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
– 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.
Summer/Fall Session: Applications Open April 13, 2026
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
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.
Includes:
Tip: This helps us get to know you and your goals. Thoughtful, genuine responses are encouraged.
You’ll receive an email notification regarding your application status. If accepted, you’ll receive:
Waitlisted students will also be notified by email.
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