PLEASE NOTE WE MOVED TO HUDSON, QUEBEC, CANADA
Best Dog Trainer Certification Course in Canada Since 1999
Professional Hands-On Certification Courses
Are you passionate about working hands-on with dogs and helping them reach their full potential?
Dogue Academy is the only social cognitive animal training school in the world. If you aspire to become a professional dog trainer, join Canada's leading hands-on program.
By earning a certification in training, behaviour consultation, and behaviour modification, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence.
Certified professional dog trainers are in high demand in Canada, with Quebec leading the way.
Social Cognitive Therapy & Service Dog Training
Dogue Academy's professional dog trainer certification course is a premium program that teaches you how to trains service, therapy dogs, exotic animals, and clients' pets.
Some of the key areas covered in our curriculum include canine behaviour, social cognitive learning theory, advanced training techniques, communication skills, and handling.
You will receive real-world experience, working with real animals and gain valuable hands-on experience, while avoiding the use of lures (food bribes).
Details in the Course Content tab.
International Learning Environment
Dogue Academy students join from across Quebec, Ontario, and the United States, choosing to step into an environment dedicated to focused, hands-on learning.
Rather than a course you simply attend, this program offers a period of immersion. Removed from the distractions of daily routine, students engage fully in the learning process.
This approach is intended for those ready to invest in a professional path grounded in presence, practice, and the evolving relationship between human and animal.
Each participant brings a different perspective, but shares a common commitment to understanding the dog beyond technique.
Join past students from across the world who have chosen to pursue a more advanced standard of learning.
Students have joined from Canada, the USA, and internationally
Dog Trainer Continuing Education and Mentorship Programs
Continuing Education Options
To enrol in our professional dog trainer certification course, candidates must meet prerequisites set by the Dogue Academy.
While not always required, having prior experience or a background in dog training can be beneficial when enrolling in our premium certification course.
Alumni can attend our free hands-on mentorship workshops at no cost, exotic animal training volunteering, partake in low-cost seminars, and network with other trainers.
Dog Trainer Mentorship
Commiting to a lengthy course is not an option, but want hands-on learning. Have you considered a dog trainer mentorship?
Unlock your potential as a professional dog trainer with our hands-on, lure-free, one-on-one mentorship, focusing on consent-based, social learning, and canine cognition.
For novice to advanced trainers, this program open to all.
20+ Years of Dog, Wolf, and Horse Social Cognitive Training
With over 20 years of pioneering Social Cognitive Animal Training (SCAT) to train dogs, wolves, horses, cows, elk, chickens, and more, founder Gaby Dufresne-Cyr brings unmatched expertise to create stress-optimized environments that empower social animals to thrive.
At the Dogue Academy, Gaby difines SCAT as: An applied learning framework in which animals are regarded as social agents and cognitive participants who develop understanding through sensory processing, a secure-based attachment, and choice-based participation.
ABA Student Testimonials
“Gaby has been my mentor for many years past my multiple certifications in ABA. She has encouraged me to continue my education, especially when it's frustrating or difficult. She has pushed me to thrive and be better, both as a professional dog trainer and a human. I recommend the ABA program to all pet professionals.” - Samantha Hum