CPDT-KA dog trainers

Explore businesses stating CPDT-KA qualifications and ask which trainer holds the designation. Choose your location to find a trainer near you.

CPDT-KA qualifications: what to look for

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CPDT-KA stands for Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, or CCPDT, awards this independent credential to trainers who meet its eligibility requirements and pass a knowledge examination. It is a qualification held by a person, so check the individual instructor named for your lessons.

For a dog owner, the credential provides a useful starting point for evaluating a trainer’s education and professional accountability. You should also ask about their experience with your goals, how they teach owners and what happens when an exercise is difficult for a dog.

Questions to ask before booking

  • Who will lead our appointments and which credential do they hold?
  • Can you explain how your experience relates to our training needs?
Explore the guide5 sections

What CPDT-KA assesses

CCPDT describes the assessment as covering subjects including learning theory, dog behavior, training techniques and instruction. Its current eligibility criteria include documented dog training experience and agreement to professional standards. The KA designation identifies a knowledge assessment; CCPDT offers a separate CPDT-KSA credential with a practical skills assessment.

That distinction helps you ask informed questions without treating either designation as a promise about an individual outcome. If you want help with puppy foundations, loose-leash walking or household manners, ask how the trainer turns that knowledge into a plan for your particular dog.

Check the person who will teach you

Use CCPDT’s own information and professional search to check the trainer’s name and designation. If the business employs several instructors, ask which one holds the credential and who will actually lead your appointments. Certification attached to an owner’s biography does not automatically describe every employee.

Ask whether the credential is current and how the trainer continues professional learning. A conversation about recent education can reveal interests relevant to your needs, such as adolescent dogs, owner instruction or work in a particular class format.

Evaluate the lesson you will receive

Describe a concrete goal and ask how the first session would approach it. For example, explain that your dog pulls when leaving the house rather than asking generally for obedience. The trainer should be able to describe assessment, practice, rewards and ways to adjust the setting.

Ask how much you will practice during the appointment and what support you receive afterward. A trainer’s ability to perform a skill with your dog is useful, but your own supervised practice matters when you are the person continuing at home. Request information about written instructions and follow-up.

Match the scope to the concern

If your main difficulty involves fear, aggression or distress when alone, ask about the trainer’s specific experience with that issue and whether a behavior consultant or veterinarian should be involved. CPDT-KA is not a veterinary qualification and does not by itself identify a specialist in every behavior concern.

Compare the proposed service, relevant case experience and communication alongside the credential. You should understand who will work with you, what they will do and how progress will be reviewed before choosing a program.

CPDT-KA exam and continuing education

The CPDT-KA exam is a multiple-choice assessment. CCPDT’s current outline includes applied learning theory, instructional skills, canine behavior and ethology, and professional practice. Ethology concerns animal behavior; for an owner, the practical question is how the trainer uses that knowledge to observe the dog and choose an appropriate teaching step.

CPDT-KA certification also involves experience requirements and professional attestation. CCPDT uses this process to certify dog training professionals with different educational backgrounds. It is not a certificate for completing one specific dog training school.

Current certificants must renew CPDT-KA every three years. Ask about continuing education and verify the active credential rather than relying on an old certificate photograph. The value to a client is a current, checkable professional qualification alongside evidence of the instructor’s hands-on teaching and judgment.

78 businesses

Double D Dog Training

San Antonio, Texas

5/5· 249 Google reviews

"CPDT-KA Certified Positive Reinforcement dog trainer with 10 years experience and over 2,000+ dogs trained and 243 5-Star Google reviews. Double D Dog Training…Read in fullShow less

"CPDT-KA Certified Positive Reinforcement dog trainer with 10 years experience and over 2,000+ dogs trained and 243 5-Star Google reviews. Double D Dog Training provides private, in-home positive reinforcement training in Boerne, Leon Springs, Fair Oaks Ranch, Dominion, Stone Oak, Hollywood Park, Alamo Heights, Castle Hills and the surrounding San Antonio area. Specializing in Puppy training, Basic and Advanced obedience, Crate training, Potty training, Leash training, Separation anxiety, Resource guarding, and Behavior modification. No shock collars, prong collars, choke chains or punishment-based methods , ever. Dog Training Fun For The Whole Family."

