Become a Pro Dog Trainer

Learn the core principles of professional dog training and start a successful business

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Become a Pro Dog Trainer is a 6-unit, self-paced online course that teaches the core principles of professional dog training to anyone who wants to start a new business or gain expertise working with dogs.

Whether you’re brand new to dog training or an established trainer who is ready to grow, Become a Pro Dog Trainer can help you take the next steps. This course is designed to help you achieve your dream of training dogs for fun, fulfillment and profit.

Here’s what Become a Pro Dog Trainer provides:

  • A clear understanding of what to do - the exact steps to take to become a professional dog trainer.
  • A solid timeline for getting the education & experience you need to start a successful dog training business.
  • The best tools and resources for working dog trainers.
  • A support structure: How to create a network and find a training mentor.


Course Objectives

Study and interpret dog body language
Understand learning theory: an introduction to how dogs learn
Define Applied Behavior Analysis
Choose which training techniques are most effective for which dogs
Know the tools of the trade: Environmental enrichment, management, respondent and operant conditioning, behavior modification techniques
Practice training skills, with hands-on exercises
Be able to teach the four skills your clients’ dogs need the most
Determine what services you should offer
Market your training business
Learn how to run a group class
Learn how to structure your private sessions
Learn how to write a training plan your clients will follow
Choose a dog trainer certification program
...and more!

When you enroll in Become a Pro Dog Trainer, you'll also receive:

  • A curriculum outline for a 6-week Basic Manners course you can offer to clients
  • Customizable training handouts
  • Additional recommended reading and DVDs

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the Become a Pro Dog Trainer course?
Become a Pro Dog Trainer is a 6-unit, self-paced online course that teaches the core principles of professional dog training to anyone who wants to start a new business or gain expertise working with dogs. Whether you’re brand new to dog training, or an established trainer who is ready to grow, Become a Pro Dog Trainer can help you take the next step. This course is designed to help you achieve your dream of training dogs for fun, fulfillment and profit.
How does the course work?
The course is available in six units of easy-to-digest lectures, training exercises, tip sheets, reading, resource lists, and customizable handouts. The course is entirely online. Students can view the lessons, practice their training skills, participate in the discussion forum with classmates, and receive feedback from the instructor.
Who should take this course?
If you’re brand-new to dog training and want to start your own training business, this course will help you get started the right way. Maybe you’ve been training dogs as a hobby, and would like to start offering classes or taking private clients. Established professionals can also benefit from taking Become a Pro Dog Trainer - this comprehensive overview is designed to highlight areas of knowledge and expertise all trainers should have.
Will I be a master / expert / certified / amazing dog trainer after taking this course?
Become a Pro Dog Trainer is designed specifically to help you get your dog training business off the ground. In Become a Pro Dog Trainer, you’ll learn dog training techniques and coaching skills needed to start or enhance your dog training business. We’ll also cover dog training business how-tos, such as designing training plans and how to run private lessons and group classes. You’ll receive training handouts you can customize for your business, as well as a free 6-week Basic Obedience Class Outline. There are several certifying bodies for dog trainers in the United States, and some courses and schools may offer branded certificates of completion or diplomas. This course is designed to educate new trainers or provide support to existing dog trainers - it is not a certification.
When does the course start and finish?
The course is available to subscribers at any time. You will be charged a monthly subscription fee. You may cancel at any time.
How long do I have access to the course?
Course materials are available to enrolled students until you cancel your subscription.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Course Curriculum


  Introduction
Available in days
days after you enroll

Your Instructor


Sarah Filipiak CDBC, BSJ
Sarah Filipiak CDBC, BSJ

Dog lovers, aspiring pros and established trainers all have one thing in common—we want to give dogs the best lives possible. But how do you get from where you are today (an amateur) to tomorrow's (expert) level of skill? The answer: education! Whether it is writing training plans, designing behavior interventions, improving your intake, communicating with clients, implementing effective training sessions, or marketing your services, my courses will help teach you what you need know to level up your coaching and training skills to help more dogs.

My resume includes service as past executive director, president, and a five-year board term at IAABC, fostering dogs for local rescues. I'm a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with IAABC, and I hold a degree in magazine journalism from Ohio University. I teach the APDT’s popular course, Dog Training 101: What Every Dog Trainer Should Know, and offer a Beginning Behavior Consulting mentorship at the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

I believe all dogs deserve a humane education, and to enjoy the Five Freedoms set forth by the Farm Animal Welfare Council. My training adheres to the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive approach, which requires both competency and skill, and the treatment of every animal and client as an individual.


This course is ongoing, and subscribed students receive access to materials until they cancel their subscriptions. Enroll now!

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