This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the highest standards in positive reinforcement training. It aims to enable you to effectively teach these skills to others and successfully run a dog training business.

Learn through a structured program comprising 21 lessons and 100 coordinated learning goals. Benefit from 250 instructional videos, engage in 40 hands-on exercises, and participate in interactive workshops. See the visual: Regional/Virtual Course Guide National/World Course Guide

Utilize cues as reinforcers to establish robust behavior chains Capture and shape behaviors in a minimum of two species Establish or expand a dog training business Reduce latency and increase the speed, duration, and distance of behaviors Teach people using clicker training principles Help pet guardians replace undesirable behaviors with new ones Much more! See all 100 Learning Goals.

Continuing Education Credits

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) CPDT-KA KSA Knowledge: 12 KSA Skills: 18 The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC): CEUs: 25

Australian and New Zealand Resident Discount

For a limited time, Australian and New Zealand residents save $ 500 USD on tuition for the Virtual series format taught by Alexis Davison. Proof of residency required. Offer not valid on any other series. Learn more

Various loan programs are available. Our most popular loan is an interest-free, five-part installment loan. A limited number of scholarships are also available each year.

Submit your application and $50 USD* application fee online. We will schedule an interview and check your references. If you are accepted, secure your spot with a $500 USD* deposit. Learn more about how to apply. *Application fee and deposit currency may vary. See pricing guide.

Read about our policies and graduation requirements in the Student Handbook.

What experience should I have?

The Dog Trainer Professional program is designed for students with previous experience training dogs and familiar with marker based positive reinforcement (clicker training) tools. We encourage you to use the online self-assessment tool prior to applying. Once you’ve applied, we will conduct an interview to help you further assess your skills and experience.

What language is the course in?

The course is in English. The lessons and quizzes are delivered entirely in English. You will be expected to submit written assignments in English, understand and converse with your faculty and fellow students, and teach a 20-minute lesson in English.

What is the maximum class size?

The maximum class is 10 students.

How long is the course?

The course is designed to be completed in approximately 6 months.

How much time do I need to spend per week?

The time commitment varies greatly depending on the prior experience of the student and the dog. As a general guide, plan to spend about 10 to 20 hours per week on training and online coursework.

What do I need to take the course?

Consistent access to at least one dog for frequent training sessions Consistent access to at least one animal that is not a dog Computer or device with high-speed internet access and a modern web browser. Clicker, treat bag, and high-quality training treats Physical capability to handle dogs of different sizes and activity levels Ability to record video Ability to download and read PDFs (Adobe’s free pdf reader) Regional and National formats only: Ability to travel to instructor’s facility with your dog to participate in workshop(s) World format only Ability to travel to instructor’s facility without your dog to participate in workshop (a dog is provided) Virtual format only: access to other dogs to demonstrate training and teaching skills

Do I need my own dog to take this course?

No, we have had many students borrow a dog as their training partner. But you do need consistent access to the same dog several times a week. The amount of training required in this course is considerable, so keep that in mind if you borrow a dog.

Do I train a species other than a dog?

Yes. A requirement of this program is that you train at least one non-dog species for the course. The animal can be borrowed, but you will need consistent access to it for training exercises.

What are the partner dog requirements for Regional and National formats?

A dog of any age (except very young puppies) is fine. Dogs should be healthy and able to train for food/treats several times each day. The dog must be comfortable around other dogs and people, and must be comfortable and quiet while being confined for long periods of time. Partner dogs will be approved by KPA prior to enrollment. Please read our dog requirements before applying.

What are the partner dog requirements for the World format?

A dog of any age (except very young puppies) is fine. Dogs should be healthy and able to train for food/treats several times each day. Partner dogs will be approved by KPA prior to enrollment. You do not go to the workshop with your KPA partner dog, one will be provided for you.

What is the price of the course?

Tuition is $5600-$6600 depending on format: Regional and National: $5600 for formats with in person workshops located in the United States. Tuition may vary for these series when located outside the United States. See the individual series page to check currency and tuition. World: $5700 Virtual: $6600 The tuition prices reflect the different logistical and teaching requirements of a format. KPA offers flexible tuition payment options. See tuition and view payment options. Tuition for any location can also be found on the individual page for that series.

