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.

Dog Trainer Certification Mastery Program

Your $3,500 Investment Builds a Lifetime Career
(Flexible Payment Plans Available)

When you enroll in this program, you’re not just buying a course—you’re investing in a career path that will last a lifetime.

For $3,500, you gain:

  • Three Certifications in One – Training, Behavior, and Business Leadership.

  • Lifetime Mentorship & Community – Support doesn’t end at graduation.

  • Proven Systems – 25+ years of experience built into every lesson.

  • Career Launch Tools – Workbooks, templates, and ready-to-use strategies.

  • Unlimited Access – Return to the material anytime as your career grows.

Your tuition pays for itself with your first few clients, and the skills, confidence, and mentorship you gain will support you for decades.

About The Program

At Western States K-9 College, we prepare you for more than obedience training. This is a college-level education in dog training, behavior, and business, designed for people who want to turn their passion into a professional, six-figure career.

With over 25 years of experience training thousands of dogs and mentoring professional trainers, we’ve built a program that blends science, psychology, and proven business systems into one streamlined path to success.

Apply Today
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.

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Full Professional Certification Program

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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

1. Dog Training Foundations Certification

Lay the foundation with a complete understanding of how dogs think, learn, and behave.

  • Training Theories & Methodologies

  • The Dog Trainer’s Toolbox

  • How Dogs Think & How We Train Them

  • Understanding Canine Social Behavior

  • Dog Nutrition

  • Puppy Imprinting

  • Shelter & Rescue Dog Training

  • Specialty Training

  • Trick Training

  • Teaching & Instructing People

Program Curriculum

2. Behavior Specialist Certification

Gain the confidence and skills to handle advanced and difficult cases.

  • Understanding Canine Behavior

  • Assessing Dogs with Behavior Problems

  • Principles of Positive Reinforcement

  • Desensitization & Counterconditioning

  • Developing a Behavior Modification Plan

  • Step-by-Step Plans for Common Issues

  • Professional Ethics & Continuing Education

3. Canine Business & Leadership Certification

Graduate ready to launch, manage, and scale your own business.

  • Business Plan Creation

  • Branding & Online Presence

  • Marketing & Client Growth

  • Sales & Conversion

  • Management Tools

  • Finances

  • Running & Scaling a Business

  • Year-End Review & Growth Planning

  • Additional Resources & Templates

Tuition & Payment Options

  • Full Tuition: $3,500

  • Flexible Payment Plans Available – Choose a plan that fits your budget and timeline.

Apply Today

Enrollment is limited

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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

Apply Today

Real Support. Real Students. Real Results.

Your Success Story Starts Here

Start My Application

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 week

  • 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.

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“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

Apply Today

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.”

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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

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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.

Apply Today
Schedule A Discovery Call 📞
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Ready To Begin?

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

Apply Now