Certification Testing

Your practical test must arrive with payment in full, before you will given access to the on-line examination. You will be given specific training exercises that you must explain, followed by a demonstration with your dog of choice, in order to prove your practical abilities as both a teacher and dog trainer. This assignment must be mailed to the test centre in video or dvd format, in order to proceed with your examination.

EXAMINATION

You will be given a password to enter the CCS examination site. You must only enter the site when you are ready to begin the test, as the site will close when your allotted time has run out. A 90% average is required to pass.

PROCESSING

All tests will be processed within thirty days of completion of the written test as well as receiving your practical assignment as well as payment in full.

To arrange for your certification examination, email Norma Jeanne at 2puppypower@rogers.com

EXAMINATION FEE

Non-IPDTA Members $385

APDT, NADOI, IAABC, IABC Members $350

IPDTA Members $300

Re-Testing $150

On-Site Certification Examination

Email Norma Jeanne for the next test date

Email: 2puppypower@rogers.com

Location: Puppy Power & Canine Communication Studies

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

What is Canine Communication Studies?

Canine Communication Studies is a Professional Pet Dog Training/Behavior Therapy Career Course written by Norma Jeanne Laurette. This course has been taught to students, many who have earned professional CCS certification across North America since 1994. Many graduates of this program are now running successful professional dog training and related businesses as a direct result. The CCS program is available on-site in Kitchener. Due to high demand, a CCS Certification Examination for Professionals working in the dog training field is now available.

What is CCS Certification?

As of January 2007, no accreditation is awarded without successful completion of both modules.

As of January 2007, a minimum 90% average is required for successful completion.

There is no official government recognized certification in North America

As of this date there is no government recognized certification for those in the dog training industry, in Canada or the United States. Currently, each professional is only certified by the school they attend. Canine Communication Studies is one of the most respected professional Dog Trainer/Behavior Therapist programs in North America. CCS certification is proof that at the time of examination or completion of the CCS program, the trainer successfully completed both written and practical examinations to prove their ability to train dogs, understand canine behavior, learning theory, pet dog training and behavior modification techniques, and have lived up to Canine Communication Studies standards. These standards include the use of compassion and integrity in the operation of their business and a commitment to the well-being and humane treatment of dogs and their owners. If a graduate does not live up to CCS standards, their certification is revoked. All graduates currently certified by CCS are listed below. click here

What is a "behaviorist"?

Note: A canine behavior consultant/therapist is not an "Animal Behaviorist." In February 1991, professional certification for "Applied Animal Behaviorists" became available through the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). The ABS is the primary professional organization in North America for the study of animal behavior. Certification provides a means for professional animal behaviorists to demonstrate that they meet the minimum educational, experiential and ethical standards of a professional applied animal behaviorist as determined by the ABS. These standards include a graduate degree in a behavioral science (or a DVM plus a university approved residency in behavior), professional experience which demonstrates an ability to work independently and professionally, and endorsement for three regular ABS members.

What is a "behavior consultant or behavior therapist"?

Therefore, CCS certification and certifications other than ABS certification gives you the right to call yourself a Canine Behavior Consultant or Behavior Therapist, but not a "Behaviorist." Those who have graduated the entire Canine Communication Studies professional program including the training and behaviour modules, or have successfully completed the CCS Certification examination with a minimum average mark of 90% are certified by Canine Communication Studies and have earned the right to put the initials CTB.ccs (Certified Dog Trainer/Behavior Therapist by Canine Communication Studies) after their name.

If the CCS student has only completed the behavior therapy module

Those that have only completed the Canine Behavior module of the program have earned the right to put the initials CB.ccs after their name, meaning that they have successfully completed the "Canine Behavior" module of the CCS course. They are not considered "Behavior Therapists" until they have completed the Professional Pet Dog Training module as well because many of the behavior modification programs include training exercises.

Note: As of October 1, 2007, if a student chooses to take the Training and Behaviour modules separately, the Behaviour module MUST be completed first.

