Become a Certified Dog Training Instructor 

• Dog enthusiasts who have participated in foundational level training classes or have trained their dogs independently using positive reinforcement, and want to explore the possibility of becoming a trainer.
• Professional dog walkers, pet sitters, or dog daycare staff looking to expand their skill set and services.
• Newly certified trainers seeking hands on group class or one on one training experience dealing with a variety of clientele
• Groomers and veterinary professionals (assistants, technicians, or veterinarians) seeking a deeper understanding of behaviour and training.
• Animal shelter or rescue workers and volunteers who want to build confidence in supporting dogs and adopters through training.
• Individuals considering a career shift into the world of canine training and behaviour, with previous dog handling or foundational positive reinforcement dog training experience

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SCHEDULE. 

Students can expect to complete approximately 1 hour a week of homework in Phase 1a, 1 to 3 hours a week of homework in Phase 1b, and a weekly reflection (approximately 20 minutes weekly) during Phase 2. Additionally, independent study of learning theory materials and training exercise instructions provided will be expected to successfully complete the CDTI theory and practical examinations.

Click Here to View Student Agreement and Click Here to View Toronto Humane Society Certified Dog Training Instructor Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Beverley McKee, BA, CDBC, CPDT-KA  

Beverley McKee is the Senior Manager, Public Services at Toronto Humane Society. In her role she oversees effective operation of the organization’s Public Services including Public Training Services; Pet Parent Support Network (PPSN); Retail Initiatives and Food Bank Programs. She is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). She is also a Fear Free Shelter Graduate, a Living and Learning With Animals Graduate under Dr. Susan Friedman, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University along with a certificate in Organizational Management from the Association for the Advancement of Animal Welfare.

Bev has published articles on dog behavior in industry publications serving both the animal behavior community and the veterinary medicine community and has presented on various animal behavior topics at international conferences. Bev has extensive program management, project management, business development and operations experience through leadership roles in both the entertainment industry and in animal welfare. Bev is the former chief operating officer for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, an organization for which she also served as board secretary for 3 years, and volunteers with both the IAABC as a project consultant and with the Shelter Playgroup Alliance as part of the Behavior and Enrichment Academy and Resource (BEAR) direct education team. Bev shares her home with two Australian Cattle Dogs, Luke (adopted from Toronto Humane Society) and Promise.They train and compete regularly in dog sports events and have achieved numerous sporting dog titles.  

Claire Blumenthal, B.Sc., CPDT-KA, Senior Certified Animal Trainer  

Claire Blumenthal is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, a Fear Free Certified Trainer, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Guelph. Claire joined the team at THS in 2022 as a part-time Certified Animal Trainer, and has since grown into the position of Senior Certified Animal Trainer. Claire loves helping pet parents improve the human-animal bond through humane training practices.  

Kyla Guercio, KPA-CTP, FFCT, FDM 

Kyla is a certified professional dog trainer with the Toronto Humane Society Public Training team. She has extensive experience working with shelter dogs as a former member of our shelter training team, and with pet guardians and their dogs both in group class settings and one on one. Kyla holds certification through the Karen Pryor Academy, Fear Free Pets and through the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course. 

Practicum Mentors: 

Lesly Taylor, CPDT-KA, CDTI 

Lesly has been training dogs and coaching clients since 2008 and takes joy in demonstrating the strength of the human-animal bond through positive reinforcement dog training. Lesly teaches group classes at Toronto Humane Society and other facilities, and is an accomplished dog sports competitor, reaching Master Champion level in Scent Detection. 

Stephanie Tran, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA 

Stephanie’s journey with dogs began in 2014 at Parker Pet Care as an Animal Care Attendant, evolving into a volunteer role at When Hounds Fly in 2016 and progressing to instructor by 2017, conducting group classes and private lessons, with a passion for working with reactive dogs. In 2024, Stephanie joined the Toronto Humane Society. She aims to inspire pet parents and enhance the human-animal bond. She shares her life with Mila, a German Shepherd mix who holds the Expert Trick Dog Title (ETD).