NEW: Now Available with an In-Person Externship!
Become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer
International Dog Training Professional™ | IDTP™
Dog training is a booming industry! Owners need help to turn their dogs into well-behaved members of the family, and they want someone qualified to help them achieve this goal. Whether you want to work in a training school, launch your own dog training business, or freelance as a private dog trainer, you'll graduate with all the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the dog training industry!
Dog Training Online Track
Get professional, self-paced online training with personalized feedback from your dog training mentor, entirely online. Master hands-on skills working with dogs from the comfort of home, with guidance from a pro trainer every step of the way. Perfect for aspiring dog trainers looking for comprehensive online training that's flexible and affordable.
NEW: Dog Training Externship Track
Get all the perks of our Dog Training Course PLUS extra practice with a hands-on externship placement with a professional dog trainer. Complete the online track of your course and start your externship placement working alongside an experienced professional dog trainer. You'll build your confidence and graduate with valuable industry connections
No matter which option you choose, you'll graduate with the knowledge, skills, and certification you need to succeed in the growing dog training industry.
Are you ready to start your amazing new career?
Tuition & Payment Plans
Select a track and payment plan that best suits your budget.
Prices are listed in US dollars.
Why Choose QC Pet Studies
Master a Science-Backed Approach to Training
Develop professional-level skills with comprehensive, expert-designed training that teaches proven, science-backed dog training methods you can confidently apply in real-world situations.
Personalized Learn with One-on-One Mentorship
At QC, you'll never learn alone. Your professional dog training mentor will provide personalized audio feedback and guidance on your assignments to help you build confidence and refine your skills.
Lifetime Enjoy Lifetime Access to Your Course
Revisit your training whenever you need it. As a QC student, you'll receive lifetime access to your course materials, business templates, student resources, and exclusive industry discounts.
Choose a Payment Plan that Works for You
With affordable tuition and flexible payment options, QC makes it easy to pursue your dog training education on a schedule and budget that work for you.
Your International Dog Training Professional Certification
Once you graduate from your online dog training course, you'll earn your International Dog Training Professional (IDTP) certification — a professional credential that demonstrates your training, knowledge, and ability to safely work with dogs and deliver effective, professional training services. Your certification never expires, and you'll have lifetime access with no renewal fees or annual dues required.
If you complete the Externship Track, you'll also receive an additional certificate of completion recognizing your additional hands-on training and real-world salon experience!
International Dog Training Professional™ | IDTP™
Hear From Students and Grads
QC Pet Studies is proud to have amazing students and grads pursuing their dream careers in the pet industry. Here are some of their success stories!
“Since enrolling in the course, I have successfully acquired several new clients and have acquired some amazing skills. Thank you for this opportunity!”
“I really enjoyed both courses and how easy the format was. Having everything in one place with no downloading needed, was very easy and convenient. I also appreciated the added touch of the interactive parts of the reading.”
“My experience with QC Pet Studies was awesome! The dog trainer course was very well structured and organized. What was expected of me in my assignments were clear and they were graded very promptly. I would definitely recommend QC Career School!”
“What makes the Dog Training course interesting is the videos you have to submit. Instead of only writing about what you learned and how you would handle a situation, you also had to show that you could do it. This also gave me more confidence for the future! In October 2025 I started my own business, Connecting K9 in Alexandria (Louisiana)”
“I love QC Pet Studies. I love that you can work at your own pace, and that you can pay off the classes monthly or faster if you'd like. The tutors give valuable insight and knowledge, and I feel like I'm going to be prepared for the working world. Since graduating from QC Pet Studies, I've obtained a job as a dog trainer at a major pet store. I have also started my own pet training business and have obtained clientele.”
“I had been thinking about dog training school for awhile but couldn't take the plunge until I found QC Pet Studies Dog Training Course. I decided to take the leap and I'm so glad that I did! I've learned so much and I've really enjoyed being able to study here to be a certified Dog Trainer. A dream I've had for years, now coming true”
Dog Training Course Outline
The Dog Training Course is split into six parts, each containing individual training units.