If the CCS student has only completed the professional pet dog training module

Those who have only completed the Professional Pet Dog Training module of the program have earned the right to put the initials CT.ccs after their name, meaning that they have successfully completed only the "Pet Dog Training" module of the CCS course. They are not considered "Certified Dog Trainers" until they have completed the Canine Behavior Therapy module as well because an understanding of canine behavior and solving behavior and aggression problems is crucial to being an effective dog trainer.

Note: As of October 1, 2007, if a student chooses to take the Training and Behaviour modules separately, the Behaviour module MUST be completed first.

What is a CCS certified trainer?

No trainer is "certified" by CCS as a "Certified Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist" until both the behaviour therapy and pet dog training modules have been successfully completed. This is because one cannot be a good trainer without a thorough understanding of canine behaviour, and one cannot be a good behaviour therapist without a thorough understanding of training techniques. Upon successful completion of both modules, if a student has successfully completed the written and practical certification examinations, the trainer or CCS graduate earns the right to put the initials CTB.ccs after their name. Those with CB.ccs after their name has successfully completed only the Canine Behaviour portion of the course. Those with CT.ccs after their name have successfully completed only the Professional Pet Dog Training portion of the course. Certification will not be granted to those using tools or techniques that do not live up to CCS and/or IPDTA standards for humane dog training. Certification will be revoked if it is proven that a certified trainer begins to use, teach and/or support such tools and/or techniques.

Exam Information

The certification examination includes 100 multiple choice questions as well as a practical, hands-on examination.
The written portion of the exam is worth 60% and the practical portion 40%.
A Passing grade is 90%

Questions written by;

Norma Jeanne Laurette, Dog Trainer/Behavior Therapist

and Kathy Currie-Eyers, CTB.ccs

Eligibility

A complete application.
Full payment of the examination fee.
A minimum of 40 hours training experience for Level One Certification or the applicable hours of experience for higher Levels of Certification within the last six years. (See Levels of Certification)
These hours must include at least 50% of the experience as a head instructor/trainer. The remaining 50% can include Animal Care, SPCA experience, Classroom or Private Training Assistant, Veterinarian, Vet Technician, Groomer, Dog Daycare Worker or Breeder.
A minimum Grade 10 diploma.
References from each of the following; - Veterinarian - Client - Another Trainer or Dog Daycare Worker.
The applicant must vow to live up the CCS and IPDTA standards for humane dog training.

Levels of Certification

The examination is the same for all levels.

The certificate earned will reflect the individual's hours of practical experience.

Level One Certification

For trainers with under 50 hours teaching experience.

Level Two Certification

For trainers with 50 to 99 hours teaching experience.

Level Three Certification

For trainers with 100 to 199 hours teaching experience.

Level Four Certification

For trainers with 200 to 299 hours teaching experience.

Level Five Certification

For trainers with 300 to 349 hours teaching experience.

Bronze Certification

For trainers with 450 to 599 hours teaching experience.

Silver Certification

For trainers with 600 to 799 hours teaching experience.

Gold Certification

For trainers with 800 to 999 hours teaching experience.

Platinum Certification

For trainers with 1000 and over hours teaching experience.

Examination Fees

Non-IPDTA Members $385

APDT, NADOI, IAABC, IABC Members $350

IPDTA Members $300

Re-Testing $150

Group Discounts

2 trainers - 2% discount

3 trainers - 4% discount

4 trainers - 6% discount

5 trainers - 8% discount

6 trainers - 10% discount

7 trainers - 12% discount

8 trainers - 14% discount

9 trainers - 16% discount

10 trainers - 18% discount

11 to 15 trainers - 20% discount

Over 15 trainers - 30% discount

(Group payments must be sent in one package)

Testing Available at your Canadian Location

Additional Charge for USA

for 10 trainers (5% discount)

11 to 15 trainers (7.5% discount)

Over 15 trainers (10% discount)