  • Behavior consultation
  • Crate training
  • House training

What A Great Dog!

Richardson, Texas

4.8/5· 234 Google reviews

We are moving from Frisco to this new Richardson location in March 2026. Come see…Read in fullShow less

We are moving from Frisco to this new Richardson location in March 2026. Come see us!

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Leash training

A Pleasant Dog

Grand Rapids, Michigan

4.4/5· 216 Google reviews

A Pleasant Dog offers gentle, modern dog and cat training, behavior help, and grooming in keeping with the advice of the American Veterinary Society of Animal…Read in fullShow less

A Pleasant Dog offers gentle, modern dog and cat training, behavior help, and grooming in keeping with the advice of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training

FetchMasters, LLC

Bennett, Colorado

5/5· 214 Google reviews

FetchMasters offers high-performance dog training services to improve obedience, modify behaviors, and enhance recall. We use positive, dog-friendly, and…Read in fullShow less

FetchMasters offers high-performance dog training services to improve obedience, modify behaviors, and enhance recall. We use positive, dog-friendly, and scientifically sound methods to train both puppies and adult dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. We offer private coaching and in-home dog training services across the Denver metro area, and we offer group training classes and more at our spacious outdoor ranch just outside of the metro area. Our certified professional dog trainers (CPDT-KA) have decades of experience training dogs across the country and we are consistently voted as the #1 dog training service in the Denver area on Google, Yelp, and Denver's A-List. Whether you've got a new puppy or a old dog, our trainers can help out.

  • Obedience training
  • Puppy training · customer-reported
  • Recall training

USA Dog Behavior, LLC

Dallas, Texas

4.9/5· 167 Google reviews

Canine Behavior Consultant and Aggression Specialist Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA Canine Behavior Assessment • Diagnosis • Prognosis • Treatment…Read in fullShow less

Canine Behavior Consultant and Aggression Specialist Scott Sheaffer, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CPDT-KA Canine Behavior Assessment • Diagnosis • Prognosis • Treatment Recommendations Scott Sheaffer is a certified canine behavior consultant specializing in serious canine behavior problems. Through a comprehensive online consultation, he helps dog owners understand their dog’s behavior, its potential danger, the prognosis, and the most appropriate treatment options. Clients throughout the United States can access his specialized expertise online. Visit our website to contact us, learn about the consultation process, explore pricing, see what to expect, and access free canine behavior education through articles and podcasts.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Obedience training · customer-reported
  • Socialization

Dog Alliance Training Center

Cedar Park, Texas

4.6/5· 149 Google reviews

Nonprofit with a mission to improve human lives through programs incorporating the powerful connection we have with dogs. Fee-based services include summer camps for…Read in fullShow less

Nonprofit with a mission to improve human lives through programs incorporating the powerful connection we have with dogs. Fee-based services include summer camps for kids, pet dog training classes, train your own service dog classes for civilians, and therapy dog classes. We provide PTSD and mobility service dogs for Texas veterans and first responders at no charge. We provide reading dogs in schools at no charge. Therapy dog visits also provided at the family court, colleges, and hospitals at no charge to the organization or participants. Fee-based corporate wellness programs and trade show support featuring therapy dogs available.

