CTC
Certificate in Training and Counseling.
The Academy for Dog Trainers was formed by Jean Donaldson in 1999 to address the crushing need for more comprehensive dog trainer education. Since its formation The Academy has trained and certified more than 700 trainers in evidence-based dog behavior, training, and private behavior counseling.
The Academy is a virtual university for dog trainers. It’s a two-year, part-time online program that offers a comprehensive education in all aspects of dog training, dog behavior, behavior modification, client counseling, teaching classes and thriving in your work. If you are accepted into the Academy, you will become part of our renowned lifelong, supportive and sophisticated community. You will have access to guest experts via webinars, and Academy staff will hone your practical technique through our detailed, personalized, pioneering method of video coaching.
The Academy has a higher entrance bar than other programs, as well as a broader, more in-depth and more difficult curriculum. It is not for everyone. Please study the curriculum , requirements and code of conduct before applying. Most students complete the course in two years. Our program is divided into four levels, each to be completed in six months and you’ll be tested for knowledge and technique at the end of each level. At the end of the two years, you’ll take a final exam to become a fully-qualified graduate CTC.
CNWI
Certified Nose Work Instructor, through the National Association of Canine Scent Work.
K9 Nose Work was developed in 2006 by Ron Gaunt, Amy Herot and Jill Marie O'Brien to bring the concept of detection-dog style training to dog lovers and their companion dogs. An enthusiastic community was soon created and the desire to have fun competitions in this new activity grew. The NACSW was founded to ensure the highest standard of excellence and structure for these competitors in this new sport. Our Education Division followed soon after as many of our participants wanted to share this fun activity and sport with others.
Some of the many benefits of K9 Nose Work are:
Dogs easily burn lots of mental & physical energy doing searches
Searches can be done anywhere you can take your dog
No prior training is required and no obedience is needed
In classes, dogs work one at a time and rest crated or safely in a vehicle between searches so reactive dogs can enjoy the activity, too
Shy or fearful dogs build confidence and overactive dogs put their energy into fun searches
Stronger bond between dog & handler as handler learns to observe, understand, and rely upon his dog
Guiding Principles of K9NW Education
The K9NW® Guiding Principles are intended to help shape the culture of all K9NW® classes, workshops, and educational events. They are the parameters that define what K9NW® is and how it should be represented.
Safety – Physical and mental health and well-being of all dogs.
Diversity – Acceptance of all dog ages, temperaments, and physical fitness. See Behavior section of this guide for rare exceptions.
Autonomy – Creating an environment of self-discovery and individuality for dogs and humans.
Support – Allowing dogs freedom to use their natural instincts.
Commitment – Adhering to the principles of positive, reward-based training.
Trust – Always believing and relying on the amazing ability of dogs to teach us how to better understand them and their world.
Partnership – Strengthening the human-canine bond through K9NW®.
Respect – Value every person and dog as an individual with their own strengths and needs.
FFCP
Fear Free Certified Professional.
Founded in 2016, Fear Free provides online education to veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet owners. Our courses are developed and written by the most respected veterinary and pet experts in the world, including boarded veterinary behaviorists, boarded veterinary anesthesiologists, pain experts, boarded veterinary internists, veterinary technicians (behavior), experts in shelter medicine, animal training, grooming, boarding, and more.
With all the false (and harmful!) pet information on the internet, Fear Free aims to keep veterinary healthcare teams and pet professionals at the forefront as the true pet health experts. By closely listening to the needs of the profession and those of the new generation of pet owners, Fear Free has become one of the single most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practice, providing unparalleled education on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets and improving the experience of every human and pet involved.
