PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER CERTIFICATION
Learn to train the dog in front of you.
Build the judgment, practical skills, and business foundation to become a professional dog trainer.
✔️ online coursework ✔️ Real-dog practice ✔️ Individual guidance
$3,500 total tuition - Paid in full at enrollment
Learn Where you live
online, self-paced coursework
Practice with real dogs
Assignments reviewed by instructors
Bring Your Questions
Live classes & private mentorship.
Build a profession
Training, behavior & Business
step inside a real class ↓
Look past the label: 54 sec A real class conversation with Joe
INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Good training starts with better questions.
What does “aggressive” actually look like? Watch Joe help a student move from a label to the behavior happening in front of them.
This is the thinking you’ll practice: observe carefully, ask useful questions, and choose your. next step with a reason behind it.
“We can’t train to a word. We need to train to behavior”
THE COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL PATH
Learn the work. Build the profession.
Training
Develop clear communication, useful skills, and the ability to adjust your approach to the dog and handler
Learning, timing and progression
Hands-on practice with real dogs
Teaching owners to carry the work forward.
Behavior
Look closely at what a dog is doing and what may be contributing before building a plan.
Observation and case assessment
Planning, measuring, and adjusting
Safety, professional scope, and referral
Business
Connect your training skills to the everyday work of providing a responsible professional service.
Services and pricing
Client communication and expectations
Marketing and business systems
YOUR WORK GETS ATTENTION
Practice.
Get Feedback.
Keep developing.
Online learning still involves practical work. You submit training videos, written analysis, and case work so your instructors can understand whwat you’re doing and why.
1️⃣ Put the lesson into practice: Work with an appropriate dog and record what happens.
2️⃣ Show your work and your thinking: Submit the assignment for instructor review.
3️⃣ Use the feedback: Refine your skills and demonstrate the required competencies.
How your training videos are reviewed: 38 sec, Joe explains what she listens for and watches.
SUPPORT AS YOU LEARN
What one-on-one help feels like: 24 sec: Christy shares her experience as a student.
Have a question? Bring it with you.
“It helps you know you’re going in the right direction.”
Make use of live classes, case discussions, and one-on-one mentorship as you work through the program.
Weekly live coaching
Case Review
Individual mentorship
LEARN WITH JOE DICKINSON
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS OF
Joe is the founder and lead instructor of Western States K-9 College. Her work spans family dog training, behavior modification, rescue rehabilitation, and building a professional training business. She remains directly involved in student education and mentorship.
25 + Years
in professional dog training
10,000 +
Dogs worked with
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH THE WORK
A serious education. Room for real life.
For people entering dog training as a career, and pet professionals ready to add training to the work they already do.
Your Schedule: Self-paced coursework with live learning opportunities.
Weekly Planning: Approximately 3 - 5 hours per week.
Typical Completion: Approximately 6 - 12 months, depending on your pace and evaluation readiness.
Your Commitment: Practice, submit work, use feedback, and meet the certification standards.
FULL PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
$3,500
Total tuition - Paid in full at enrollment
✔️ Complete training, behavior, and business curriculum.
✔️ Practical assignments and instructor evaluation.
✔️ Weekly live coaching and case reviews
✔️One-on-one mentorship
✔️ Business and professional development.
Want to talk through your goals first?
Schedule a conversation with Joe ↗
You can enroll directly. A conversation with Joe is Optional
Good questions. Clear answers.
Here are a few things prospective students often want to understand before enrolling
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No prior professional dog-training experience is required. The program is designed for people beginning a professional path as well as people already working with dogs. You’ll need to commit to the coursework, practice, assignments and feedback.
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You practice with real dogs where you live and submit video, written analysis, or case work. Instructors evaluate your work and provide feedback. Live coaching, case review, and individual mentorship support your progress.
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You do not need to own your own dog to begin. You will need access to appropriate dogs for practical assignments. Depending on the assignment, that may be our dog or an appropriate dog belonging to a friend, family member, client or shelter.
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Yes. You can work through the coursework at your own pace. Allow approximately 3–5 hours each week for study and practical assignments. Your completion timeline depends on your progress through the required work and evaluations. If you’d like to discuss how this could fit your schedule, talk with Joe.
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It is a professional credential issued by Western States K-9 College after you complete the required curriculum and demonstrate the program’s competencies. Earning it involves practical assignments, evaluation, and required examinations. It does not guarantee employment or income.
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You can enroll directly in the full certification program. If you have questions about your goals, the workload, or whether the program fits your plans, you can schedule an optional conversation with Joe before deciding. Full tuition os $3,500 is due at checkout.
WESTERN STATES K-9 COLLEGE
Make your next step toward professional dog training
Learn to observe, make decisions, teach people, and build your practice.