TCOTC is thrilled to announce that Scott McKenzie and Vanessa Niemi recently earned CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) credentials from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Trainers who have earned CPDT-KA certification have logged at least 300 hours of training experience and passed a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of dog training techniques, dog behavior, learning theory and ethics. CPDT-certified trainers also commit to LIMA, or Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive, training principles, which generally means using positive-reinforcement techniques to teach desired behaviors and avoiding using punishment to deter unwanted behaviors.
The CCPDT is an independent organization founded in 2001 to establish professional standards for dog trainers and to recognize trainers who adhere to humane, science-based training methods. Because dog training is largely unregulated, CCPDT certification gives dog owners assurance that their trainer has met certain minimum standards in knowledge and experience.
Becoming professionally certified was a natural next step for Scott, who first joined TCOTC in 2008 to train his first dog, a German Shepherd named Tucker. “Expanding my knowledge has always been important to me,” says Scott. “Having the club’s support in furthering my education and becoming certified improves my relationship with my dog and, I hope, improves my skills as an instructor.”
Likewise, Vanessa’s enthusiasm for dog training grew when she joined TCOTC to take classes with Baxter, her GSD, in 2015. She almost immediately decided to become a trainer herself, and has found working with people and their dogs to be very gratifying.
“Being an instructor at TCOTC has given me experience in positive reinforcement training,” says Vanessa. “Becoming certified through CCPDT has given me the knowledge as to why positive training works. Any time you learn more about the how and why of something, you become better at what you do. Having passed my exam, I look forward to applying my knowledge and sharing it with staff and students.”
“We’re extremely proud of Vanessa and Scott for joining the nearly 5,000 dog trainers worldwide who hold this certification,” says Anne Schenk, TCOTC’s executive director. “It’s a remarkable achievement and a sign of their dedication to best practices in dog training. TCOTC is fortunate to have such skilled and dedicated instructors.”