About
Nancy E. Tapia, B.S. University of Hawaii, CPDT-KA
Nancy Tapia has been working with dogs since 1999 and began training puppies and dogs in a classroom setting in 2001. In 2007 she received certification from Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and also became a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
About the CCPDT
The CCPDT is an independent dog certification program for trainers who meet the testing standards of the Professional Testing Corporation with strict testing and recertification procedures.
Application requirements, prior to certification testing include:
Trainer must have completed at least 300 hours of dog training experience within the past five years, most of which include teaching time as the lead instructor in a class setting. Letter of recommendation from a licensed veterinarian. Letter of recommendation from a private client; Letter of recommendation from and a professional colleague.
CCPDT testing for certification requirements:
Trainer must pass a 250-question examination covering instructor skills, animal husbandry, ethology (the science of animal behavior), learning theory, and training equipment.
Those who meet the requirements and pass the testing may use the title “Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed” or CPDT-KA.
About the APDT
The Mission of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is to advance the dog training profession through education and advocacy. They hold annual 4-5 day educational conferences and some of their guiding principles are to:
Provide educational resources to build professional members skill and enhance their dog training knowledge. Promote the use of reward-based training methods, thereby minimizing the use of aversive techniques. Educate trainers, allied animal professionals, the media, and the public about the value of training.