Dog trainers with APDT membership

Find businesses stating membership in the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Choose your location to find a trainer near you.

Professional dog-training membership: what to look for

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APDT membership identifies participation in a professional dog training organization. It should be distinguished from an individual certification such as CPDT-KA or CDBC. When a trainer mentions APDT, ask whether the statement refers to membership, education completed through the organization or another specific professional activity.

Membership can form part of a trainer’s professional background, but it does not by itself explain their practical experience or the service your dog will receive. Use the conversation to understand the person’s education, teaching approach and suitability for your goals.

Questions to ask before booking

  • Which professional education and practical experience do you bring?
  • How does your approach fit our dog and goals?
Explore the guide6 sections

Distinguish APDT from CCPDT

APDT and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers are separate organizations with different roles. CCPDT explicitly distinguishes its assessed certification from APDT’s education-focused membership. Similar names can create confusion, so ask which organization issued any qualification the trainer claims.

If a biography says certified and also displays an APDT logo, request the full certification name and issuing body. The trainer may hold a legitimate separate credential, but membership alone should not be treated as evidence that they passed that credential’s assessment.

Ask what professional learning supports the work

Discuss relevant courses, mentoring, practical experience and continuing education. A useful answer connects learning to the kind of help you need, such as puppy instruction, group classes or a specific behavior concern. A long list of event attendance is less informative without that connection.

Ask how the trainer keeps their approach current and when they seek advice or refer a case. You are looking for a clear account of professional development and judgment, not simply the largest number of logos on a website.

Evaluate the trainer’s actual approach

Describe one situation you want to improve and ask how the trainer would begin. Discuss assessment, methods, equipment, rewards and how they respond when a dog struggles. Ask whether you can observe an appropriate class or receive a clear explanation of the lesson format.

Find out how owners are taught. Confirm whether you will practice during appointments, receive written instructions and have a way to ask questions. The trainer should help you understand what you will do between lessons and how progress is reviewed.

Verify the person and compare the fit

Ask about the named instructor’s current membership and any separately claimed credentials. If a team runs the business, identify who will lead your sessions and how other staff are trained or supervised. Professional membership attached to one person does not describe every staff member.

Compare relevant experience, communication and the practical service alongside membership. For specialized concerns, ask about that specialization directly. Choose based on the evidence that the proposed work fits your dog and household, while treating the organization affiliation as one part of the professional background.

What APDT International offers members

APDT International provides professional education resources and opportunities for members to connect with the dog training industry. Its official site includes webinars, courses, conference information and a member trainer search. A professional may join to learn and participate in that network while holding separately assessed qualifications.

Ask how those resources support the trainer’s work with pet dogs and owners. For example, a conference or continuing education course may have helped them develop instruction for a particular topic. The useful detail is what they learned and how it informs practice, rather than attendance alone.

Use the membership conversation to understand ongoing professional involvement. It can help you ask about recent education, collaboration and the trainer’s current focus without implying that every member has completed the same assessment.

Use a member listing as the start of your comparison

An APDT member search can help identify professionals to contact. Confirm the services, instructor and current availability directly with each business. Check separately claimed certifications with the issuing organization and discuss the dog training goals that matter to your household.

Ask the trainer to explain its relationship with the association accurately. Membership, event attendance, continuing education and an individual certification should each be described for what they are. That clarity makes the professional background easier for an owner to evaluate.

13 businesses

Connected Canine

Phoenix, Arizona

4.8/5· 100 Google reviews

Connected Canine LLC creates deeper connections between dogs and their humans through ethical, relationship-based dog training, individualized care, and lifelong…Read in fullShow less

Connected Canine LLC creates deeper connections between dogs and their humans through ethical, relationship-based dog training, individualized care, and lifelong support. Serving the Greater Phoenix area, we provide puppy training, private dog training, Board & Train programs, behavior modification, service dog training, therapy dog preparation, dog boarding, and structured daycare. Every program is tailored to the individual dog because lasting success begins with connection, not control. Connection Comes First.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Puppy training

My Shadow Dog Training

Chatham, Virginia

5/5· 69 Google reviews

13+ years teaching group classes - Canine Manners, Canine Good Citizen, AKC STAR for puppies. Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, Diabetic Alert, Public Access training.…Read in fullShow less

