International Positive Dog Training Association
Setting The International Standard For Humane Dog Training

IPDTA Membership

IPDTA Membership is an elite group of IPDTA certified trainers.  
Only IPDTA certified dog trainers are IPDTA members.

IPDTA Certification Examination
For Professional Dog Trainers

Why Earn IPDTA Certification?

The IPDTA Certification Examination is the first association certification examination in North America to require practical testing and methods that do not include implied threat, intimidation, fear or pain.

IPDTA Certification serves the following purposes;
  • To recognize an acceptable level of proficiency for professional dog trainers and behaviour modification experts.
  • To test both the written and practical skills of the professional.
  • To recognize the professional as a humane and effective dog trainer.

IPDTA members have the distinct privilege of free access to the ACTT Canine Behaviour Modification Video Reference Library at the value of $275.
Eligibility To Apply
  • A completed application package must be submitted.
  • Full payment of the examination fee or successful completion of the CCS - Canine Correspondence Studies Professional Dog Training & Behaviour Therapy Certification Course.
  • A minimum of 100 hours training experience including at least 50% of the experience as a private dog trainer and/or classroom instructor.
  • References from each of the following; an animal health care professional, a client and another dog trainer.
  • The applicant must vow to live up IPDTA Standard at all times.
  • Honourary membership may be awarded at discretion of the Chair.
Earning Your Certification
  • Accreditation will be awarded to those successfully completing the practical portion of the exam, earning a minimum score of 90% on the written examination.
  • Accreditation will also be awarded to those who successfully complete the CCS - Canine Correspondence Studies Professional Dog Training & Behaviour Therapy Certification Course, request membership and live up to IPDTA Standard.  For more information about CCS click here.
  • Each candidate is required to live up to IPDTA Standard in order to earn and/or maintain his or her certification status.
  • If it's proven that an IPDTA accredited trainer is not living up to IPDTA Standard, membership and certification will be revoked and the trainer will be removed from the list of accredited trainers on the IPDTA website.
  • In order to maintain the integrity of IPTDA certification, those falsely claiming accreditation will be listed on the IPDTA website unless or until it has been proven that the trainer is no longer making the false claim.
Maintaining Certification
  • Maintain working status as a professional dog trainer.
  • Use only tools and techniques that live up to IPDTA Standard.
Revoking Certification

Certification will be revoked if it is proven that;
  • The candidate misrepresents him/herself or knowingly puts false information on the application.
  • Bashes another trainer.
  • Treats animals or people with disrespect.
  • The candidate is charged with animal cruelty or neglect.
  • The dog trainer is not living up to IPDTA Standard.
  • The dog trainer is no longer working as a professional dog trainer.
Examination Fees
All applicants...........................................................................................................................................................$500
Private practical testing with an approved IPDTA evaluator (paid to the evaluator)................................................$100
Initial video submission (included in the examination fee).........................................................................................NC
Practical retesting - mailed in submissions (if a submission was unacceptable for any reason)..............................$50
Practical retesting with an approved IPDTA evaluator (paid to the evaluator)........................................................$100