Dog training is a skilled profession grounded in science, ethics, and animal welfare. It requires far more than a love of dogs — it requires education, practical skill, and accountability.
If you are considering dog training as a career, it is important to understand both the current landscape in Canada and the national standards now being implemented to strengthen the profession.
The current landscape
At present, dog training is not consistently regulated across Canada. Individuals may advertise themselves as dog trainers or canine behaviour consultants without standardized education, assessment, or oversight. This creates challenges for the public, veterinarians, and allied professionals when attempting to evaluate qualifications and training methods.
National momentum toward humane standards
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has publicly recognized this gap, stating:
“The CVMA supports the development of a national certifying body to establish acceptable standards for accreditation of all dog trainers. The standards should be based on humane training methods that are evidence-based and reward-based… This inconsistency leads to difficulty with assessment of trainers and their methods.”
This position reflects a growing consensus across veterinary, welfare, and education sectors: clear, humane, evidence-informed standards are necessary to protect dogs and the public.
What CAPDT has implemented
CAPDT has completed and put into motion a National Dog Training Curriculum Standard, developed through extensive collaboration with educators, industry professionals, and CAPDT members.
Key elements include:
- A comprehensive national body of knowledge
- Defined core competencies and ethical expectations
- Ongoing quarterly review to ensure the curriculum remains current and evidence-informed
School accreditation
CAPDT is actively accrediting dog training education programs that align with the national curriculum standard.
- Curriculum-contributing schools are being prioritized in the initial phase
- Additional schools, colleges, and universities will be invited to pursue accreditation
- Accreditation is designed to support transparency, consistency, and quality — while allowing flexibility in delivery models
Professional pathways under development
In parallel with school accreditation, CAPDT is developing:
- A legacy pathway to recognize the education and experience of established trainers
- A national assessment framework to support future professional recognition
These pathways are being developed carefully to ensure fairness, integrity, and public trust. Details will be shared only when structures are finalized.
Choosing education responsibly
Prospective trainers are encouraged to seek education that includes:
- Learning theory and behaviour science
- Humane, reward-based training methods
- Ethics and professional responsibility
- Supervised practical experience
- Clear assessment of knowledge and skills
CAPDT’s national curriculum standard exists to help clarify what responsible professional preparation should include.
CAPDT membership
CAPDT membership supports professional engagement, education, and community involvement. Membership alone does not represent professional qualification or certification.
Education, demonstrated competence, and ethical practice remain the foundation of professional dog training.
Staying informed
CAPDT will continue to share updates as accreditation and professional pathways progress.
If you are a student, educator, or working professional seeking clarity about national standards, you are encouraged to contact our Professional Standards and National Curriculum Committee (PSNC) at psnc-commitee@capdt.ca