13+ years teaching group classes - Canine Manners, Canine Good Citizen, AKC STAR for puppies. Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, Diabetic Alert, Public Access training. Private one-on-one lessons - obedience, specialized training, problem behaviors Member of Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). Focus on training the dog AND the owner - relationship is key - board and train is not what I do. Force-free and positive methods building partnership; no e-collars or aversive training! Specialized training for problem dog behaviors such as reactivity, anxiety, etc. 13+ years experience training emotional support (ESA) and service dogs. Therapy dog training: certified as a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • House training
  • Leash training

Digging it Professional Dog Training

Lawton, Oklahoma

4.9/5· 55 Google reviews

I am a certified dog trainer with the Animal Behavior College (ABC). I have acquired a profound knowledge of positive reinforcement-based dog training and am always…Read in fullShow less

I am a certified dog trainer with the Animal Behavior College (ABC). I have acquired a profound knowledge of positive reinforcement-based dog training and am always committed to stay up to date on the newest training methods and research. I am also a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and an C.L.A.S.S instructor as well as an CGC Evaluator for the American Kennel Club. I am a Service Dog Trainer with the organization "Train a dog, Save a Warrior" as well as the former Director of training for K9Battle Buddies, a non profit organization in Hinesville, GA.

  • Behavior consultation
  • House training
  • Obedience training

Grace Dog Training & Behavior

Wheat Ridge, Colorado

4.8/5· 49 Google reviews

The Grace Dog Training & Behavior team is a member of APDT and the IAABC, training both virtually and in the greater Denver, Colorado area. Grace Dog Training &…Read in fullShow less

The Grace Dog Training & Behavior team is a member of APDT and the IAABC, training both virtually and in the greater Denver, Colorado area. Grace Dog Training & Behavior relies on reward-based techniques to teach and build good behavior. When you come to us for training, your dogs will always be treated with great kindness and respect, and training will be fun. We promise you that we will never use harsh corrections, a choke chain, a pincher collar or a shock collar on your dog, ever. Grace Dog Training & Behavior offers virtual and in-person private training, phone consultations, online community training and more. Contact us today for a custom training program offering safe and effective training for you and your dog.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Crate training
  • Leash training

All Paws Dog Training

Maynard, Massachusetts

4.9/5· 46 Google reviews

☆No walk ins please. By appointment only. Debbie Freedman has more than 33 yrs expertise in all breeds, levels of training and behavioral problems such as aggression…Read in fullShow less

☆No walk ins please. By appointment only. Debbie Freedman has more than 33 yrs expertise in all breeds, levels of training and behavioral problems such as aggression, fear, excitement, resource guarding, ptsd/ocd, etc. On site group/1:1 sessions in basic obedience, leash manners, leadership, obstacle classes, CGC / Star Puppy, Day School and In Home Behavior Modification. Serves Maynard, Acton, Concord, Sudbury, Weston, Wayland, Stow, Hudson, Bolton, Harvard, Littleton. Behavior Mod in your home, we travel most of MA and part of NH, VT, ME, CT & RI near MA borders. ☆AKC Evaluator-CGC ☆member APDT, IACP, ☆Assabet Chamber of Comm ☆ Maynard Business Assoc. FB:All Paws Dog Training and Behavior Modification IG: all.paws.dogtraining

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Leash training

Tricked Out Pup

Boston, Massachusetts

5/5· 36 Google reviews

Mark Has over 20 years of Dog Training. He specializes in beginner Puppy training. Obedience training, and a few tricks. ESA (emotional support animal). Positive…Read in fullShow less

Mark Has over 20 years of Dog Training. He specializes in beginner Puppy training. Obedience training, and a few tricks. ESA (emotional support animal). Positive reinforcement, LIMA compliant. APDT Member (Association of professional Dog Trainers)

  • Behavior consultation
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training

Progress 4 Paws

Largo, Florida

5/5· 22 Google reviews

Progress 4 Paws offers positive reinforcement based dog training services. Owner Alison Schaefer, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, has over 10 plus years of experience working with…Read in fullShow less

Progress 4 Paws offers positive reinforcement based dog training services. Owner Alison Schaefer, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, has over 10 plus years of experience working with dogs and their owners. Alison is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick dog evaluator, and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). She has 4 dogs who she participates in a variety of dog sports and activities with. Progress 4 Paws mission is to connect dogs and people. Offering in home private sessions and online training courses through HappyTails University.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • House training

Classic Canine Coaching

Salt Lake City, Utah

4.6/5· 11 Google reviews

Dog Trainer with 14 years of experience inTraining, and providing excellent care and support for dogs. Skilled in positive reinforcement techniques, dog behaviors…Read in fullShow less

Dog Trainer with 14 years of experience inTraining, and providing excellent care and support for dogs. Skilled in positive reinforcement techniques, dog behaviors, understanding of dog body language and fear-free training. Experienced with breeds of all types and sizes. Animal Behavior Certified (ABCDT) with a background in Canine First Aid and CPR certified. Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).

