get a dog training certificate, their skills will be easy to recognize, they will be reputable and stand out among other dog trainers without a certificate, and more opportunities will come their way since most clients prefer seeing a certificate.

If you want to kick start a career in dog training, getting a certificate will do you a lot of good. Go through the list of best online dog training certification programs discussed in this post to get started.

Benefits of Getting an Online Dog Training Certification

Almost everything, if not all, has gone online these days, education and training programs are one of them. Now, you can learn how to drive a car, fix a tire, get a degree, train a cat or dog, fix your computer, etc. all online without moving from your comfort zone.

Getting equipped with the professional skills to train a dog through online dog training programs is among the perks of the internet and digital tools. Although there are still in-person or offline dog training here are the benefits of joining one online.

  1. You don’t need to drive out to a dog training school, thereby saving money on gas or fuel and also eliminating the stress that comes with it.
  2. Online dog training programs are flexible and learning is self-paced, that is, they are designed to fit into your busy schedule and you can start and complete the program on your own time.
  3. You can join an online dog training program from anywhere in the world and learn from your own home, while at work, and anywhere that is convenient and conducive enough for you to learn.
  4. Since the training is held online, others can join in including members of the family in a case where you are bringing a dog home. The household must join in learning how to train a dog.
  5. The certificate you will earn from the program is equally recognized as the same one gotten from in-person training and the learning outcomes are also the same
  6. There are lesser distractions when you are learning online compared to when you join an offline or in-person program.
  7. If your dog struggles with car rides, online dog training is the solution.

Requirements to Get Dog Training Certification Online

To get a dog training certification online, you need to complete at least 300 hours of experience training dogs in the last three years as well as pass a 180-question multiple-choice exam.

How to Find Good Dog Training Certificate Programs

There is a wide range of online resources where you can find good dog training certificate programs, that is if you are interested in joining one online. You can also find a good one from recommendations through friends, family members, and colleagues.

But instead of going through all the stress, simply join one of the best online dog training certification programs discussed in this post. Direct links to join the program are also provided for you to start learning immediately.

What Can You Do with A Dog Training Certificate?

With a dog training certificate, potential clients will have faith in your skills and choose you over dog trainers. You’ll be seen as a professional, and above others with no certificate. The certificate also allows you to become a teacher and train others to become dog trainers as well.

Best Online Dog Training Certification Programs

Listed directly below are the reputable dog training certification programs. Each of them has been discussed further below with application links attached for you to click on and join any of the programs that fit your interest.

The best online dog training certification programs are:

  • Karen Pryor Academy Online Dog Training Certification Program
  • Sirius Online Dog Training Certification Program
  • International School for Certified Dog Trainers (ISCDT) Online Dog Training Certification Program
  • The Academy for Dog Trainers Online Dog Training Certification Program
  • Petco Online Dog Training Certification Program
  • K9 Training Institute Online Dog Training Certification Program
  • Victoria Stilwell Academy Online Dog Training Certification Program
  • Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Online Dog Training Certification Program

1.     Karen Pryor Academy Online Dog Training Certification Program

Karen Pryor Academy is one of the best online dog training certification programs where you can find a wide range of dog training courses from basic to professional level. The program combines online self-paced and flexible learning with hands-on training options allowing you to learn anytime and wherever.

The academy offers more than 10 different courses at every experience level. You can find courses that will fit your demand either as a trainer or a teacher. The available courses are:

  • Canine Freestyle – $329
  • Dog Sports Essentials – $249
  • Dog Trainer Professional – $5,600
  • Shelter Training and Enrichment – $249
  • Better Veterinary Visits – $139
  • Smart Reinforcements – $495
  • Concept Training: Modifier Cues – $279 to $491
  • Concept Training: Let’s Get Started – $299 to $491
  • Puppy Start Right for Instructors: Online Preschool – $249 to $655
  • Puppy Start Right for Instructors – $479 to $655
  • Dog Trainer Foundations Immersion – $599
  • Dog Trainer Foundations – $249
  • Dog Trainer Comprehensive – $999

The content of these courses and workshops are regularly updated with evolving science, practices, and perspectives. They are taught by professional dog trainers, behaviorists, and vets.

Aside from these courses, there is also the certification program that requires 6 months to complete with a time commitment of about 10-20 hours weekly. The total cost is $5,300, financial assistance is also available which includes an interest-free, five-part installment loan, and other scholarships.

Visit Program Website

2.     Sirius Online Dog Training Certification Program

Sirius offers three innovative dog training programs starting at $160 and consists of 3-5 weeks of sessions, with lessons running around 50 minutes. It is among our best online dog training certification programs because of how the training is arranged and held. Instead of recorded videos, you will join a live zoom session of no more than 6 students and gain professional dog training from an experienced expert.