Before you learn about how to train dogs, you have to learn about dogs. This includes breed types and characteristics, how dogs communicate with each other and with humans, what constitutes normal and abnormal canine behaviors, and—most importantly—how dogs actually learn. Once you become an expert in canine behavior and communication, you'll be in excellent shape to start working with dogs to teach new behaviors and correct unwanted behaviors!
What you'll learn:
- guiding principles of dog training
- fundamentals of safe training
- ethology
- stages of development
- socialization stages
- canine communication
- calming signals
- fear responses
- problem solving
- learning theory
- applying learning theory
Now that you have a deep understanding of how dogs learn and communicate, you're ready to start applying training techniques to teach new behaviors and address unwanted behaviors. This course teaches scientifically-proven techniques and methods based on learning theory. You'll learn how to apply classical and operant conditioning principles to any type of training situation. Always remember: There is no magic formula that works for every dog, but every dog has a formula that will work for them.
What you'll learn:
- training methods
- luring
- shaping
- targeting
- modelling
- capturing
- mimicry
- motivations
- reinforcement schedules
- training tools
- addressing unwanted behaviors
A dog trainer's job isn't just to train dogs. As a trainer a big part of your job will be to teach people how to train their own dogs! This requires a unique set of skills that you'll have to develop. You have to understand how people learn and how to communicate your expertise to dog owners who are looking for help. This part of the dog trainer course will help you learn those skills!
What you'll learn:
- how to work as a trainer
- facilitating learning for clients
- teaching private lessons
- teaching group classes
- teaching skills
- strategies for teaching people
- communicating with dog owners
- preparing yourself for working with clients
You've learned and practiced all the skills you need to successfully work as a dog trainer. Now it's time to turn your finely honed skills into a business! The business training offered in this course is optional. However, this training will be hugely beneficial to your career if you intend to start your own dog training business, or if you're looking to get a job working for an established trainer. Business training is optional for the Online Track students, but includes mandatory components for those in the Externship Track. We encourage all students to take full advantage of this training to build valuable skills for running a successful dog training business.
What you'll learn:
- how to get your business started
- choosing a name for your business
- business insurance requirements and recommendations
- creating a business plan
- marketing techniques
- selling your services
Many professional dog trainers strive to pass the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) exam from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The CPDT is the gold-standard for dog trainers who have the knowledge and skills to train dogs using scientifically-proven methods. Your QC Dog training course teaches you everything you need to know to pass your CPDT exam. As an added bonus, you have access to an extra optional unit to help prepare you to write the CPDT exam!
This optional unit includes:
- Information about the Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) Exam
- Useful tips to help you prepare for your exam
- A practice quiz to help make sure you're ready!
If you choose the Externship Track, you'll be matched with a professional dog trainer in your area once you've completed the online portion of your course and paid your fees. Spend 40 hours working alongside an experienced trainer, honing your skills in a professional dog training environment, and gaining valuable industry insight as you complete your unpaid externship. Track your hours, receive mentorship and feedback from your host, and graduate with a certificate that showcases both your knowledge and hands-on experience.
As an Externship Track student, you'll also earn an additional professional certificate showcasing your advanced training and hands-on experience.
Note: Students who choose the Online Track will graduate with their International Dog Training Professional™ (IDTP) Certification upon completing the course.
Learn from an Industry-Leading Dog Trainer
QC's dog training course was developed in collaboration with renowned professional trainer Kim Cooper, owner and senior instructor of Best Friends Dog Training.
With 35 years of training experience, Kim competes in obedience, agility, tracking, and other sports with her own dogs—all using motivational, reward-based training methods. In particular, Kim loves to foster the special partnership that exists between a working dog and its handler, and specializes in training search-and-rescue dogs. Kim and her dogs have earned many search-and-rescue certifications as well as obedience and agility titles.
