A College-Level Education for the Modern Dog Trainer
100% Online | Learn Anywhere, Anytime!
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100% Online | Learn Anywhere, Anytime! ⋆
Professional Certification for Passionate Dog Trainers.
Your journey begins here. Gain the education, mentorship, and credentials to launch or elevate your dog training career.
“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 is designed to mirror the structure, professionalism, and credibility of a college-level experience—without the fluff. Whether you’re new to training or ready to build a thriving business, we have a path tailored to your goals.
Full Professional Certification Program
Canine Foundations Certification Program
Behavior Specialist Certification program
Canine Business and Leadership Program
About Our Certification Programs
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“The all-in path to mastery, mentorship, and certification.”
Tuition: $3,500 or $350/month for 10 months
Format: Self-paced | Unlimited Mentorship
Mentorship: Unlimited sessions + group support
Credential: Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Best For:
Serious career seekers, entrepreneurs, and those ready to go all-in -
“Every professional starts with a strong foundation.”
Tuition: $875
Format: Self-paced | Online
Mentorship: 1 private session/month until certified + group support
Credential: Certificate in Canine Foundations
Best For:
Beginners, pet pros (walkers, groomers), serious dog owners -
“The behavior we change changes lives.”
Tuition: $1,750
Format: Structured Online | Instructor-Supported
Mentorship: 2 private sessions/month + group support
Credential: Certificate in Canine Behavior Specialization
Best For:
Experienced trainers, shelter workers, those ready to specialize -
“You don’t just train dogs—you lead a movement.”
Tuition: $1,250
Format: Self-paced | Instructor Feedback
Mentorship: 1 private session/month + group support
Credential: Certificate in Canine Business & Leadership
Best For:
Dog trainers launching a new business or Established trainers scaling an existing business
Why Western States K-9 College?
✔ College-style structure, professional delivery
✔ Proven mentorship model with real-time coaching
✔ Curriculum grounded in science, behavior, and business
✔ Designed by a trainer with 25+ years of experience
✔ Certification upon completion of coursework and exams
Which Program Is Right For Me?
Are you brand new to dog training?
Yes → Start with the Canine Foundations Certification
No → Continue below
Are you already training dogs and want to specialize in complex behavior cases?
Yes → Enroll in the Behavior Specialist Certification
No → Continue below
Are you ready to build or grow your own dog training business?
Yes → Enroll in the Canine Business & Leadership Certification
No → Continue below
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
Ready To Begin?
Your career, your business, your future — it starts now.