There are training classes for dogs aged 8-12 weeks old, for dogs aged 12-18 weeks old, and for dogs aged 18 weeks old and above. These are the three classes currently offered and they are all offered online, more may be added in the future.

Visit Program Website                                                                          

3.     International School for Certified Dog Trainers (ISCDT) Online Dog Training Certification Program

ISCDT offers one of the best online dog training certification programs to those looking for a breakthrough in the industry. The program consists of three courses starting at $399 that will take you from beginner to professional in just a few months. The course includes 18 detailed lessons, supporting example videos, homework assignments, and hands-on experience.

The program is designed to be self-paced and you get to learn under the guidance of one of the experts at ISCDT. These experts will equip you with practical teaching skills so you can effectively communicate training methods to dog owners and counsel them in solving issues.

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4.     The Academy for Dog Trainers Online Dog Training Certification Program

The Academy for Dog Trainers is among one of my best online dog training certification programs due to its wonderful offering of one-on-one video coaching plus its rigorous curriculum and lots of networking resources for students. However, you have to prepare yourself to complete the program in two years and pay more as well. The total cost is up to $7,525 but there are available scholarship options that you can apply for.

The academy was established in 1999 and has trained and certified over 700 trainers. The two-year program is 100% online and teaches you all aspects of dog training, dog behavior, behavior modification, client counseling, teaching classes, and thriving in your work.

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5.     Petco Online Dog Training Certification Program

Petco is popularly known as a company that sells pet food, products, and services. It is a big name in the pet supply industry and this may not be new to you. But what many people don’t know is that Petco offers one of the best online dog training certification programs. The training used to be offered just in-person but has expanded online to train any interested persons from any part of the world.

The reason I added Petco among the best online dog training certification programs is due to its reputation in the industry and the program is among the cheapest. Three online group lessons are starting at $99 each and four weeks to complete each of them. There are also two online private lessons starting at $59.

The classes aren’t recorded video, which is another plus from the program, rather they are live sessions on Zoom and are taught by certified trainers and AKC evaluators in the industry.

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6.     K9 Training Institute Online Dog Training Certification Program

K9 Training Institute is relatively new in offering dog training programs and this is what sets it apart from other academies. Due to being a new dog training academy, they were able to come up with the latest dog training techniques, making use of the techniques used to train service dogs.

Typically, traditional dog trainers use word-based commands to train dogs but K9TI teaches you to use body language as the basis and fundamentals of communication with your dog. The training program addresses a wide range of behavioral issues that are common in dogs such as leash pulling, begging, chewing, ignoring commands, running out the door, jumping on people, and excessive barking.

The training approach used by k9TI is gentle and non-confrontational techniques to change your dog’s thinking and understanding. Two main reasons I added K9TI among the Online Dog Training Certification Program is their 90-day money-back guarantee and you can always call the trainers for further support.

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7.     Victoria Stilwell Academy Online Dog Training Certification Program

Victoria Stilwell Academy is prestigious for offering one of the best online dog training certification programs. The program is self-paced and flexible with one-on-one support for students. If you are a dog owner interested in learning more about dog training and behavior or an aspiring professional dog trainer, VSA is capable of serving you well and meeting your demands.

There are dog trainer courses for every level starting at $299 and any level you complete comes with a digital certificate that will be sent to your email. The course consists of high-quality videos that you can have access to whenever you want to learn. To be eligible for the program, you must be at least 18 years old and speak English.

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8.     Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Online Dog Training Certification Program

One of the perks of Fenzi Dog Sports Academy is that you will have access to course content one year after you have completed the training program. This way, you can always revisit the lessons whenever you want, especially if your dog is a slow learner.

The training programs consist of more than 30 classes, workshops, and webinars starting at $19.95. The programs are flexible allowing to join with the right online learning tools from anywhere in the world. And the programs are updated regularly to add the latest dog training techniques. You will also have access to a trainer to ask questions and there are forums to interact with other students.

Visit Program Website

This wraps up the post on the best online dog training certification programs and I hope they have been helpful. Mind you, there are other online dog training platforms, but most of them do not offer certificates while others aren’t reputable. The ones discussed here are some of the best ones and will give you what you want.

Best Online Dog Training Certification Programs – FAQs

Are online dog training certifications legit?

Online dog training certifications are legit when you get them from reputable academies. This is why we have curated the list of best online dog training certification programs that offer legit certification recognized anywhere in the world.

What is the best program to become a dog trainer?

The best program to become a dog trainer depends on the one you go for, as long as the program satisfies your needs and helps you become a professional at the end of the day.

How do I become a professional dog trainer?

To become a professional dog trainer, you need to attend a reputable dog training academy either online or in-person. The academy will offer you the skills and techniques needed for you to become a professional dog trainer.

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