Examination Dates

Contact Norma Jeanne for the next examination date

Email: 2puppypower@rogers.com

C.C.S. Certified Trainers and/or Behaviour Therapists

Those with only CB.ccs or CT.ccs (as oppose to CTB.ccs)

ARE NOT CCS CERTIFIED DOG TRAINERS

Note: No trainer is "certified" by CCS as a "Certified Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist" until both the canine behavior therapy and professional pet dog training modules have been successfully completed. This is because one cannot be a good trainer without a thorough understanding of canine behavior, and one cannot be a good behavior therapist without a thorough understanding of obedience training techniques. Upon successful completion of both modules, or has successfully completed the certification examination, the trainer or CCS graduate has earned the right to put the initials CTB.ccs after their name. Those with CB.ccs after their name has successfully completed only the Canine Behavior portion of the course. Those with CT.ccs after their name has successfully completed only the Professional Pet Dog Training portion of the course.

As of January 2007, certification (including the right to put initials after their name) is only earned by completing both the pet dog training and canine behaviour therapy modules of the course, and the behaviour module must be completed first. Those who have successfully completed only one module after January 2007 are listed below without initials. Certification will not be granted to those using tools or techniques that do not live up to CCS and/or IPDTA standards for humane dog training. Certification will be revoked if it is proven that a certified trainer begins to use, teach and/or support such tools and/or techniques.

Barrell, Charlene, CB.ccs, Hot Springs, British Columbia, CA

Barrett, Kim, CTB.ccs, Kitchener, Ontario, CA

Bayaert, Mike, CTB.ccs, Delhi, Ontario, CA

Brannen, Monica, CTB.ccs, Cambridge, Ontario, CA

Brennan, Shannon, CTB.ccs Zurich, Ontario, CA

Byler, Ingrid, CB.ccs, Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA

Bray, Carolyn, CTB.ccs, Markham, Ontario, CA

Brown, Patricia, CB.ccs, Georgetown, Ontario, CA

Bonnar, Laura Lee, CB.ccs, Margaret Village, Nova Scotia, CA

Cleghorn, Carrie, CTB.ccs, Waterloo, Ontario, CA

Croezen, Jessica, CTB.ccs, Kitchener, Ontario, CA

Currie-Eyers, Kathy, CTB.ccs, Barrie, Ontario, CA

Crowe, Anne, CTB.ccs, Breslau, Ontario, CA

Czarny, Sandra, CTB.ccs, Ottawa, Ontario, CA

D'Arcy, Erin, CTB.ccs, Cambridge, Ontario, CA

Davison, Kimberly, CTB.ccs, Waterloo, Ontario, CA

Dawson, Cheryl, CB.ccs, Kitchener, Ontario, CA

Day, Chrissy, CB.ccs, Bell River, Ontario, CA

Dearlove, Kelly, CTB.ccs, Bayfield, Ontario, CA

Donnelly, Carolyn, CTB.ccs, London, Ontario, CA

Drakes, Frances, CB.ccs, Hastings, Barbados

Drakes, Sydney, CTB.ccs, Hastings, Barbados

Shelley Dyer, CB.ccs, Conifer, Colorado, USA

Eckhardt, Sherie, CTB.ccs, Waterloo, Ontario, CA

Farmer, Crystal, Port Medway, CB.ccs, Nova Scotia, CA

Ford-Waldron, Robyn, CTB.ccs, Stratford, Ontario, CA

Forto, Robert, Ph.D., CTB.ccs, Littleton, Colorado, USA

Friedman, Andrea, CB.ccs, Elora, Ontario, CA

Gallant, Shawn, CTB.ccs, Brampton, Ontario, CA

Gastmeier, Catharine, CTB.ccs, Caledon, Ontario, CA

Golebiowski, Christie, CB.ccs, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA

