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Become a Certified Dog Training Instructor 

Are you ready to take your passion for dogs to the next level? Whether you’re a dedicated dog enthusiast, a seasoned pet professional, or an animal care worker looking to expand your skill set, our comprehensive 23-week certification course will give you the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience to lead group dog training classes with skill and heart. Through a blend of in-depth learning theory, practical teaching strategies, and guided practicum hours, you’ll develop the foundation to support both dogs and their people—safely, effectively, and compassionately. Graduates will receive accreditation as a Certified Group Dog Training Instructor, preparing them for professional roles in training schools, shelters, daycares, or private practice.   

This program is designed for individuals who are interested in becoming professional dog trainers. You don’t need prior teaching experience—just a strong interest in animal behaviour, a commitment to learning, and a desire to work with both dogs and their people.  

Four cohorts will be offered in 2026. 

Winter/Spring Session: Now Open for Applications 

  • Start Date: February 9, 2026  
  • Application Deadline: January 5, 2026 
  • Tuition: $3,000 
  • Cohorts offered: 2 

– Cohort 1 offered in person on Tuesdays, 6-9pm

– Cohort 2 offered in hybrid format: Phase 1a and 1b offered virtually, Thursdays, 6-9 pm. Phases 2 and 3 must be attended in person. 

  • Students must choose either cohort 1 or cohort 2 and remain with that cohort for the entire phase.
  • Cohort Size: 10 students   

 

Summer/Fall Session: Applications Open April 13, 2026 

  • Start Date: June 15, 2026  
  • Application Deadline: May 11, 2026 
  • Tuition: $3,000 
  • Cohorts offered: 2 
  • Cohort Size: 10 students  
  • 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. 

  • A strong foundation in canine learning theory and behaviour science. 
  • Practical skills to plan and lead safe, effective, and engaging dog training classes. 
  • Hands-on experience working with a variety of dogs and clients 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. 
 

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

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CERTIFIED DOG TRAINING INSTRUCTOR COURSE GUIDE

Date Description Class Times Details Duration
January 5, 2026 Application Deadline NA NA NA
January 9, 2026 Strongest applications receive offer letters NA Other eligible applications informed, waitlist offered NA
January 23, 2026 Acceptance and 1st Payment NA Waitlist spots offered by order of application receipt NA
February 10–March 26 Phase 1a Tuesdays, 6–9 pm In Person Classroom
OR
Thursdays, 6–9 pm Virtual Classroom
Learning Theory and Animal Behaviour Science Foundations 7 Weeks
February 20 2nd Payment Due NA NA NA
March 20 3rd Payment Due NA NA NA
March 31–May 7 Phase 1b Tuesdays, 7–8:30 pm In Person Classroom
OR
Thursdays, 7–8:30 pm Virtual Classroom
Phase 1b – Dog Training Skills (Dog Required) 6 Weeks
May 12–June 16 Phase 2 Various Shifts, Evenings or Weekends:
Training Hall at 11 River Street
Practicum – Group Class Assistant Instructor. One 2-hour shift weekly. 6 Weeks
June 22–July 17 Phase 3 Various Timeslots Available Evenings or Weekends:
Training Hall at 11 River Street
Practice Teaching, Practical and Written Exam Period 4 Weeks

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. 

Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

Includes: 

  • Contact information 
  • Brief personal background 
  • Dog training experience (classes attended, books read, skills practiced) 
  • Current profession and relevant experience (e.g., dog walking, daycare, veterinary, shelter work)  
  • Motivation for applying and what you hope to gain from the program  
  • Your unique interests, experience, and qualities that will support your success in the program 

Tip: This helps us get to know you and your goals. Thoughtful, genuine responses are encouraged. 

Step 2: Admission Decision

You’ll receive an email notification regarding your application status. If accepted, you’ll receive: 

  • A program overview 
  • A student agreement outlining expectations 
  • Payment and registration instructions 
  • Pre-course reading or assignments (if applicable)

Waitlisted students will also be notified by email.  

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