Since there are no U.S. government licensing requirements, a non-profit group wants dog trainers to become certified.
The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers is certifying dog trainers if they qualify by being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or the equivalent; having at least 300 hours of dog training experience within the last five years; having references from a veterinarian, a client and a colleague, and passing a 250-question exam that costs $350.
So far, about 1,000 trainers have been certified since the organization at ccpdt.org was established in 2001, The New York Times reported Saturday.
While most dog trainers don't have national certification, many have certification from a dog training school, the Times said.
© Copyright 2006 by United Press International
