Become a Certified Dog Training Professional

Your Comprehensive Program Covering The Required Skills and Knowledge To Practice Competently

Enroll Now for Just $100 a Month or Full Payment of $1800!


The DogNostics Dog Training Certificate Program

The DogNostics’ Dog Trainer Certificate Program is one of the most engaging and comprehensive learning experiences available anywhere for those aspiring to be professional dog trainers!

Credential Transfer Approved - The Pet Professional Accreditation Board


Please view the curriculum below to understand the depth and breadth of this unrivaled Dog Training program.

Course Curriculum


  Welcome to Your DogNostics Dog Trainer Certification Program
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  Apprentice Module One
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  Apprentice Module Two
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  Apprentice Module Three
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  Apprentice Module Four
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  Apprentice Module Five
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  Apprentice Module Six - Your Supplementary Module
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  Journeyman Module One
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  Journeyman Module Two
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  Journeyman Module Three
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  Journeyman Module Four
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  Journeyman Module Five
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  Journeyman Module Six - Your Supplementary Module
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  Master Module One
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  Master Module Two
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  Master Module Three
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  Master Module Four
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  Master Module Five
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  Master Module Six - Your Supplementary Module
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
Your course begins as soon as you enroll! Once enrolled in the program, those opting for the monthly subscription will gain immediate access to the first module. You will then receive subsequent modules of the Dog Trainer Certification Program every 30 days. This gives you time to complete your assignments for the current module and study the material before progressing to the next module. Those opting to pay the full program fee, gain full access to the entire program, and can progress as quickly as they wish, but must progress through the modules in order. Each applicant has 18 months to complete their program.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for eighteen months - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us so we can work with you to ensure this program meets your needs.
How do I become Certified?
To gain a course attendance certificate for each level, you will need to: Complete each of the lessons within the course modules; Successfully complete all five module quizzes for that level; Submit your skill assessment videos for that level. Your Dog Trainer Certificate Professional Qualification: To earn your DN-DTC, you will need to have gained your Apprentice, Journeyman and Master course attendance certificates (as above). You will then complete a final Dog Trainer Certificate open book/multiple-choice exam and submit a final skills video for assessment.
What happens if I fail my final test?
The exam can be taken two times. If you fail it more than twice, we will work with you to determine which information you need help with.
What equipment will I need?
You will need the following to enable you to get started with the program. • High speed internet access • A FREE PDF reader like Adobe • A video camera. • A FREE Dropbox account or A FREE YouTube account
How do the monthly payments work?
The Monthly Automatic renewal (recurring) payments are provided as a courtesy to you. The full program price is $1800.00. You are free to opt out of the program at any time but, on doing so, will receive an invoice for the full outstanding balance pending for your course. Please note that this is a monthly subscription. Once you have completed your 18 payments, you can go ahead and cancel the subscription. if you need more than 18 months, then we are happy to accommodate this with continued payment of the monthly fee.
What do I receive on completion of the program?
Successful students will gain a course attendance certificate for each level - Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master. On successful completion of all three levels, students can take their final online test and submit their final skill video to earn the right to display the credential DN-DTC after their name. All program graduates receive a DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate DN-DTC to download, and a Certification Badge to display on their website.
Will I be able to communicate with my fellow students?
DogNostics students all have access to DogNostics’ Student Common Room, a private group on Facebook. The group is a communication tool for DogNostics’ students to communicate with each other, ask questions regarding their DogNostics program, and share updates. All communication is upbeat, positive, and supportive. You can also use the group to search specific topics e.g., a search with the word 'Apprentice' will reveal previous student homework submissions that have been shared with the group.
Will I be able to communicate with my program instructor?
On submitting homework assignments, you receive feedback via email but can also reach out to your program instructor, or any of the DogNostics’ faculty members, at any time, if you have questions.
How Much Time Will I Need to Commit to the Program?
Please read the FAQs below for the approximate time commitment in hours for each of the three levels of the Dog Trainer Certificate Program. PLEASE NOTE: • There is also a recommended book to read with each Module, but this is not obligatory but rather optional. • We have estimated the reading time for the course content and the training of the skills for assessment - some students may progress more quickly.
How long is the Apprentice Level Course?
Course Content Approximately 30 hours: • Listen to the lesson presentations: 20 hours. • Additional reading/resources estimated 10 hours. Homework Total Approximately 33 hours: • Online Tests x 5 Up to 1 hour for each test = 5 hours. • Skill Submissions x 14 at an average of 2 hours to train each skill = 28 hours.
How long is the Journeyman Level Course?
Course Content Approximately 30 hours: • Listen to the lesson presentations: 20 hours. • Additional reading/resources estimated 10 hours. Homework Total Approximately 29 hours: • Online Tests x 5 Up to 1 hour for each test = 5 hours. • Skill Submissions x 12 at an average of 2 hours to train each skill = 24 hours.
How long is the Master Level Course?
Course Content Approximately 40 hours: • Listen to the lesson presentations: 30 hours. • Additional reading/resources estimated 10 hours. Homework Total Approximately 30 hours: • Online Tests x 5 Up to 1 hour for each test = 5 hours. • Skill Submissions x 5 at an average of 5 hours to train each skill (they are all complex behavior chains/merges/concepts) = 25 hours.
Do I need to train with the same dog throughout each course level?
Most students work with their own family dogs, but many also follow the program with a client's dog/shelter dogs, etc. You do NOT have to use the same dog for all the skill submissions.
How are homework skill submissions assessed?
Homework skill submissions are assessed via short videos that you will submit throughout each course level. Regardless of whether a dog previously knows a required homework skill, the criteria assessed remain the same. When needed, adjustments to the required criteria can be requested for a specific dog. On submitting homework assignments, you receive feedback via email but can also reach out to the program instructor, or any of the DogNostics’ faculty members at any time, if you have questions.

