Become a certified dog trainer
United Pet Club certifies dog trainers who meet specific experience, background check, coursework, and exam requirements for its Canine Good Companion™ program. This page walks through eligibility and the full application process to become a certified dog trainer, start to finish.
Who is eligible to apply
United Pet Club requires at least two years of professional experience working with dogs before you can apply, whether that experience comes from training, behavior modification, work in a kennel or shelter, or a veterinary setting. Formal education in animal behavior or canine psychology is a plus, but it is not required.
You also need to have completed a recognized dog training program or apprenticeship. If you have earned titles with your own dogs in AKC, CKC, FCI, or United Pet Club competitions, particularly ones tied to obedience or behavior, mention them on your application. They strengthen your case even though they are not required on their own.
None of this replaces the application itself. Eligibility gets you in the door. The application, references, background check, coursework, and exams are what United Pet Club actually evaluates before certifying you as a Canine Good Companion™ trainer.
The application process, start to finish
1
Submit your application
Apply with your work history, any formal education, and details of the training program or apprenticeship you completed.
2
Provide two professional references
United Pet Club requires at least two references who can speak directly to your experience and skill working with dogs, not just your character generally.
3
Complete a background check
You will be asked to consent to a background check before moving forward. This applies to every applicant and is a standard step for anyone who will be certified to work with client dogs.
4
Complete online coursework
Work through United Pet Club's coursework covering canine behavior, positive reinforcement, and handling and safety procedures.
5
Complete supervised hands-on training
Train under the supervision of an already certified trainer, applying what the coursework covers to real dogs rather than only theory.
6
Pass the written and practical exams
Sit both a written exam and a practical exam demonstrating that you can train a dog to the Canine Good Companion standard. Full detail on what each exam covers is on our certification program page.
Why the references and background check matter
The two professional references and the background check are not formalities. Owners hand their dogs, and often their house keys, to certified trainers, and United Pet Club's certification only means something if it means something specific about who is holding it.
References should be people who have actually watched you work: a former employer, a colleague, a shelter or clinic supervisor, not personal friends. Choose references who can speak to how you handle a dog that is not cooperating, not just ones who like you.
The background check runs before United Pet Club moves your application further. Plan for it to take some time, and provide accurate information the first time rather than needing to resubmit.
What certification gets you
A checkable, defined credential
Instead of asking owners to take your word for it, you can point to a specific set of standards you have met: experience, background check, coursework, and passed exams.
A listing as a certified trainer
Owners looking for a certified trainer can be connected with you through United Pet Club.
A path toward becoming an evaluator
In some locations, certified trainers can also become CGC evaluators and conduct in-person testing, not just prepare dogs beforehand.
A structured way to keep learning
Continuing education and recertification keep your knowledge current instead of frozen at whatever was standard when you first trained.
What the coursework and exams cover
The coursework behind certification covers canine behavior and psychology, positive reinforcement techniques, obedience and manners training methods, socialization strategies, handling and safety procedures, and communication skills for working with owners day to day.
The written exam tests that knowledge directly. The practical exam asks you to demonstrate it: training a dog through exercises at the standard used in United Pet Club's puppy and adult dog certification levels, under observation. For the full curriculum breakdown and what each exam specifically covers, see our certification program page.
United Pet Club trainers are trained specifically in positive reinforcement methods. If you want detail on what that looks like in practice, our training methods page covers the approach in depth.
Staying certified
Certification is not a one-time achievement. United Pet Club requires recertification every two years, along with ongoing continuing education through workshops, seminars, or online courses in between.
That renewal cycle is what keeps the credential meaningful to owners. It tells them a certified trainer's knowledge reflects current methods and standards, not just whatever was taught the year they first certified.
Becoming a certified trainer: questions
How do I become a certified dog trainer with United Pet Club?
Apply with your experience and education, provide two professional references, pass a background check, complete United Pet Club's coursework and supervised hands-on training, then pass a written and a practical exam to earn the Canine Good Companion trainer credential.
What are the requirements to become a certified dog trainer?
United Pet Club requires at least two years of professional experience with dogs, a recognized training program or apprenticeship, two professional references, a passed background check, and passed written and practical exams. Formal education in animal behavior is a plus but not required.
How much experience do I need before I apply?
United Pet Club looks for at least two years of professional, hands-on experience with dogs, through training, behavior modification, or work in a kennel, veterinary clinic, or shelter.
Do I need a degree to become a certified dog trainer?
No. Formal education in animal behavior or canine psychology strengthens an application but is not required. Completing a recognized training program or apprenticeship and passing United Pet Club's exams matter more.
What happens during the background check?
Every applicant consents to a background check as part of United Pet Club's application process. It is a standard step for anyone who will be certified to work directly with client dogs.
What is on the written and practical exams?
The written exam covers canine behavior, positive reinforcement, and safety procedures. The practical exam has you train a dog through exercises at United Pet Club's certification standard under observation. Full detail on both exams is on United Pet Club's certification program page.
How often do certified trainers need to recertify?
United Pet Club certified trainers recertify every two years and complete continuing education, such as workshops or online courses, in between.
What can I do once I am a certified dog trainer?
United Pet Club certified trainers can work at training centers, start their own training business, partner with veterinary clinics or shelters, and be listed for owners searching for a certified trainer. In some locations, certified trainers can also become evaluators who conduct in-person testing.
Do competition titles help my application?
Yes. Titles you have earned with your own dogs in AKC, CKC, FCI, or United Pet Club competitions, particularly ones tied to obedience or behavior, strengthen an application, though they are not required on their own.
Ready to apply for certification
Contact United Pet Club with your experience and background, and we will walk you through the application process.