The First and Only Certified Dog Trainer in Quebec

The CCPDT's program (ccpdt.org) is the first national certification for dog trainers. Until the creation of the independently operated Certification Council for Professional Trainers in 2001, there was no nationally available certification process for dog trainers.

Zoë Quinn-Phillips, owner and operator of PUP, has earned her CPDT designation and is now the only Certified Dog Trainer working in the province of Quebec: “The CPDT program is internationally recognized for its commitment to the highest training standards. Proper dog training requires a vast knowledge of effective training approaches and techniques and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of your canine clients and their handlers. The CPDT accreditation helps to ensure that when a handler selects a trainer, they can be assured that their working with a professional whose skills and abilities have been thoroughly assessed”, said Zoë.

In order to develop a credible barometer for the dog-owning public to choose a trainer, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) initiated a process to develop a standardized dog trainer examination. The APDT is the largest dog trainer association in the world and promotes humane training practices. In conjunction with a task force of approximately 20 nationally known dog-training professionals and behaviourists, the APDT developed the CCPDT certification examination.

The task force worked for three years to research and develop the comprehensive written examination in conjunction with an independent testing company. The task force followed rigorous standards to ensure that the process met professional testing criteria. A critical part of this process was the establishment of the separate and independent CCPDT to manage the accreditation and recertification of the pet dog trainers. The CCPDT also pursues development of future higher-level training examinations.

The CCPDT administered its first examination September 28, 2001, during the APDT Annual Educational Conference in Ellenville, NY. Since then, the CCPDT administers the test twice a year at 18 sites throughout the US and at the APDT annual educational conference. The Professional Testing Corporation of New York ensures that the test sites are professionally
secured and monitored.

Candidates who pass the exam earn the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer and may use the designation, "CPDT," after their names. All certified trainers must earn continuing education units to maintain their designations.