Dog Trainer Certification
Chicago, IL with Laura Monaco Torelli
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 17
Apply by 03/18/2027 for Early Application savings of $200
Each Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional series is your pathway to becoming a KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP), one of the most respected certifications in professional dog training.
The Dog Trainer Professional program is designed for motivated students who are familiar with and have hands-on experience in clicker training or other marker-based, positive reinforcement methods — whether you've been training your own dog, are already working as a trainer and are ready to earn your certification, or come from a veterinary, shelter, or animal care background. The course includes personalized instruction and coaching from some of the best teachers in the field.
The 6-month Regional Format blends online learning with hands-on instruction. The program includes four online Units, each followed by a two-day in-person workshop. After finishing each online Unit, you will attend the corresponding workshop.
Series Details
Application Deadline
Apply anytime before May 17
Course Start Date
7th Jun 2027
Format
Regional
- Learn online, practice in person: complete one online unit before each workshop
- Travel to the same location four times for two-day, hands-on workshops
- Train with your dog at home and bring them to every workshop
On-Site Workshop Dates
Workshop 1: Monday, August 2 – Tuesday, August 3, 2027
Workshop 2: Monday, September 20 – Tuesday, September 21, 2027
Workshop 3: Monday, November 8 – Tuesday, November 9, 2027
Workshop 4: Monday, January 10 – Tuesday, January 11, 2028
Tuition
Dog Trainer Professional program: $5,600.
Find out more about financing options, including our five-installment no-interest loan.
Learn about our scholarship program for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Faculty
Laura Monaco Torelli is the founder of Animal Behavior Training Concepts in Chicago, Illinois. She began her career in 1991 at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, where she trained beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, seals, river otters, and penguins. After nearly a decade at the Shedd, she moved on to the San Diego Zoo and then Brookfield Zoo as a lead supervisory trainer.
Training Facility
Lodging
Veterinarians Nearby
Premier Veterinary Group | Chicago
3927 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Ready to Get Started?
Questions? Review our FAQ or reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re happy to help!
Learn More About Becoming a Certified Dog Trainer
Subscribe to get access to our webinar Pathways and Roadblocks to a Successful Training Career with Ken Ramirez, and learn more about earning an industry-recognized certification and a rewarding career in dog training through our Dog Trainer Professional program.