Dog Obedience by Gina

I, of course, have always had a love for animals. In the past 15 years, my family and I have adopted four pit bulls. Long story short, over time, one of my pups acquired many anxiety issues and during the course of several years, some of those anxiety issues turned into aggression issues. After years of researching, my knowledge of dog behavior was expanding to the point that I really wanted to be able to help others with their dog problems. For the most part, my business consists of normal, common issues but my knowledge of some of the more severe problems is ever expanding.

I have earned my Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. I join over 2000 certificates worldwide.

Until the creation of the Certificate Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no true certification process for canine professionals. Many schools teach trainers and offer Certifications for their specific programs. These certificates, therefore, reflect the teachings and quality of a specific school. Other organizations offered take-home tests for "certification". These canine professionals are not monitored to ensure they are completing the task without any assistance or collaboration nor is the testing process standardized.

This unprecedented process was originally implemented by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the largest association of dog trainers in the world, founded by noted veterinarian, behaviorist and author Dr. Ian Dunbar. A task force of approximately 20 internationally known dog training professionals and behaviorists work for three years to research and develop the first comprehensive examination. Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) was hired to ensure the process met professional testing standards. APDT then created a separate, independent counsel – the Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainers – to manage the accreditation and pursue future development.

Candidates who pass the exam earn the title Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed and may use the designation CPDT – KA after their names. All certified trainers must earn continuing education credits to maintain the designations or take the exam again in three years.

I am, also, an honors graduate of Animal Behavior College. My year-long commitment to this program has provided me with a formal education in canine obedience training and understanding behavior and its motives. My certification, education and experience provide me the skills required to effectively and humanely train your dog while keeping alive the spark that makes your dog so special to you.

In addition to my certification, I am a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and I have a certificate of completion in pet CPR and First Aid. I am bonded and insured through The Business Insurers of the Carolinas.

I am a qualified AKC Canine Good Citizen instructor. I can teach your pup the manners necessary to achieve CGC status which is the first step toward Therapy Dog training.

I do not, however, consider myself qualified to be a “service dog trainer”. This entails a very specific training regimen that I am not qualified to offer....yet.