Gottschalk, Sylvia, CTB.ccs, Kitchener, Ontario, CA

Goul, Cheryl, CB.ccs, Barrie, Ontario, CA

Goul, Tom, CB.ccs, Barrie, Ontario, CA

Greenwood, Janet, CTB.ccs, Guelph, Ontario, CA

Hamilton, Bonnie, CTB.ccs, Nelson, British Columbia, CA

Sue Heraid, CB.ccs, Elk Point, Alberta, CA

Herla, Sherry, CTB.ccs, Kitchener, Ontario, CA

Hole, Kathleen, CB.ccs, Chatham, Ontario, CA

Hurley, Dominique, CTB.ccs, Calgary, Alberta, CA

Johnson, Kelly, CTB.ccs, Barrie, Ontario, CA (Certified by Canada's 1st Certification Testing)

Kwong, Stephanie, Richmond Hill, Ontario, CA - Behaviour Grad June 2007

LaPoint, Brandi, CB.ccs, Mitchell, Ontario, CA

Lee, Jodi, Thornhill, Ontario, CA - Behaviour Grad June 2007

Levasseur, Debbie, CTB.ccs, Moncton, New Brunswick, CA

Lavigne, Marlene, CTB.ccs, Guelph, Ontario, CA

Liste, Tanya T., CB.ccs, Flamborough, Ontario, CA

McFarland, Tamara, CTB.ccs, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA

McLean, June, CB.ccs, Westville, Nova Scotia, CA

McManus, Debbie, CB.ccs, Elora, Ontario, CA

McMullen, Sue, CTB.ccs, Moffat, Ontario, CA

McLean, June, CB.ccs, Westville, Nova Scotia, CA

Montgomery, Heather, CB.ccs, Washago, Ontario, CA

O’Neill, Linda, CTB.ccs, Kitchener, Ontario, CA

Prange, Melissa, CB.ccs, Fort St. John, British Columbia, CA

Price, Laura, CTB.ccs, Wainfleet, Ontario, CA

Reed, Jennifer, CTB.ccs, Guelph, Ontario, CA

Reynolds, Debbie, CTB.ccs, Markham, Ontario, CA (Certified by Canada's 1st Certification Testing)

Rogers, Adrianna, CTB.ccs, Maple, Ontario, CA (Certified by Canada's 1st Certification Testing)

Rooney, Keith, CB.ccs, Missausauga, Ontario, CA

Ruiter, Wendy, CB.ccs, Guelph, Ontario, CA

Schulte, Cindy, CB.ccs, Witicha, Kansas, USA

Sekel, Diane, CB.ccs, Welland, Ontario, CA

Sims, Jennifer, CB.ccs, Musq. Harbour, Nova Scotia, CA

Spencer, Jessica, CTB.ccs, Waterloo, Ontario, CA

Strang, Jo-Anne, CTB.ccs, Windsor, Ontario, CA

Szczgyiel, Tara, CTB.ccs, Guelph, Ontario, CA

Tingley, Muriel, CTB.ccs, Hillsborough, New Brunswick, CA

Thaiss, Shirley, CTB.ccs, Guelph, Ontario, CA

Walpole, Katie, CTB.ccs, Guelph, Ontario, CA

Ware, Renee, CB.ccs, Canaan, Hew Hampshire, USA

Watson, Mary, CTB.ccs, Guelph, Ontario, CA

White, Charlie, CTB.ccs, Mitchell, Ontario, CA

White, Cheryl, CTB.ccs, Milverton, Ontario, CA

Wiseman, Leslie, Ajax, Ontario, CA - Behaviour Grad June 2007

Zimmer, Charly (Tammy Lynn), Kelowna, British Columbia, CA

Sample Questions

Choose the best answer for each of the following questions:

A. Your first concern when using a head halter is...

Shape of the dog's head.
Proper fit.
Proper technique.
Temperament of the dog.

B. A dog can hear...

As well as a human.
Four times better than a human.
As well as a cat.
Four times better than a cat.