  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • House training
  • Leash training

ZenDog

Broussard, Louisiana

4.9/5· 136 Google reviews

Acadiana’s Best Dog Boarding, Day School, and Training Company offers comprehensive care for your furry friend, including Board & Train, Day Training, Private…Read in fullShow less

Acadiana’s Best Dog Boarding, Day School, and Training Company offers comprehensive care for your furry friend, including Board & Train, Day Training, Private Lessons, Grooming, and a convenient self-serve dog wash. We use proven, reward-based techniques to tackle everything from basic obedience to aggression issues. Our personalized training plans emphasize mutual understanding, communication, and respect, ensuring your dog gets the best possible guidance. Let us show you the secrets of successful dog training and help your pup thrive!

  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Crate training
  • House training

Pawsome Pups Dog Training

Purcellville, Virginia

4.9/5· 125 Google reviews

Board Certified Dog Trainer CPDT-KA with CCPDT. I am a positive re-enforcement rewards based dog friendly dog trainer! Please read my numerous reviews on google…Read in fullShow less

Board Certified Dog Trainer CPDT-KA with CCPDT. I am a positive re-enforcement rewards based dog friendly dog trainer! Please read my numerous reviews on google, yelp, angie's list and Facebook! I specialize in behavior modification, private sessions at your home or at the training center for dogs with behavior issues such as, dog reactive and people reactive behaviors. I also have Puppy Kindergarten socialization, Elementary Manners, Intermediate Manners, AKC Canine Good Citizen and AKC Trick classes available. I do a Out On The Town Class in the Spring and Fall dealing with everyday stuff when you take your dog out in the public at places like parks, out door dining, wineries and such. Please contact me for info at 540-668-9095

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Crate training

The Canine Center

Austin, Texas

4.5/5· 121 Google reviews

The Canine Center’s unique training methodology is the culmination and refinement of a combined 75 years of experience and successful application to over 16,000 dogs…Read in fullShow less

The Canine Center’s unique training methodology is the culmination and refinement of a combined 75 years of experience and successful application to over 16,000 dogs and clients. Our methods are free from pain, intimidation, and fear, relying instead on developing your dog’s behavior through reward, praise, and leadership.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Crate training
  • Leash training

Hearts and Paws

Austin, Texas

4.4/5· 107 Google reviews

Our methodology in all our training programs fosters quality relationships between human and canine family members. Whether you have a new puppy, adopted dog, or…Read in fullShow less

Our methodology in all our training programs fosters quality relationships between human and canine family members. Whether you have a new puppy, adopted dog, or boisterous adolescent, we can give you the insights & strategies that will help you deal with problems such as barking, digging, chewing, housetraining, running off, jumping up, and more. We want to help you keep your dog and have a quality relationship so you’ll be happy & “Together for life.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Obedience training
  • Puppy training

Canine Behavioral Services Inc.

Hope Valley, Rhode Island

4.9/5· 106 Google reviews

Certified dog trainer offering in-home dog training, puppy training, and behavior modification across New England. Force-free methods with lifetime support for…Read in fullShow less

Certified dog trainer offering in-home dog training, puppy training, and behavior modification across New England. Force-free methods with lifetime support for lasting results.

  • Behavior consultation
  • House training · customer-reported
  • Leash training

California Canine Dog Training

Pacific Grove, California

4.8/5· 91 Google reviews

If you want a well behaved dog with whom you have a deep bond, then our services will set you up for success! Our group classes begin as early as 9 weeks for your new…Read in fullShow less

If you want a well behaved dog with whom you have a deep bond, then our services will set you up for success! Our group classes begin as early as 9 weeks for your new puppy to ensure you start off your relationship on the right paw. Obedience classes include basic manners all the way through Therapy Dog certification. To help you deepen your bond, we offer classes in agility where obedience is reinforced while your dog is having a great time learning jumps, tunnel, ramps, and more! In addition to group classes, we offer private training for basic obedience and agility as well as specific problem resolution such as leash reactivity, issues with other dogs, and shyness.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Crate training

Good Dog Enrichment & Training

St. Louis, Missouri

4.6/5· 88 Google reviews

Good Dog Enrichment & Training provides positive reinforcement dog training in St. Louis for puppies, everyday manners, reactivity, behavior challenges, service dogs…Read in fullShow less

