ISCDT Dog Trainers

Become a Certified Dog Trainer

Discover ISCDT – Dog Trainer Program’s dynamic dog training course featuring 18 in-depth written lessons coupled with hands-on practice. Students actively work with dogs throughout, reinforcing their learning by responding to questions at the end of most lessons.

Accredited Courses

Our courses follow nationally recognized industry standards for professional dog training. Each lesson is designed by certified trainers, ensuring you learn proven, ethical methods backed by real experience.

1:1 Training Support

You’re never on your own. Get direct access to your own personal mentor through email, chat, and video feedback. Ask questions, submit videos of your progress, and receive personalized guidance every step of the way.

Self Paced

Train on your schedule. Our lessons are available 24/7, allowing you to move as quickly—or as comfortably—as you need. Perfect for busy professionals or anyone who wants flexible, stress-free learning.

About Us

If you’re looking for an online dog trainer certification program that will teach you to become a skilled dog trainer, the ISCDT- Dog Trainer Program is where you belong! We currently offer three programs for people interested in learning the craft of dog training, as well as those wanting to expand their knowledge. Each program affords the student the opportunity to work under the guidance of one of our Certified Dog Trainers. 

Our online dog trainer certification program provides the skills necessary to understand how canines think and the techniques required to resolve behavioral issues. We provide you with practical teaching skills so you can effectively communicate training methods to dog owners and council them in solving issues that arise. Unlike many other programs, our coursework is written by experienced, successful dog trainers who currently work hands on in the field 7 days a week

 This is our full-time job and what we love to do. What took us 30 years combined to learn is available to you in our online dog training school program so you can go out and begin your new career when finished. The course allows you to work at your own pace. Students can complete the course in as little as five months or take as long as one year to complete their studies.

Katie McKnight, CDT

Certified Dog Trainer
Canine Behavior Practitioner
Certified in Canine Psychology & Behavior, ISCP
Studied Dog Emotion and Cognition, Duke University

Jessica Freedman, CPT

Certified Professional Trainer – National K-9 Learning Center
Sublime K9 Dog Training, Founder
Certified in reactivity training and marker training
Trained in Behavioral Adjustment Training (BAT)

Our Success Stories

Now see what our students have to say about our online dog training certification program. 

Certified Dog Trainer Course

Discover a rewarding dog training career with our 18-lesson program.  Master skills at your own pace and tackle real-world challenges.

Online Dog Trainer Course

18 detailed lessons that prepare you to work in the field of dog training. The curriculum is self paced and developed to give detailed examples of how to train, solve problems and methods to use. Marker/clicker training is one of the most effective methods to help dogs learn. ISCDT – Dog Trainer Program students will learn the mechanics of marker/clicker training.

Supporting Example Videos

Our written courses are designed to take you through a multitude of dog training topics, from breed and characteristics to unraveling various behavioral issues. Plus, our instructional videos bring it all to life for a rich learning experience.

Homework Assignments

To ensure you are prepared to work with canines as a professional dog trainer, ISCDT- Dog Trainer Program students must successfully complete challenging assignments in order to graduate from the program and earn the title of Certified Dog Trainer.

Hands-On Experience

Imagine the excitement of getting hands-on experience with adorabe dogs while earning your certification. In our online course you will work closely with one or multiple dogs. Your progress will be recorded through video submissions.These fantastic opportunities allow you to not only complete the online course, but also work side by side with a seasoned ISCDT – Dog Trainer Program instructor.

Our Course Options

$399

Certified Dog Trainer Course

$49

Business
Course

$15

Housebreaking Course

Benefits of Dog Trainer Certification

with ISCDT- Dog Trainer Program

Frequntly Asked Questions

Find quick answers to the most common questions about our online dog trainer certification programs, enrollment process, course structure, and what to expect as a student.

We currently offer three programs for people interested in learning the craft of dog training, as well as those wanting to expand their knowledge.  Each program affords the student the opportunity to work with animals under the guidance of one of our Certified Dog Trainers.

  • The online dog training program consists of eighteen interactive lessons where students are required to pass weekly written exams and provide video diaries of their work with dogs. During the course of study, students have access to their mentors through email and video chat. We encourage students to volunteer with rescues or animal shelters so they have access to different types of dogs and various issues. In addition, students receive access to a private social media page where they will receive training tips and can communicate with ISCDT staff. Qualified students will receive a diploma and earn the title of a Certified Dog Trainer – Comprehension (CDT-C).
  • In-person training options available as well.  Please contact us for more information.
  • Our final offering is to help you get your business off and running.  This is our online course entitled “Starting Your Own Dog Training Business” and can be found at the bottom of our courses page where it lists an outline of the course.

Full-time students can complete the online course in as little as eighteen weeks. Learning the craft of dog training takes time and patience. We suggest students take their time completing the course. In order to master a skill, you must work with several different dogs and solve various obedience problems. Therefore, while it will not take twelve months to complete the course, we do allow students a full year to master this skill.

Students enrolled in the hands-on programs may decide to complete the written course before working with their mentors or they may study the course in conjunction with the hands-on work.

In order to serve the needs of our students, enrollment is ongoing. You can begin your studies with ISCDT at your convenience and complete the coursework on your own schedule. We allot you 52 weeks to complete the course.

Students wishing to participate in the one or two week in-person programs should contact us for available dates.

You can e-mail ISCDT at info@iscdt.com regarding the course and enrollment.

At ISCDT- Dog Trainer Program, we don’t adhere to the cliché “you get what you pay for.” Instead, we’re on a mission to empower knowledgeable and compassionate dog trainers, ensuring access for all at an affordable cost. Why? Because dogs deserve trainers who are committed to their well-being, and you deserve a chance to make a difference in their lives.

We recognize that not everyone can afford exorbitant fees ranging from $9,000 to $15,000 just to acquire a new skill. One of our partners faced a similar challenge, juggling the responsibilities of raising three kids with the looming prospect of college tuition expenses. After extensive research, she discovered a school that generously offered discounts for those involved in rescue work, opening doors for her in this fulfilling career. We’re inspired by her story and eager to pay it forward by providing EVERYONE with the opportunity to master the art of dog training. Your dreams shouldn’t be limited by your budget, and we’re here to ensure they aren’t. Join us, and let’s make a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners, together.

Our staff has taken different courses to learn the craft of dog training.  Each member completed their training program feeling that something was lacking from their educational experience. One of the most glaring problems was that the program only taught one method of training. There are several different learning styles and we believe you should learn them all and then choose the method that best serves you and your clients.

Another problem was cost. No one should miss out on learning a new craft because of tuition. Therefore, we offer courses that equally prepare you to train dogs and satisfy every budget.