Local dog trainer Kirsten C. Kraljevic has earned Level I certification through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the first national certification for dog trainers in history. Kirsten now joins the 304 Certified Pet Dog Trainers in the United States and Canada.

Until the creation of the CCPDT in 2001, there was no true certification process for dog trainers. Many schools teach dog training and offer certifications for their specific program, reflecting the teachings and quality of their school. Other organizations offer take-home tests for "certification" where the trainers are not monitored to make sure that they complete the test unassisted. The CCPDT is a true certification entity that is pursuing accreditation from the National Organization of Competency Assurance (NOCA). The certification was administered at fifteen test sites throughout the United States and each site was professionally secured and monitored by Professional Testing Corporation of New York.

This unprecedented certification process was implemented by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the largest association of dog trainers in the world, founded by noted veterinarian, behaviorist and author Dr. Ian Dunbar. APDT determined that traners needed a credible means of measuring their knowledge and skills, and the dog-owning public needed a credible barometer for choosing a trainer. This certification satisfies both of those criteria.

Trainers who pass the examination earn the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT). All certified trainers must earn continuing education credits to maintain the CPDT designation, and are eminently qualified and certified to assist dog owners in training their pets.

For more information about this subject, or on how you can have Kirsten help you train your pet call 251-490-7264 or email her at: kirdog1@aol.com