Good Dog Enrichment & Training provides positive reinforcement dog training in St. Louis for puppies, everyday manners, reactivity, behavior challenges, service dogs, and more. Led by nationally certified trainer Cait Patton, our team uses force-free, science-based methods to build skills, confidence, and lasting behavior change. We offer day training, private lessons, in-home training, group classes, behavior modification, and enrichment programs tailored to each dog and their people.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Leash training

Yuruani Olguin Dog Training

New York, New York

4.8/5· 86 Google reviews

Yuruani Olguin is the founder of Yuruani Olguin Dog Training, Inc. She has worked extensively with clients throughout New York City, helping build relationships based…Read in fullShow less

Yuruani Olguin is the founder of Yuruani Olguin Dog Training, Inc. She has worked extensively with clients throughout New York City, helping build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Yuruani is CPDT-KA certified and her training is based on force-free techniques, taking into account all aspects of each individual dog’s situation, including breed, background, temperament and, very importantly, household environment. Yuruani is also a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She specializes in working with clients whose dogs suffer from separation anxiety through a humane systematic desensitization protocol. Her goal is to help dogs and their humans live a happy and healthy life together.

  • Behavior consultation
  • House training
  • Leash training · customer-reported

Unmistaken Stars Farm Sanctuary and Dog Training

Hubbardston, Massachusetts

5/5· 79 Google reviews

Unmistaken Stars Farm Sanctuary offers permanent residence to farm animals in need as well as humane education in the form of dog training and behavior consulting.…Read in fullShow less

Unmistaken Stars Farm Sanctuary offers permanent residence to farm animals in need as well as humane education in the form of dog training and behavior consulting. Supporting our mission to provide a place where people and animals help one another heal, we offer force free and fear free methods of dog training, and behavior modification. Our Fear Free certified trainer is also the only CCPDT Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) in North Central Massachusetts (Hubbardston/Gardner line). Our training programs include group classes from puppy and beginner through advanced obedience training, private lessons and behavior consults specializing in anxiety, reactivity and aggression.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation · customer-reported
  • House training

Barking Hound Village Training

Atlanta, Georgia

5/5· 71 Google reviews

Led by certified trainer Michael Litzky, CPDT-KA, BHV Training provides premier dog training services to the metro Atlanta area. Our proven rewards-based training is…Read in fullShow less

Led by certified trainer Michael Litzky, CPDT-KA, BHV Training provides premier dog training services to the metro Atlanta area. Our proven rewards-based training is based on learning theory and applied animal behavior, taking a holistic approach that includes physical exercise and mental stimulation. 100% of our lead trainers are CPDT-KA certified (that’s a big deal in the dog training world). It means that they are, well, the best of the best.

  • Crate training
  • House training
  • Leash training

Dog Training by PJ

Sparks, Nevada

4.7/5· 64 Google reviews

Positive training for you and your dog by Certified Professional Dog Trainers…Read in fullShow less

Positive training for you and your dog by Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA)

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Leash training

Truly Force Free Animal Training

Ventura, California

4.8/5· 63 Google reviews

Truly Force Free Animal Training provides science-based, positive reinforcement training for dogs and their owners. Founded by Shannon Riley, BA-Zoology, Registered…Read in fullShow less

Truly Force Free Animal Training provides science-based, positive reinforcement training for dogs and their owners. Founded by Shannon Riley, BA-Zoology, Registered Veterinary Technician, CPDT-KA, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, IAABC associate and Fear Free Professional. The program focuses on humane, effective methods to build strong relationships between pets and their families. Offering online and in-person courses, private coaching, and educational resources, Truly Force Free Animal Training helps pet owners train with kindness, patience, empathy, compassion and understanding. Learn more about creating a stress-free training experience today!

