FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: Joan Campbell, 212-356-0682, joan@ccpdt.org
Local Dog Trainer Earns
Pet Dog Trainer Certification
Up until the creation
of the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no
true certification process for dog trainers. Many schools teach dog
trainers and offer certification for their specific programs. These
certificates, therefore, reflect the teachings and quality of a specific
school. Other organizations offer take-home tests for “certification.”
The trainers are not monitored
to make sure they are completing the test without any assistance or
collaboration, nor is the testing process standardized.
This unprecedented
process was originally implemented by the APDT, the largest association of
dog trainers in the world, founded by noted veterinarian, behaviorist, and
author Dr. Ian Dunbar. Early on, the APDT recognized the need for
certification for its profession. Pet dog trainers needed a credible means
of measuring their knowledge and skills and the dog owning public needed a
credible barometer for choosing a trainer. A task force of approximately
20 internationally known dog training professionals and behaviorists
worked for three years to research and develop the comprehensive written
examination. The APDT also hired Professional Testing Corporation to
ensure the process met professional testing standards. It then created a
separate, independent council – the Certification Council of Pet Dog
Trainers – to manage the accreditation and pursue future development.
Candidates who pass
the exam earn the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer and may use the
designation, “CPDT,” after their names. As creators of the
examination, the task force members have also earned the use of the CPDT
designation. All certified trainers must earn continuing education credits
to maintain their designations, or take the examination again in three
years.
The Certification
Council of Pet Dog Trainers administered its first test on September 28,
2001. The most recent administration was held in various cities in the
About the Trainer:
Kimberly is committed
to stress-free respectful training. Her belief in fostering a harmonious
relationship with a dog, based upon mutual respect and taking into account
the dog’s point of view is the core of her philosophy. The methods
are fun, innovative, motivational, and respectful using positive
reinforcement. Her approach to training is holistic, looking at the whole
dog, natural behavior, drives, health, anatomical structure, and dog/owner
relationship. She believes in allowing learning to take place rather than
forcing compliance.
Kimberly Giese-Wilson
CPDT can be reached at k9Crazy Play Skool, RT 28 Kingston. 845-340-4322 http://k9crazyplayskool.com
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