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What’s with all the acronyms anyways?

If you have ever done some research online to find a dog trainer, canine behavioral consultant, behaviorist, etc, you most likely noticed the many varied acronyms in front of their names. It becomes a daunting and confusing task that may end up leading nowhere because you really don’t know who is the best-qualified professional for your needs.

In this article, I will help unravel the mystery of acronyms by explaining the meaning of the most common ones and why you should always look for qualifications when looking for help for your 4 legged companion.

Unregulated Industry that can kill rather than heal

In the US anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. There is no regulation that can legally shut down someone who opens a dog training business and has no certification or license. No state in the US is overseeing the work being done by dog trainers. The responsibility falls on the consumer to do their research and look for someone who has the proper education, is trained in subjects such as science-based applied behavior analysis, ethology, and behavior modification, is ethical, and has appropriate certifications to show they have gone through formal education and are recognized by professional dog training associations.

This is not to say that the training methods used by all professional dog trainers are the same. Some trainers use punishment-based methods, others use reward-based methods and others use a combination of both punishment and reward. Ultimately, the dog guardian still needs to find the dog trainer who is the right match for their dog.

The information provided below only includes organizations that support reward based, least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) methods.

What do the acronyms mean?

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Here are some of the most common acronyms professional dog trainers are allowed to use and are recognized in the dog training world. For many of these certifications individuals will have to pass a rigorous test and demonstrate proficiency with

  • CPDT-KA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed, entails testing and minimum of 300 hours’ experience in dog training within the last 3 years.
  • CPDT-KSA: Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge and Skills Assessed, entails holding a CPDT-KA credential and videos of hands-on skills demonstration.
  • CBCC-KA: Certified Behavior Consultant, Canine, Knowledge-Assessed, entails testing and minimum of 300 hours’ experience in canine behavior consulting (on fear, phobias, compulsive behaviors, anxiety, and aggression) within the previous 3 years.
  • CDBC: Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, entails testing and minimum of four years and 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting. 400 hours minimum of coursework, seminars, mentorships and other additional education, working knowledge of learning science, training, and husbandry.
  • IAABC-ADT: Accredited Dog Trainer, entails minimum of two years experience dog training, 100 hours minimum of coursework, seminars, mentorship, and other additional education, working knowledge of learning science, training, and husbandry.
  • VSP-DT: Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training entails online coursework and in person hands-on skills assessment.
  • CTC: Certificate in Training and Counseling entails online coursework and video hands-on skills assessment.
  • KPA CTP: Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner entails online coursework and in person hand-on skills assessment
  • CSAT: Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer entails hands-on case studies, and online coursework and testing.
  • FFCP: Fear Free Certified Professional, entails testing.

Where to look for professional dog trainers and behavior consultants

In the US there are professional associations that welcome reward-based, science-based individuals who are already certified. For dog guardians these associations are a great resource if they need to find accredited and certified trainers:

  • APDT, Association of Professional Dog Trainers provides membership and continuing education for professional dog trainers.
  • PPG, Pet Professional Guild provides membership and continuing education for professional dog trainers.

You can find a directory of dog trainers on both of their websites.

In addition, there are certifying associations whose job is to assess knowledge and certify individuals who want to become dog trainers and behavior consultants:

  • IAABC, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. They offer internationally recognized credentials in Dog, Cat, Equine, Parrot and Shelter behavior (CDBC, CCBC, IAABC-ADT)
  • CCPDT, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® this is the national certifying board for professional dog trainers and behavior consultants. (CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA)

These associations have rigorous requirements that must be met and exams each individual needs to pass before they become accredited or certified. They also have a set of codes of ethics each member must abide by.

You can find a directory of certified and accredited dog trainers on both of their websites.

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If one wants formal dog training programs there are a few options:

Efficient and fast is not always the solution

As you may have noticed already, the list above is not comprehensive. It is a compilation of associations and programs that support LIMA and humane treatment of other animals. The most respected professional training organizations have adopted within their code of conduct and standard of practice the use of LIMA. This comes into agreement with the position statement released by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) which condones the use of punishment-based training. A copy of their position statement can be found here.

The recommendation for choosing the appropriate trainer for your dog’s needs is do your research. If you need a positive puppy trainer I recommend looking for someone who is certified and specializes in puppies. Ask questions, and most importantly inquire about their training methods. Any ethical trainer willingly let you know their methodology.

And of course, any ethical trainer will not provide guarantee of behavior modification,  just like no psychologist will provide guarantee of cures. We deal with behavior and much of the success is tied to the individual, their environment, their genetic makeup, and their learning.

Success is a partnership: between you, your dog, and your trainer.

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