  • Obedience training · customer-reported
  • Puppy training
  • Reactivity training

Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training

Albany, Oregon

5/5· 61 Google reviews

At Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training, we strive to provide reward-based force free training to help build healthy, happy, & mutually beneficial bonds between people…Read in fullShow less

At Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training, we strive to provide reward-based force free training to help build healthy, happy, & mutually beneficial bonds between people & their dogs. Our certified & experienced trainers use humor & positive reinforcement dog training to ensure that training is safe both physically & emotionally. We are passionate about helping people build healthier relationships with their dogs & helping dogs to become better-behaved companions. We are more than just trainers; we are teachers too! Our carefully designed group class curriculum, private lesson plans, & supervised puppy & dog social playdates help you learn to get your dog from Zoomies to ZZZ's, no matter their age.

  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Obedience training
  • Puppy training

You and Your Dog Training & Services

New Boston, New Hampshire

5/5· 58 Google reviews

You and Your Dog Training & Services in New Hampshire helps strengthen the bond between dogs and their people through positive, science-based training. Our CPDT-KA…Read in fullShow less

You and Your Dog Training & Services in New Hampshire helps strengthen the bond between dogs and their people through positive, science-based training. Our CPDT-KA certified trainers focus on clear communication, connection, and confidence building using engaging, reward-based methods. We work with puppies, teens, and adult dogs on life skills, behavior concerns, and advanced training goals. Services include small group classes, private lessons, puppy playgroups, and specialty courses such as K9 Nose Work®, Cooperative Care for vet and grooming handling, agility, parkour, and more. By working with dogs, not against them, we foster respectful, enjoyable partnerships built on trust and shared success.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • House training

K.I.S.S. Dog Training

Shawnee, Kansas

5/5· 56 Google reviews

Keep it Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) Dog Training provides private, positive reinforcement-based dog training in clients’ homes throughout the Kansas City metro. Owner…Read in fullShow less

Keep it Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) Dog Training provides private, positive reinforcement-based dog training in clients’ homes throughout the Kansas City metro. Owner and sole trainer Mike Deathe, CPDT-KA, has trained professionally since 2008 and founded K.I.S.S. Dog Training in 2010 with the mission “Training Owners, Not Dogs.” Mike helps owners address puppy behavior, manners, leash walking, reactivity, fear, anxiety, aggression and other behavioral concerns where they actually occur. K.I.S.S. does not use prong collars, choke chains or electronic shock collars. Pricing, policies, methods, expectations and the training process are clearly explained so clients can make an informed decision before moving forward.

  • Behavior consultation
  • House training
  • Leash training

SUPERNOVA DOGS

Tonawanda, New York

5/5· 54 Google reviews

At SUPERNOVA DOGS, we focus on developing cooperative relationships between humans and dogs to achieve mutually beneficial results. Utilizing science-based training…Read in fullShow less

At SUPERNOVA DOGS, we focus on developing cooperative relationships between humans and dogs to achieve mutually beneficial results. Utilizing science-based training methods, we provide dogs with the opportunity to learn by encouraging them to make good choices through the use of positive reinforcement. Our mission is to provide our students with the training techniques to create trusting partnerships with their dogs. Certified Professional Dog Trainer CPDT-KA, IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer ADT, Associate Certified Behavior Consultant (ACDBC), Certified Trick Dog and Fitness Instructor, AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Evaluator, Family Dog Mediator, Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Crate training

Frequently asked questions

More detail to help you choose and prepare.

Is CPDT-KA the same as CPDT-KSA?

No. CPDT-KA identifies CCPDT’s knowledge-assessed trainer credential. CPDT-KSA adds a practical skills assessment and requires a current CPDT-KA credential for eligibility. Ask which exact designation the trainer holds.

Does CPDT-KA mean the business itself is certified?

The designation belongs to an individual professional. Confirm that person’s role in your program, especially when a business has several instructors or uses other staff for daily training.

Further reading: Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, CCPDT recertification requirements, CCPDT dog trainer examinations

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