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ABOUT IPDTA, CCS, CAPDT, APDT, CCPDT, CPDT & CBCC

12/29/2025

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By Norma Jeanne Laurette
International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA) logo
(IPDTA) International Positive Dog Training Association
(CCS) Canine Correspondence Studies
(CCPDT) Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers
(CAPDT) Canadian Association Of Professional Dog Trainers
(APDT) Association Of Professional Dog Trainers


​All of these are well-recognized, prominent organizations in the dog training industry.
  • IPDTA is an elite and exclusive, positive dog training association offering both certification and membership.
  • CCS is professional dog trainer certification career course teaching 100% positive dog training, behaviour and aggression therapy. CCS offers both CCS certification and IPDTA certification/membership.
  • APDT is a membership association that does not offer certification.
  • CAPDT is a membership association that does not offer certification.
  • CCPDT is a certifying body that does not offer membership or education.

International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA)


​www.IPDTA.org
​

The International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA) was founded in 2002 by Norma Jeanne Laurette. It’s a membership association that offers IPDTA certification, which is required to become a member.

Norma Jeanne joined the Canadian Association Of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT) shortly after its creation in 1994. Over the years she contributed as a conference presenter, columnist and ultimately Editor-in-Chief. She remained with the organization until 2002, when she rescinded her membership after CAPPDT refused to take a stand against abuse in the name of dog training.

Following her departure in 2002, she founded the International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA), the first organization of its kind dedicated exclusively to force-free, positive dog training. This positioned IPDTA as the pioneer in establishing positive, ethical and fear-free standards across the international dog-training profession.
In 2009, CAPPDT changed their name to Canadian Association Of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT). Since then, both CAPDT and APDT have followed in IPDTA’s footsteps by formally opposing harsh methods. CAPDT released an updated Code of Ethics in 2021 banning strong aversive tools, and APDT approved a 2023 position statement defining dog-friendly training and implementing a full ban on intentional aversive tools and punishment-based methods.

IPDTA remains an elite, specialized and mandated association that strictly prohibits aversive tools and techniques, and maintains its leadership as the first, force-free organization in the international dog-training industry.

IPDTA Certification Options

1. IPDTA Certification Examination
Earn the Certification and Designation: IPDTA-CDT
(IPDTA Certified Dog Trainer)

2. Professional Dog Trainer Certification Career Course
Offered through Canine Correspondence Studies (CCS)
Earn the Certification and Designation: CTB.ccs
(Certified Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist of Canine Correspondence Studies)

CCS graduates who commit to using only positive methods can request their IPDTA Certification & Designation at no additional charge adding the IPDTA Certification and Designation: CTB.ccs, IPDTA-CDT

(Certified Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist of Canine Correspondence Studies and IPDTA Certified Dog Trainer).
IPDTA provides a wide range of resources for dog trainers, aspiring trainers and the general public through the CCS Professional Dog Trainer Certification Career Course as well as published books, research and articles on their website.

Canine Correspondence Studies (CCS)


​www.DogTrainingCareers.com

Founded in 1994 by Norma Jeanne Laurette, Canine Correspondence Studies (CCS) was the first 100% positive dog trainer certification career course in North America. It was also the first positive dog training certification program to require practical skills assessment. In 2015, CCS transitioned to a fully online format while still offering the correspondence options including hard copies of manuals and DVDs, as well as hands-on mentoring worldwide.

Although a certificate is awarded for successful completion of each of the three modules, all three are required to earn the CCS certification and designation:
CTB.ccs (Certified Dog Trainer/Behaviour Therapist of Canine Correspondence Studies)

Module One – Professional Dog Training
Module Two – Professional Canine Behaviour Therapy
Module Three – Professional Canine Aggression Therapy

After earning the CCS certification and designation, graduates who use only positive methods can request an IPDTA certification/membership at no additional charge: CTB.ccs, IPDTA-CDT (Adding IPDTA Certified Dog Trainer)
CCS makes resources available to its students and graduates through lifelong access to the CCS course materials, including all new and updated materials that are added on a regular basis. It also offers educational opportunities to the general public through a series of published books and articles on its website.

Canadian Association Of Pet Dog Trainers (CAPDT)


​www.capdt.ca

CAPDT is a membership association and is the new name for the previous CAPPDT. CAPPDT was founded in 1994 by a small group of professional dog trainers including Andrew Perkins, Gillian Ridgeway and Roger Hild. In 2009 CAPPDT changed its name to CAPDT by the existing CAPPDT Board of Directors and committees.

CAPDT followed IPDTA’s lead in 2021 when it released an updated Code of Ethics banning strong aversive tools.
​
CAPDT does not offer certification, however it makes resources available to its members in the form of articles, videos and webinars as well as discounts on dog training books, topic specific courses, software and events.

Association Of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)


www.apdt.com

Established in 1993 by Dr. Ian Dunbar, APDT is a membership association focussed on dog trainer education through its annual conference and trade show, workshops, webinars and topic specific online courses.

APDT followed IPDTA’s lead in 2023 by adopting a total ban on intentional aversive tools and punishment‑based methods.
​
APDT does not offer certification.

Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)


​www.ccpdt.org

Established in 2001 by APDT International, CCPDT is an independent certifying body focused on standardized exams to validate professional knowledge and skills in dog training and behavior consulting.

CCPDT offers three certification options through examinations:

1. CPDT-KA® – Knowledge Assessed
2. CPDT-KSA® – Knowledge & Skills Assessed
3. CBCC-KA® – Certified Behavior Consultant Canine Knowledge Assessed

CCPDT does not offer membership, direct educational programs or resources but instead provides lists of courses, seminars, workshops, articles and events that can be used to earn the 36 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits that are required every 3 years for the trainer to maintain their certification.

Comparing Certifications

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  • Home
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