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!

Earn Continued Education Units While You Learn!

Apprentice Course: PPAB 25, CCPDT 21, IAABC 25.

Journeyman Course: PPAB 25, CCPDT 21, IAABC 25.

Master Course: PPAB 25, CCPDT 21, IAABC 25.


DOGNOSTICS IS HERE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL OF BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER!

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!

Our learner-centered program's mission is to provide you with the skills and knowledge that you need to succeed!

Whether you dream of launching your own dog training business; are eager to continue to build on your current career as a dog training professional; want to expand your service offerings as a pet industry professional; or would simply like to take your understanding of how dogs think and learn to the next level, the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program stands out from other programs, offering both unbeatable content, and value!


Graduates of the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program are skilled in the application of science and artistic endeavor, delivering results through empathy and mutual respect for both client and pet!


The DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program provides an all-encompassing in-depth understanding of operant and respondent conditioning, with students learning about everything from discriminative stimuli, motivating operations, setting events, the transfer of stimulus control; to primary and secondary reinforcement consequences, protocols, and schedules; to canine ethology and social behavior. All students learn the Train-Test-Train method, as well as how to successfully implement the four key stages of learning from acquisition, to fluency, to generalization, and maintenance.

DN-DTC graduates have a comprehensive understanding of, and the ability to apply, many training methods including luring, capturing, micro-shaping, targeting, environmental molding, social, and conceptual learning. Students begin the program learning how to efficiently and effectively lure behaviors and end the program, not only have an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles involved in training, but also with the competent skills to teach complex compound behavior chains, sequences, merges, modifiers, quantifiers, comparatives and matches to sample.

The program theory and skills are covered in individual modules in each of the three Dog Training courses - Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master.

  • Each course consists of six modules which include individual lessons, supportive documentation, e-learning videos, and an assortment of fun homework assignments that allow you to practice your skills and test the knowledge you have gained.
  • Each module builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the previous modules and each course builds on the knowledge and skills from the previous course.
  • Successful students gain a course attendance certificate for each level – Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master.
  • On successful completion of all three levels, applicants can take their final online exam to earn their professional Dog Trainer Certificate and the right to display the credential, DN-DTC, after their name.
  • The DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program contains the necessary skills and knowledge, as well as the required CEUs, to gain your Professional Canine Trainer Accreditation - Accredited by The Pet Professional Accreditation Board. What does this mean? It means that when you have completed your program here with DogNostics you will be fully prepared to not only sit the PCT-A examination but also to successfully prepare and submit your videos for the skill assessment. To learn more about this credential please download the PCT Study Guide here

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


At DogNostics we believe that the pet industry needs to continually move towards a higher level of professionalism. As such we do not offer short programs that certify or accredit individuals as Dog Training Professionals or Dog Behavior Consultants. We offer comprehensive programs that will ensure certificants or graduates are highly credentialed and possess the relevant level of knowledge and skills to successfully practice their craft using the latest science and research available and supported by full consumer transparency and professional ethics.

Whether feel you have some gaps in your understanding of dog training and behavior or are brand new to dog training, the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program will provide you with the skills and knowledge to help ensure a successful career for you and a successful outcome for your clients, be they human or canine!


To review the program contents click here

What Alumni Say

"I took the Apprentice training first and signed for Collaborative Care, as well as taking webinars in between... their methods are kind and respectful to the animals as well as the people. Real confidence building... I am over the moon with enthusiasm and although this is an online course for me, I feel they have my back at every turn... So happy that I found them first!" - Cheryl King

Alumni say wonderful things about DogNostics Programs - Read more here

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.

Course Curriculum


  Journeyman Module One
Available in days
days after you enroll

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.

Professional Canine Behavior Consultant and Trainer – Accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board

Co-Partner and Faculty Member of DogNostics Career Center and Board Member of The Pet Professional Guild.

Louise’s experience, her background as a teacher and her impressive pet industry credentials means she is uniquely qualified to share her skills and knowledge with both the public and pet industry professionals. The creator of the DogNostics’ Dog Trainer Certification Program, Louise has presented at conferences internationally and has gained a reputation for expertly teaching and training humans and canines at her own establishment, The DogSmith of Estepona, in Southern Spain. Louise has published numerous articles on dog training and dog behavior and is also the published co-author of the following titles, A Lexicon of Practical Terms for Pet Trainers and Behavior Consultants and Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People.


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: First staff member - Full Price. Additional staff members 15% discount!


Follow these simple steps to a higher level of professionalism!

Want to pay the full fee for instant access to the entire program?

  • Please contact us and let us know how many staff you wish to enrol in the Dog Trainer Certificate Program:Email [email protected]
  • Rebekah will send you an invoice by email.
  • Once paid, you will be sent a 100% discount code to give to your staff member/s to register for the program.
  • Your staff member enrols using your business's coupon code and begins their DTC Program!

Prefer monthly payments?

  • Please contact us and let us know how many staff you wish to enrol in the Dog Trainer Certificate Program:Email [email protected]
  • We will create an enrolment tab specifically for your business
  • Once you register and pay the first monthly instalment, you will be sent a 100% discount code to give to your staff member/s
  • Your staff member enrols using your business's coupon code and begins their DTC Program!

Get started now!