Become a Certified Group Dog Training Instructor 

• Dog enthusiasts who have participated in training classes 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 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. 

• A strong foundation in canine learning theory and behaviour science. 

• Practical skills to plan and lead safe, effective, and engaging group training classes. 

• Hands-on experience working with a variety of dogs under expert supervision. 

• Hands-on experience coaching others. 

• Coaching and mentorship from our expert certified trainers. 

• A supportive learning environment that values positive reinforcement, ethical practice, and evidence-based methods. 

If you are ready to enter the world of professional dog training—or just want to see if this path is right for you—we’d love to hear from you. 

• Start Date: October 28, 2025 

• Duration: 23 Weeks 

Phase 1: Classroom Learning 

• October 28, 2025 to December 18, 2025 

• Tuesday and Thursdays, 7pm-9pm, each week 

• Note: students will attend with their own dog present for applied dog training mechanical skills modules weeks 2 through 4 

Phase 2: Practicum Part One: Instructor Shadowing and Classroom Assistance 

• Week of January 4, 2026 to Week of March 15, 2026 

• Students will choose one 4-hour shadow shift per week for 10 consecutive weeks  

Phase 3: Practicum Part Two: Group Class Teaching and Written Exam 

• Week of March 16, 2026 to Week of April 5, 2026 

• Each student will teach between 6-8 hours of dog training classes over one full weekend day or two 4-hour weeknights with a certified instructor present.  

Phase 4: Practical Examination 

• Timeline: April 6-April 26, 2026 

• Students will schedule their individual practical examinations during the examination period above.  The examination will assess the student’s training and coaching skills over a 2-hour teaching shift. Examination timeslots will be posted towards the end of Phase 3. 

Successful graduates will be awarded the credential Certified Group Training Instructor. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CERTIFIED GROUP TRAINING INSTRUCTOR COURSE GUIDE

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 Blumentha 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.