Training certification, classes or degree

[Kegman]

I've been looking for places to learn to become a dog trainer or learn behavior (like ceasar). Whether their certifications, college degrees......Im having a lot of problems searching for stuff like this on the internet.

The only thing i found was in California. I live in NJ. Anyone with information on where to go to get the info, keywords to search that should produce results, or colleges in NJ that offer these classes, please help. THanks.

[dogs4life]

The dog training certifications I commonly see are from Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and SF/SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers Many area trainers are also members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). You can check to see their requirements, I'm not certain they require a college degree, I did not see it there. There is however a lot of reading suggested.

There are lots of programs out there, but not all will teach you the same techniques Caesar Milan uses, IMO the 2 I gave you are better for pet dogs, if that's what you're interested in.

I'm sure others will have more for you.

[Ritz459]

You can also try to look at colleges if you wanted to really go to school for it....I'm going to attend Purdue University this fall majoring in Animal Behavior and Well Being. Of course, something like that doesn't focus on just dogs, but animal behavior as a whole.

[Raised By Wolves]

Unfortunately, Cesar doesn't currently have any type of school or mentoring program available. And, while Cesar is very good at addressing social and fulfillment issues, it's also beneficial to study both operant conditioning and classical conditioning, IMO.

The problem I've found with some of the schools, certifications, and organizations people contact to become dog trainers, is there is too much of a push to embrace a specific belief system and intense peer pressure within once you join to conform to that belief system.

If you are interested in the work Cesar does, be aware that some of these belief systems and their proponents are in conflict with his philosophies.

I recommend the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) as the most "balanced" and open-minded group I've found, and this organization supports him. You may be able to find a mentor or study program through them at:

The International Association of Canine Professionals

In the meantime start reading everything you can get your hands on about dogs...and don't believe everything you read.

Good luck!