C. The most important question when screening your clients for class is...

The breed of dog.
How does the dog react to new dogs and people?
The age of dog.
Is the dog spayed/neutered?

D. Negative punishment means...

To add something bad to decrease a behavior.
To remove something good to decrease a behavior.
To remove something bad to increase a behavior.
To add something bad to increase a behavior.

E. Operant conditioning is...

Teaching a new behavior.
The use of positive reinforcement.
Stimulus control.
Controlling the consequences.

Correct Answers

A-4 B-2 C-2 D-2 E-4

Study Guide

(Coming Soon - Complete Study Guide in CCS K9 Trivia Game)

Instruction Skills

Motivational Skills
Class Outlines
Handouts & Manuals
Teaching Exercises
Demonstrations
Assisting the Instructor
Dealing with Problem Dogs
Dealing with Varying Needs

Customer Relations

Effective Communication
Dealing with Difficult Clients
Dealing with Special Needs Clients
Dealing with Problems
Dealing with Emergencies

Business Management

Safety Precautions
Facility Planning

Screening

Screening clients for health issues
Screening clients for temperament issues
Referrals

Learning Theory

Operant Conditioning
Classical Conditioning
Positive & Negative Reinforcement
Positive & Negative Punishment
Primary & Secondary Punishers
Primary & Secondary Reinforcers
Reinforcement Schedules
Counter-Conditioning
Systematic Desensitization
Flooding
Targeting
Shaping
Prompting
Extinction
Habituation
Rewards
Aversives
Timing
Stimulus Control
Terminology

Behavior

Critical Periods of Development
The Senses
Hormones & Behavior
Exploratory Behavior
Excitability
Eating Behavior
Fear & Submission
Aggression

Behavior Problems

Attention-Getting Behavior
Barking
Mouthing & Biting
Car Sickness
Chasing
Chewing
Coprophagy
Counter-Surfing
Digging
Housebreaking
Jumping Up
Marking
Mounting
Separation Distress

Canine Communication

Body Language
Calming Signals
Vocalizations

Equipment

Collars
Halters
Leashes
Life Lines
Clickers
Citronella Products
Remote Citronella Products
Abuse & Equipment

Revocation of Certification

Certification will be revoked for the following reasons;

The candidate misrepresents him/herself or knowingly puts false information on the application.
Making slanderous or libelous statements against other trainers.
The candidate is charged with animal cruelty or neglect.
The candidate misrepresents his/her level of certification.

Certification has been revoked from two CCS graduates due to questionable practices. Please confirm the legitimacy of any trainer claiming to be CCS certified before hiring them.
All certification is issued by Canine Communication Studies, all claims to accreditation by Puppy Power are false. (To see list of CCS certified trainers click here)

Examination Regulations

All candidates must show picture proof of identification to gain admittance to the testing site.

Candidates must not bring a dog to the testing unless previously arranged.

No reference materials will be allowed in the test area.

All cell phones and other devices must be turned off during the examination.

The time allotted for testing shall not exceed three hours.

Certification will be awarded only to those candidates earning a score of 70% or higher.

No candidate shall communicate in any manner with other candidates during the test.

Cheating will constitute an automatic failure.

All questions must be asked before the examination begins.

Test scores will be revealed to candidates only.

All marks will be revealed to candidates and certificates will be mailed out within two weeks of the examination date.

All candidates who pass the examination will be listed on this website.

Recommended Study Materials

Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume One, Adaptation and Learning, Steven R. Lindsay, Iowa State University Press, 2000

Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume Two, Etiology and Assessment of Behavior Problems, Steven R. Lindsay, Iowa State University Press, 2001

Excel-erated Learning, Pamela J Reid, Ph.D. James & Kenneth Publishers, 1996

Dog Behavior, Dr. Ian Dunbar, T.F.H. Publications, 1979

The Culture Clash, Jean Donaldson, James & Kenneth Publishers, 1996

Dogs are from Neptune, Jean Donaldson, Lasar Multimedia Productions Inc, 1998

How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks, Dr. Ian Dunbar, James & Kenneth Publishers, 1996