Your Instructor


Louise Stapleton-Frappell
Louise Stapleton-Frappell

Louise Stapleton-Frappell - B.A. Hons. PCBC-A. PCT-A. CAP3. CTDI. CWRI. DN-FSG2. DN-CPCT2. FFCP.

Louise Stapleton-Frappell is a highly respected professional canine trainer and behavior consultant, and a valued Partner and Faculty Member of DogNostics Career Center. She also serves as a Board Member of The Pet Professional Guild, a global organization that promotes the use of force-free, science-based training and pet care practices.

A graduate of the University of Leeds, Louise holds a joint honors degree in Spanish and Portuguese with subsidiary studies in Management Economics and Industrial Management. She was among the first to achieve dual accreditation as both a Professional Canine Trainer and Professional Canine Behavior Consultant through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board.

Louise is the creator and lead instructor of the internationally respected DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program, a comprehensive curriculum that prepares aspiring professionals to train ethically, effectively, and with confidence. She also authors and instructs a range of other DogNostics programs including the Trick Dog Instructor Program, Fostering Collaborative Care, and Walk This Way Instructor Program. In addition to program development, Louise has co-authored several respected industry texts and educational resources, contributing significantly to the continuing education of pet professionals worldwide.

Through her business, The DogSmith of Estepona, Louise offers personalized training services to an international clientele in Southern Spain. Known for her clarity, compassion, and commitment to positive training, she is frequently invited to speak at international conferences and educational summits.

Louise continues to raise industry standards through her mentorship, educational leadership, and unwavering dedication to force-free, ethical training.


Staff Member Education

Do your staff members have the required skills and knowledge to ensure satisfied clients, both human and canine, and to help you grow your business?

At DogNostics we have made it easy for you to provide your staff with the best education possible! Monthly payments or full fee, the choice is yours, and, if you enrol more than one staff member, you will also receive a discount: Click here to learn about our company discounts and how the process works



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