  • Psychiatric service dog training
  • Service dog training
  • Positive reinforcement

Canine University

Aurora, Ohio

4.7/5· 9 Google reviews

Canine University of Ohio and Canine University SWFL (dba under parent company Canine Tutor, LLC) offer diverse curriculum to our students in NE Ohio, SW Florida and…Read in fullShow less

Canine University of Ohio and Canine University SWFL (dba under parent company Canine Tutor, LLC) offer diverse curriculum to our students in NE Ohio, SW Florida and now globally via online platforms. Our training philosophy focuses on positive motivation in order to gain and maintain a positive relationship between dog and owner/family and in turn improve the dog's success in training. Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). Registered evaluator for Therapy Dog International (TDI) and AKC Canine Good Citizen (AKC).

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Obedience training

Carrier Pet Training

Deerfield Beach, Florida

5/5· 6 Google reviews

Carrier Pet Training LLC. is an African American- Owned, AKC certified, and Accredited Dog Trainer who has experience and equipped enough to train any small breed or…Read in fullShow less

Carrier Pet Training LLC. is an African American- Owned, AKC certified, and Accredited Dog Trainer who has experience and equipped enough to train any small breed or large breed puppy or adult dog(s). I am also a proud member of the (APDT) Association Of Professional Dog Trainers. I have over 15 yrs experience handling puppies and adult dogs and been in business over 4 yrs. “I don’t just train your dog, but I train you on how to train your dog.” I have affordable pricing, as well as provide virtual training sessions if you live out of the state or from out the country. Currently serving the Tri-County area(s): Miami-Dade, Broward County, & the Palm Beaches.

  • House training
  • Puppy training
  • Online or virtual training

ABC VIP DOGS

Gilbert, Arizona

5/5· 5 Google reviews

VIP daycare, Fear Free training & family style overnight care. Member in good standing of IAABC, APDT, PPG, and Doggone Safe. For owners that want more. Small groups.…Read in fullShow less

VIP daycare, Fear Free training & family style overnight care. Member in good standing of IAABC, APDT, PPG, and Doggone Safe. For owners that want more. Small groups. Big standards. Dogs don’t just stay here. They belong

  • Board and train

Dogs Etc.

Brea, California

5/5· 4 Google reviews

Positive, reward based dog training and behavior consulting. Group classes & private training Teach your dog to be a well mannered family member AND have fun doing…Read in fullShow less

Positive, reward based dog training and behavior consulting. Group classes & private training Teach your dog to be a well mannered family member AND have fun doing it. AKC certified evaluator Veterinarian Recommended APDT member American Behavior College mentor Over 30 year experience

  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training

Kissable Kanines

Watertown, Wisconsin

With over 25 years of experience owning and working with dogs of all ages and breeds, Kissable Kanines provides comprehensive in-home boarding where your dog has a…Read in fullShow less

With over 25 years of experience owning and working with dogs of all ages and breeds, Kissable Kanines provides comprehensive in-home boarding where your dog has a comfortable environment instead of spending their time in a kennel. Dee Dee also offers drop-in home visits to feed, water, or let out your pet when you are away. Dee Dee is an honor graduate in dog training from Animal Behavior College (ABC) and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). She offers in home basic obedience training sessions for dogs and puppies. Additionally, she previously worked with Custom Canines Service Dog Academy, is a proud member of Ma, Paws & Met Pet Rescue and is Vice President of the Board of The Watertown Humane Society.

  • Obedience training
  • Puppy training
  • Board and train

Frequently asked questions

More detail to help you choose and prepare.

Is an APDT member automatically CPDT certified?

No. APDT membership and CCPDT certification are separate. A trainer may have both, but each claim needs its own verification.

Should I ignore APDT membership when choosing a trainer?

You can consider it as part of professional involvement. Ask what education and experience support the service, and evaluate the methods, owner coaching and relevant qualifications separately.

What should a trainer mean by APDT certified?

Ask them to identify the exact award and issuing organization. General APDT membership should not be presented as equivalent to an independently assessed trainer credential.

Further reading: APDT International, CCPDT explanation of APDT membership and CCPDT certification

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