What is the Australian and New Zealand resident discount offer?

For a limited time, Australian and New Zealand residents save $500 USD on tuition for Virtual Format series with Alexis Davison. Proof of residency required. Offer not valid on any other series. Learn More

What is Early Application savings?

Students who apply for certain series two months before the application deadline may qualify for a $200 savings on tuition. May not be combined with any other discounts. See workshop schedule for qualifying series.

Are Scholarships Available?

Yes! Follow this link for more information on scholarships

Is there tuition financing?

Yes. If you cannot pay your tuition in full, we have two options. Pay in five installments with a zero-interest loan. Pay over 12 to 15 months with an interest-bearing loan (US based students only). See full tuition and loan information.

Do you accept the GI Bill?

KPA is not a federal program and cannot accept GI Bill funding.

What is the refund policy?

Once you enroll, the tuition is non-refundable, except if you withdraw within 5 days of enrollment AND before viewing Lesson 1. Please see the Student Handbook for the complete refund policy.

Will I become certified if I graduate from the program?

Yes, graduates of this program earn certification as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. This is KPA’s only certifying-level course. Note that finishing the program is not a guarantee of graduation/certification. To certify, students must complete the course with the standards set for graduation. For details, please see the FAQ, "What do I need to do to become certified?"

Yes. Graduates of the program may use the title Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner or use the abbreviated version, KPA CTP. Graduates also receive a beautiful diploma suitable for framing and a "grad pack" with lots of goodies.

How many graduates does your program have?

There are more than 3,050 graduates of our program. We average about 150 graduates per year.

When was this program started?

Karen Pryor Academy launched in 2007, and the first Dog Trainer Professional program class graduated in 2008.

Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

Yes. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) CPDT-KA KSA Knowledge: 12 KSA Skills: 18 The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC): CEUs 25

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KPA Perth, Australia, October 2017

THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

More than 3,050 dog trainers around the globe have earned our certification

(ONE OF THE BEST CAREER DECISIONS YOU’LL EVER MAKE)

“It tells people—veterinarians, potential clients—that you have reached a certain standard in skill training and development. It really helped my positioning as a professional.”
— Sharon McInally
KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP)

“This course helps aspiring trainers all over the world build their training skills and change their lives.”
— Ken Ramirez, EVP and Chief Training Officer

“That 'A-ha' moment never really gets old, whether you’re working with people or dogs.”
— Laura VanArendonk Baugh
KPA CTP, Faculty Member

EXTRAORDINARY COACHING

Teachers that are 100% invested in your learning in a small class setting

FIND A SERIES

HOW TO APPLY

TRAIN ALL DOGS

Working or companion,
all breeds

TEACH PEOPLE

Graduate with the skills to teach group and private classes

CREATE A CAREER

Do what you love and love what you do

CONNECT GLOBALLY

Join a network of trusted colleagues, always within reach

KPA Germany, June 2017

SET YOURSELF APART

Certification that is meaningful

TRUSTED BY VETERINARIANS, BEHAVIORISTS, AND PET GUARDIANS ALIKE

WHY WE ARE CERTIFYING THE BEST TRAINERS

WE PROVIDE THE BEST WAY TO LEARN

+ Hands-on with dogs: The most hands-on time with your dog

+ Rich online content: 250 demonstration and teaching videos provide visual guidance; more than 40 downloadable training exercises help you practice skills at home

+ Time to absorb: Your learning is appropriately spaced to give you time to absorb the skills you need

+ Convenient: A 24/7 classroom in the cloud, accessible globally, with more than 50 series enrolling annually

YOU ARE OUR PRIORITY

+ Size matters: With small classes, everyone receives individual attention

+ True mentorship: Hours of faculty coaching

+ Your future is our future: To us, you are both a student and a future colleague

+ Deep feedback: You'll know how you are progressing through ongoing, in-depth, real-time feedback from your instructor

