Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a certified dog trainer in Canada And Worldwide?
The best way to become a certified dog trainer is to take the CCS Certification Course. CCS provides an international, professional, online or correspondence, positive dog training certification career course that’s second to none. Upon successful completion of all three of our modules you will earn your CCS Certification & Designation.
Example: Lisa Hoffman, CTB.ccs
(Certified Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist of Canine Correspondence Studies)
Visit our About CCS page to learn more about our course.
How long does it take to complete the CCS dog training course?
Because each student sets their own pace for a stress-free study program, the length of time it takes to complete the course depends on your time and goals. We’ve had students graduate in as little as two months putting in a few hours a day and others who have taken years for various reasons. The average length of time is approximately 5 months.
Visit our Certification page to learn more about CCS certifications.
How much does it cost to become a CCS certified dog trainer?
Our fees are based on how many modules you wish to purchase at one time, as there is a discount for purchasing multiple modules. Successful completion of all three modules is required to earn your CCS Certification & Designation. Remember that our fees are inclusive with no hidden charges and don’t forget to ask about our current special!
Visit our Course Options & Fees page for more information.
What methods do you teach at Canine Correspondence Studies?
We only support and teach positive dog training techniques. You will learn the four quadrants of operant conditioning, and discuss the uses and consequences of aversive tools and techniques.
Visit our About CCS page to learn more about what our courses cover.
What does positive dog training mean?
When we discuss “positive” training we are referring to the fact that we strive to ensure that each dog’s experience is as pleasant as possible throughout the process of dog training, behaviour modification and on a grander scale, life in general. It means that we never knowingly or intentionally intimidate, frighten or hurt a dog to stop unwanted behaviour or for any reason. It means that positive is not just what we do – it’s who we are. It means that we’re benevolent leaders by being proactive instead of reactive. It means that we strive to be pleasant and consistent in all our interactions with our dogs, students, clients, families, friends, strangers and ourselves. Scientifically proven, positive training is not only about dog training, but a way of life.
Visit our About CCS page to learn more about positive dog training.
Is CCS certification accredited?
There is no government recognized certification for dog trainers anywhere in North America. Your certification is only as good as the course you choose and your ability to apply the information. Unlike many courses, our course includes testing of both comprehensive and practical skills.
Visit our Certification page to learn more about CCS certifications.
What are your graduation requirements?
Our graduation requirements include a written examination with true/false and multiple-choice questions for each of the three modules, as well as thirteen practical assignments to be submitted on video via email, YouTube, USB flash drive or DVD.
A minimum score of 90% is required to pass each exam. If you do not earn 90% you’ll be given the opportunity to re-write the exam as often as necessary in order to pass at no additional charge.
If any of your video assignments are not up to standard you’ll be given as many opportunities as necessary to re-submit your practical exercises at no additional charge.
Visit our certification page for more information about what you’ll receive when you graduate from our course.
What materials are included in the CCS dog training course?
Our dog training course consists of 3 modules including:
- 42 Manuals
- 31 Videos
- 112 Quick Reference & Client Handout Files
You will learn everything from positive training methods to solving behavioural problems. Visit our curriculum page for more information about the course.
Can your courses be completed if I don’t have a dog?
We’ve had many students successfully complete the CCS course when they didn’t have a dog. In this case they borrowed dogs from family and/or friends, and/or volunteered at local Humane Societies in order to apply their skills and submit their practical exercises. Others posted ads at local pet stores and/or vet clinics to locate dogs to work with free of charge.
Do I have to work with aggressive dogs in your course?
No. It is not a requirement to work with aggressive dogs to complete our course. However, in our Professional Canine Aggression Therapy module you will learn about canine communication and body language, fear, aggression, identification, prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.
Visit our Curriculum page to learn about the Professional Canine Aggression Therapy module.
Do I have to take all three modules?
You are welcome to take whichever modules suit you however, even in puppy class you will work with dogs with behaviour problems such as puppy biting, jumping up and housebreaking along with a myriad of other problems. Training is not just about creating behaviours and putting them on cue, it also involves helping people overcome behaviour issues with their dogs.
There is rarely a class that I teach, whether it’s the first week of puppy training or the last week of advanced where I’m not asked about at least one behaviour problem. A good dog trainer is also well versed in canine behaviour and solving behaviour problems. Our Canine Behaviour and Aggression Therapy modules will prepare you answer all their questions and help prevent and solve their behaviour issues.
We’ve often had puppies come in to their first week of puppy class shaking with fear. Unfortunately, fear accounts for most dog bites. So unless we can nurture confidence in these pups before the end of the socialization period, they are likely to grow into anxious, fearful, anti-social, reactive and/or aggressive dogs. By fully understanding canine fear and aggression we have the best chance to intervene immediately and turn these potentially aggressive dogs into wonderful
dogs with resilient and confident temperaments. Remember, as professional dog trainers, it’s our job to make things better, never worse!
Where can I find a copy of CCS’ dog trainer certification syllabus?
A complete course syllabus is available on request. Please reach out to us.
Are hardcopies of your course materials available?
Hard copies are available for an additional charge – all inclusive (including tax and shipping where applicable). There are no hidden fees.
Visit our Course Options & Fees page to see a full list of pricing.
What are your payment options?
We accept the following payment options:
- E-Transfer
- PayPal
- Cheque/Certified Cheque
- Cash
Visit our Course Options & Fees page to learn more.
Do you offer a payment plan?
We do not offer a specific payment plan, but you are welcome to purchase each of the three modules one at a time at your convenience.
Is mentoring available?
Yes. Norma Jeanne is available by phone or email for personal mentoring at no additional charge, even after graduation. You are also welcome to audit her training classes and assist when appropriate for no additional charge.
CCS also has hands-on mentors in many locations worldwide. Although mentoring with Norma Jeanne is included in your course fee, there is an additional charge to mentor with other CCS mentor trainers.
Visit our Mentorship page to learn more and get connected with other dog trainers.