Professional Standards for Dog Trainers, M.T. Tucker (Editor) 2001

Guide to Humane Dog Training, Jane Ehrhardt (Editor), American Humane Society, 2001

Don't Shoot the Dog (Revised), Karen Pryor, Bantam Books, 1999

How Dogs Learn, Mary Burch and J Bailey, Hungry Minds Publisher, 1999

Calming Signals, Turid Rugaas, Author: Turid Rugaas, Legacy By Mail, Inc, 1997

Teaching Dog Obedience Classes, The Manual for Instructors, Joachim Volhard and Gail Tamases Fisher, Howell Book Inc, 1986 (includes some techniques not accepted by CCS)

Application Form

Canine Communication Studies Certification Examination

Test Location ___________________________ Test Date _____________________________________________
Number in Group _____________ CAPPDT Member _____________ IPDTA Member _______________________
CCS Student ___________________________ CCS Graduate __________________________________________
Name ______________________________________________________________________________________
Street Name & Number_________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________ Province/State _________________________________________
Day Phone _____________________________ Evening Phone _________________________________________
Email ______________________________________________________________________________________
Dog-related business owner - Specify _______________________________________________________________
Number of months & years business owner experience __________________________________________________
Number of employees __________________________________________________________________________
Employee at dog-related business - Specific __________________________________________________________
Number of months & years employee experience ______________________________________________________
Number of hours head instructor/trainer experience in the last six years ______________________________________
Number of hours other than head instructor/trainer in the last six years _______________________________________
Specify position held other than head instructor/trainer ___________________________________________________
Number of months & years as a professional head instructor/trainer _________________________________________
Number of months & years as other than a professional head instructor/trainer _________________________________
Number of hours as an apprentice __________________________________________________________________
Number of times you've taken this exam previously _____________________________________________________

Canine Communication Studies Certification Examination

Contract, Agreement and Release Form

I understand that C.C.S. Certification is not government certification.
I understand that once my application and fee is received that a refund of no more than and no less than $50 will be honored only if a request for refund is received in writing within thirty days after the testing date.
I understand that this contract is non-transferable and non-refundable.
I understand that I am fully responsible for any and all use or mis-use of any and all information received from Canine Communication Studies in part or in whole.

Declaration I hereby declare that dogs are animals and as such can be unpredictable and have the potential of displaying unwanted behavior without warning.
Assumption of risk I understand that working with dogs is not without risk to myself, members of my family, guests, other people, dogs and possessions. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to all the above listed terms and accept full responsibility for any and all risks, injury or damage. By signing below I am assuming any and all risk to myself, any dog person or property.
Release from Liability Due to the unpredictability of animal behavior, I agree to hold harmless, and to release from Liability; Canine Communication Studies, C.C.S., Norma Jeanne Laurette, Norma Jeanne's Puppy Power, and/or Puppy Power, and any or all other related names and combination of names, or any assistants or affiliates, for any and all risks involved with Canine Communication Studies, dog handling, behavior and/or modification, and any and all direct or indirect results thereafter.
Indemnity I agree that since I am assuming all risk and releasing the above listed people and businesses from liability, that I will pay any and all costs to the above listed people and/or businesses as result of any and all collection, insurance claims, law suits or actions that is the result of the behavior or actions of myself, dog or anyone in my care.
Release I acknowledge that I have read fully and understand all information available about the Canine Communication Studies Certification Examination, and that I am setting my hand hereto delivering my signature freely, voluntarily and unconditionally. I hereby certify that all the information I have provided is accurate and correct.

Candidate Name (Please print) _______________________________________________________________________

Candidate Signature _______________________________________________________________________________

Date _____________________________ Witness_______________________________________________________

Date Received (office use only)_______________________________________________________________________

Payment

Number of applicants in group _________
Total cost per member $_________
Total cost for group $ _________