Get Personalized Feedback from Your Mentor
When you enroll with QC Pet Studies, you'll be paired with an expert training mentor who will review your work and provide detailed audio feedback on each assignment. With decades of industry experience, your mentor will offer valuable advice to help you succeed and improve as you progress through the course.
Bruno Baker
K9 Search and Rescue Specialist & Canine Educator
Bruno got his first dog over 30 years ago, fulfilling a lifelong yearning for a canine partnership. After distinguished careers with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Royal Canadian Air Force, he turned his lifelong passion for dogs into a professional career focused on canine teamwork and training. Today, he and his current partner, Mikaw, are dedicated to K9 Wilderness Search and Rescue. Drawing on decades of experience as an instructor, trainer, and leader, Bruno is passionate about helping dog owners and trainers build stronger partnerships with their dogs.
Susan Read
Certified Dog Trainer
Susan has over 35 years of dog training experience, specializing in Search and Rescue (SAR), obedience, rally, agility, and tracking. She is the head K9 trainer and handler with Georgian Bay SAR, Provincial K9 Coordinator for OSARVA, and the only OPP/OSARVA-certified live find dog handler in Central Ontario with her dog, Zena. A former school teacher and experienced instructor, Susan brings decades of hands-on training and teaching expertise to QC's dog training students.
21-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Try Any Course 100% Risk Free
After enrolling, you have 21 days to review your course materials. If the course isn't right for you, simply contact us for a full refund!
Access an Exclusive Virtual Community Where Creativity Thrives
Become a member of QC's supportive Virtual Community where pet care enthusiasts and professionals connect with mentors, share insights, and grow together. Tap into free webinars where top pet care experts reveal industry secrets, and participate in engaging discussions on everything from your latest training to your next career move. We're here to inspire and enhance your journey in the pet care field.
Join us in shaping the future of pet care.
Frequently Asked Questions
QC Pet Studies makes it easy to learn dog training from home with a flexible, self-paced online program. You'll study through:
- Step-by-step video tutorials
- Interactive reading materials
- Hands-on assignments with real dogs
Students upload assignment videos that demonstrate their dog training skills, and receive personalized feedback from professional dog trainers. The course covers everything from canine behavior to obedience training, correcting behavior and using positive reinforcement techniques.
Now, QC Pet Studies offers two flexible ways to learn dog training, so you can customize your training to fit your needs:
- Online Track: Learn from home through step-by-step video tutorials, reading materials, and hands-on assignments working with dogs. Practice techniques on real dogs, upload photos or videos of your work, and receive personalized feedback from professional groomers.
- Externship Track: Gain real-world experience by completing part of your training working in a professional setting and gaining practical experience under the guidance of experienced trainers, while still completing your online coursework.
When you graduate, you'll earn a professional Dog Trainer certificate that demonstrates your skills and prepares you for a career in the pet industry.
No prior professional experience is required! QC's online Dog Trainer course teaches everything you need to know from the ground up. While having experience with your own dog(s) can be helpful, it's not necessary to succeed.
You'll learn science-based training methods, canine behavior, and techniques to teach dogs effectively and humanely.
With QC's online courses, you work at your own pace. You decide how much time per week you want to spend developing your training skills. You can complete your dog trainer course and begin booking clients within three months. If you prefer to take your time, you have a full year to complete the course.
QC's dog training program is based on science-backed, humane training techniques. You'll learn to:
- Analyze canine behavior and teach dogs effectively
- Train with positive reinforcement
- Build trust and respect between handler and dog
QC's Dog Trainer course prepares you for success in various career paths, including:
- Working alongside experienced trainers
- Establishing an independent dog training business
- Teaching obedience or puppy classes
- Contributing to dog daycares, boarding facilities, or animal shelters
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a dog trainer is approximately $45,000, with experienced trainers earning more than $65,000 per year.