Professional Dog Trainer Certification Curriculum and Structure

The Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship Program

This program is designed for individuals who want to become skilled, thinking dog trainers.

You will learn how dogs perceive, process, and respond to the world, and how to train through cognition.

Through hands-on experience and applied theory, you will develop the ability to observe, adapt, and make informed training decisions in real time.

The professional dog trainer certification course is a fully hands-on, part-time course for English-speaking adults. 

Course Structure

  • Location: Hudson, Quebec
  • Duration: 400 hours
  • Saturday & Sunday 9:00 to 17:00
  • Current Cohort Registration: 2027-2028 
  • Homework: Practical
  • Exams: Theoretical and Practical

Payment Plan

  • Mandatory Deposit
  • 9 months plan
  • No interest

CURRENT REGISTRATION IS FOR THE 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR

Why choose the Dogue Academy dog trainer school?

Gaby Dufresne-Cyr ratget training a horse on the left of the image and a dog on the right side

This program is built on 40 years of experience training dogs, wolves, horses, and other species using social cognitive learning (SCT) principles. 

At the Dogue Academy, students are not only taught techniques, but how to understand behaviour as a social, relational, cognitive, and environmental processes. 

This course allows students to integrate learning theory, practical skills, and real-world application to work with more complex behaviours and training environments.

By the end of this program, you will be able to:

  • Read and interpret canine behaviour with precision
  • Train without relying on constant reinforcement or repetition
  • Adapt your training to different dogs, environments, and contexts
  • Design effective behaviour modification plans
  • Work confidently with clients and complex cases
  • Think critically instead of following rigid methods

 

A cohort of students from the 2025 professional dog trainer certification course posing with their certificates in front of a lake

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate confirming that you have completed the Animal Behaviour Apprenticeship Program.

Graduates also receive a membership card valid for five years, along with a profile on Dogue Academy’s alumni page (launched in 2025).

Your membership card helps establish your professional credibility by allowing clients to verify your credentials.

Membership can be renewed with proof of continuing education, including courses, seminars, or workshops completed through Dogue Academy or other recognized programs.

Requirements and Prerequisites for Enrolment

  • Have a passion for working with people and dogs
  • Possess basic knowledge about dogs or other animals
  • Have a basic understanding of psychology or training
  • Dog training experience is preferred, but not required
  • Conduct the mandatory interview before registration
  • Submit your application no later than Labour Day

Become A Professional Certified Dog Trainer

Now is the time to take the next step in your education.

If you wish to train therapy or service dogs, or prefer to train exotic animlas, this program is for you. 

Start your journey toward becoming a certified dog trainer today! 

Professional Dog Trainer Certification Course Breakdown

ABA Semester-1 Foundations   ABA Semester-2 Application
Module 1: Canine Biology    Module 1: Learning Theory 201
Module 2: Canine Behaviour    Module 2: Behaviour Modification 201
Module 3: Learning Theory 101   Module 3: Behaviour Problems 201
Module 4: Training Tools & Equipment   Module 4: Shaping & Capturing
Module 5: Health Care & Nutrition   Module 5: Therapy Dog Training 201
Module 6: Behaviour Problems 101   Module 6: Building a Business Plan
Module 7: Behaviour Modification 101   Module 7: Service Dog Training 201 
ABA Semester-3 Integration   ABA Semester-4 Consolidate
Module 1: Learning Theories 301   Module 1: Learning Theories 401
Module 2: Therapy Dog Training 301   Module 2: Exotic Animal Training 401
Module 3: Dealing with Difficult Clients   Module 3: Group Development Theory
Module 4: Scientific Research Project   Module 4: Contingency Training
Module 5: Behaviour Modification 301   Module 5: Class Group Project
Module 6: Effective Communication   Module 6: Enrichment Construction
Module 7: Service Dog Training 301   Module 7: Training Specialization 

Dog Trainer School Photo Gallery