WE TAKE CARE OF (YOUR) BUSINESS

+ Start-up to growth: Your guide to the ins and outs of managing your own training business

+ Practical: We provide you with the setup, structure, strategy, and tools to launch and grow successfully

+ Trusted: Written in partnership with dogbiz, the business experts for dog professionals

PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

+ Our alumni have connections all around the world. Find a KPA Certified Training Partner

+ Make an impact: Our graduates are training, managing shelters, and leading behavior programs worldwide

+ Forge lifelong friendships

LEADERSHIP

+ #1: We are the leading choice of training professionals

+ Mission-driven: We educate exceptional dog trainers and teachers, helping to guide their success

+ Best value: Our program is not the most expensive nor the least; it's simply the best

+ History: The first and only program designed by training icon Karen Pryor

+ Modern: Frequently updated with the latest behavior science, training, and teaching practices

+ Innovative: First full alumni program for graduates, first global program, and first program to certify both knowledge and skills

This comprehensive program provides an in-depth curriculum covering both the science and the practical aspects of dog training and animal training in general. It includes instruction on client teaching, solving canine behavior problems, and managing a dog training business. The DTP program is grounded in the latest behavior science and utilizes modern training and teaching practices. Gain the confidence to assist others and acquire best practices from our top-notch faculty, distinguishing yourself as a leading professional dog trainer upon graduation.

Graduates who meet all requirements earn the KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP) credential, one of the most respected professional dog trainer certifications available.

Utilize cues as reinforcers to establish robust behavior chains
Capture and shape behaviors in a minimum of two species
Establish or expand a dog training business
Reduce latency and increase the speed, duration, and distance of behaviors
Teach people using clicker training principles
Help pet guardians replace undesirable behaviors with new ones
Much more!

See all 100 Learning Goals.

The KPA Dog Trainer Professional program is designed for individuals with a significant interest in dog training and behavior, and who are ready to pursue dog trainer certification. It's an ideal choice for those aspiring to pursue a career in training and teaching others. Whether you're new to the field, an experienced trainer looking to formalize your skills, or are already working with dogs in a veterinary, shelter, or pet care (dog walker, sitter, groomer) setting, this course caters to diverse interests.

The program offers a blend of fun and challenge, providing numerous opportunities for interaction with faculty and classmates, as well as regular feedback and progress assessments to support your learning journey.

Notably, this is the only course that can lead to KPA's Certified Training Partner (CTP), an industry-recognized certification trusted by veterinarians, behaviorists, and pet parents worldwide.

If you're still not sure, take our online self-assessment and get a customized recommendation in seconds.

animal-training-classes-clicker-training-karen-pryor-dog-trainer-professional

LEARN IN A WAY THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU

Choose whether you'd like to attend workshops in-person or virtually

WE HAVE A FORMAT THAT IS THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG!

REGIONAL

ATTEND FOUR TIMES

A great choice for in-person learning when a course is offered in a nearby location.

Work with your dog at home and at each two-day workshop

Travel four times to attend each two-day workshop

Complete one unit of the curriculum before each workshop

NATIONAL

ATTEND ONCE

A great choice for in-person learning when there isn't a nearby location.

Work with your dog at home and at the five-day workshop

Travel once to attend the five-day workshop

Video submissions are required

Complete all units of the curriculum before the workshop

WORLD

ATTEND ONCE

A great choice for in-person learning when you are unable to bring your dog to the workshop.

Work with your dog at home. We provide a dog for the workshop.

Travel once to attend the nine-day workshop

Video submissions are required

Complete all units of the curriculum before the workshop

Virtual

ATTEND VIRTUALLY

A great choice for those not near an in-person location or for dogs not comfortable in group settings

Work with your dog at home and at two-day virtual workshops.

No travel to the four workshops needed

Video submissions are required

Complete one unit of the curriculum before each virtual workshop

MEET YOUR FACULTY

Your Passion, Our Expertise

THE COACHING MENTOR YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED. OUR FACULTY MEMBERS ARE EXCEPTIONAL TRAINERS AND EDUCATORS.

Juliana DeWillems