Professional Dog Trainer Certification with College-Level Mentorship, Business Coaching, and Career Support

Choose your certification path and build a real-world career with expert guidance at every step.

100% Online | Learn Anywhere, Anytime!

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100% Online | Learn Anywhere, Anytime! ⋆

The Professional Path to Becoming a Certified Dog Trainer Starts Here

This isn’t just a course—it’s a college-level certification experience designed to launch real careers in the dog training industry. You’ll gain expert mentorship, hands-on practice, business coaching, and long-term career support—whether you’re landing your first client or scaling your own training company.

A man with glasses, a cap, and a black hoodie taking a selfie with a yellow Labrador retriever that is holding a red leash in its mouth.

“Dog training isn’t just a skill - it’s a science, a business, and a calling.”

— Joe Dickinson, CEO, Founder, Owner & Lead Instructor

Four Specialized Certification Tracks. One Mission: Your Success.

Western States K-9 College offers a rigorous, results-driven education for aspiring and professional dog trainers. Each certification program combines college-level structure, expert mentorship, real-world application, and business-building strategies—giving you the confidence to launch, grow, and lead in the dog training industry. Whether you’re new to training or ready to build a thriving business, we have a path tailored to your goals.

A woman with glasses and a yellow sweater sitting at a table with a beagle dog, surrounded by digital devices and training manuals on dog behavior and training.

Full Professional Certification Program

Digital devices displaying dog training materials, including a computer with a photo of a person and a dog, a tablet, a smartphone, and printed pages, on a two-tone background with the text 'Dog Training Mastery' at the top.

Canine Foundations Certification Program

Promotional graphic for a behavior modification masterclass, featuring a computer monitor with a dog and person, a book titled 'Let's Talk About Behavior Modification for Dogs of All Ages and Breeds,' a tablet, a smartphone, and a printout of contents.

Behavior Specialist Certification program

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Canine Business and Leadership Program

You’re not just learning how to train dogs. You’re becoming a confident professional, equipped to transform behavior, lead clients, and launch a meaningful business.

This program is designed to meet you where you are — whether you’re:

  • 🐾 A dog lover looking to do more with your passion,

  • 🎓 A student building real-world expertise,

  • 💼 Or a future business owner ready to earn a living doing what you love.

Our courses blend real skill-building with the mindset, mentorship, and momentum you need to step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence.

This Is More Than a Course — It’s a Career Path

Real Support. Real Students. Real Results.

Your Success Story Starts Here

What Sets Our Program Apart

Most programs give you pre-recorded content and send you on your way. We do it differently.

  • Unlimited one-on-one private coaching during your program

  • Live group mentorship calls every month

  • Ongoing instructor feedback and personalized training plans

  • Continued business mentorship after certification

  • Lifetime access to resources and alumni support network

    You're never left navigating your career alone.

“The private mentorship calls were a game-changer.”
“I never felt alone — the support here is unmatched.”

About Our Certification Programs

Tap to explore each certification track in detail

  • “The all-in path to mastery, mentorship, and certification.”

    • Tuition: $3,500 or $350/month for 10 months

    • Format: Self-paced, fully online, with personalized coaching

    • Mentorship: Unlimited private coaching sessions, live group mentorship, and ongoing alumni career support

    • Business Coaching: Includes business startup and scaling mentorship to build a thriving dog training practice

    • Credential: Certified Professional Dog Trainer

    Best For:
    Entrepreneurs, career changers, and trainers committed to building a successful dog training business

  • “Every professional starts with a strong foundation.”

    • Tuition: $875

    • Format: Self-paced online training

    • Mentorship: 1 private session per month until certified + group support

    • Credential: Certificate in Canine Foundations

    Best For:
    Beginners, pet pros (walkers, groomers), serious dog owners seeking professional-level foundations

  • “The behavior we change changes lives.”

    • Tuition: $1,750

    • Format: Structured online coursework with instructor guidance

    • Mentorship: 2 private sessions per month + live group support

    • Credential: Certificate in Canine Behavior Specialization

    Best For:
    Trainers seeking advanced specialization in behavior modification, shelter professionals, and those ready to work complex behavior cases

  • “You don’t just train dogs—you lead a movement.”

    • Tuition: $1,250

    • Format: Self-paced with Instructor Feedback

    • Mentorship: 1 private session per month + group support

    • Credential: Certificate in Canine Business & Leadership

    Best For:
    Dog trainers launching a new business or Established trainers scaling an existing business

Where Can This Take You?
You're not just learning how to train dogs — you're building a professional career.

After certification, our students:

  • Launch their own dog training businesses 🐾

  • Work with private clients on obedience and behavior cases

  • Offer group classes and specialized training (scent, agility, herding, protection)

  • Support rescues and shelters with behavioral assessments

  • Build strong local reputations as trusted professionals

You’ll walk away with:

  • Real-world experience

  • Business coaching

  • A professional certification recognized by clients around the world

“I never thought I could do this for a living. Now it’s my full-time job.”

Why Western States K-9 College Works

A Real Education for Real Careers in Dog Training

✔️ College-Level Curriculum — Built for serious learners, structured for clarity
✔️ Step-by-Step Skill Building — Learn obedience, behavior, psychology, and advanced methods in a logical progression
✔️ Mentorship, Not Just Modules — Get 1:1 coaching and weekly group sessions to stay on track
✔️ Proven Methods, Real Results — Rooted in science and backed by 25+ years of experience training 10,000+ dogs
✔️ Business Training Included — Grow your client base, set prices, and build a sustainable career

What Students Love Most

This Isn’t Just a Course — It’s a Community and Career Launchpad

💬 Lifetime Access to All Materials — Come back anytime as you grow
🤝 Active Student + Alumni Community — Get support, swap ideas, and build confidence
📈 Ongoing Business Support — We don’t disappear after certification — we help you grow
🎓 Flexible and Fully Online — Learn from anywhere, on your schedule
📬 Fast Support + Weekly Check-Ins — You’re never left wondering what to do next

A woman with glasses and a braid, smiling, kneeling on a field of yellow flowers, holding two black and white dogs during sunset.

Which Program Is Right For Me?

Are you brand new to dog training?

  • Yes → Start with the Canine Foundations Certification

  • No → Continue below

  1. Are you already training dogs and want to specialize in complex behavior cases?

    • Yes → Enroll in the Behavior Specialist Certification

    • No → Continue below

  2. Are you ready to build or grow your own dog training business?

    • Yes → Enroll in the Canine Business & Leadership Certification

    • No → Continue below

  3. Do you want a complete education, full mentorship, and access to every certification track?

    • Yes → Enroll in the Full Professional Certification Program

    • Not Sure → Contact Admissions to discuss your goals and receive guidance

Still not sure? Our admissions team is happy to help you map your career path. Schedule a Discovery Call.

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A woman with blonde hair, sunglasses, and earrings taking a selfie with a gray dog inside a vehicle. The woman is wearing a dark green t-shirt that says 'OUR RIVER KENNEL & CANINE SENIO...'

Ready To Begin?

Your future as a professional dog trainer starts today.
Enrollment is limited — secure your spot before the current session fills.