Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Western States K9 College is not just another online course, it’s a professional-level certification program designed for serious career development in dog training. Unlike mass-market training courses, we offer structured curriculum, one-on-one mentorship, real-world skills application, and rigorous certification standards. Every graduate earns credentials that reflect true industry competency, not just course completion. Ready to start your career? Apply Now

Western States K-9 College is a private professional education provider. The school's certificates and professional credential are school-issued and are not institutional accreditation, governmental licensure, or a veterinary qualification.

In most U.S. jurisdictions, professional dog training is not governed by a single governmental licensing standard. Requirements can vary by location and by the services a professional provides. Students and graduates are responsible for understanding the laws, business requirements, insurance obligations, and scope rules that apply where they work.

Western States certification means the student completed the required educational program and demonstrated the competencies established by Western States K-9 College for that program. It does not guarantee employment, income, clients, business success, universal recognition, or qualification for every case.

No. Western States provides comprehensive, multi-methodology education. Students learn the learning principles, applications, limitations, risks, welfare considerations, and alternatives associated with multiple approaches so they can make informed professional decisions for the individual dog and case.

No. Individual courses may earn a Western States K-9 College certificate of completion. They do not by themselves confer the full professional credential. Eligible coursework may count toward the full program when allowed under the current program-credit policy.

No. The program includes substantial canine-behavior education, but no professional credential makes every graduate appropriate for every case. Graduates are expected to work within their current competence, recognize risk, and consult or refer when a case requires veterinary or other specialized expertise.

No. Western States provides professional education and business/professional-practice training, but the school does not guarantee employment, income, client volume, profitability, or business success.

Students receive the support, mentoring, educational access, and alumni resources described in the terms of their specific program. Western States may provide continuing education, community resources, mentoring opportunities, and professional development; exact access and availability are governed by the student's program terms.

Programs are self-paced, allowing you to progress based on your schedule. On average:

• Canine Foundations: 2–4 months

• Behavior Specialist: 3–6 months

• Business & Leadership: 2–4 months

• Full Professional Certification: 6–12 months

Completion timelines may vary depending on your mentorship schedule, assignment submission, and evaluation readiness.

Each program builds a specific part of your professional training career:

• Canine Foundations: Core dog training skills and professional foundations.

• Behavior Specialist: Advanced behavior modification and complex case handling.

• Business & Leadership: Business strategy, client acquisition, and profitable practice growth.

• Full Professional Certification: Includes all programs, unlimited mentorship, and full career support.

Not sure which program fits you best? Book a Free Admissions Call

Mentorship is a key feature of every program:

• All-A-Cart Course: Each course comes with 1 mentoring session

• Continuing Education Subscription: 2 Mentoring Sessions Per Month

• Full Certification: Unlimited private sessions + group support throughout and after graduation

Mentoring is conducted via Google Meets or phone, based on your schedule. and recorded upon your request.

Certification is awarded only upon:

• Completion of all required course modules

• Submission and approval of all assignments or case studies

• Passing practical evaluations or testing

• Active participation in mentorship and review sessions

Certificates are issued digitally and can be used in resumes, marketing materials, and business documentation.

Certification is only the beginning. Graduates continue receiving group mentorship, alumni networking, and professional support as they build their careers. Many go on to:

• Launch private dog training businesses

• Work in shelters, rescues, or nonprofit organizations

• Integrate professional training services into existing pet care businesses

• Build six-figure businesses while creating flexible, fulfilling careers

Explore your career possibilities — In our course catalog.

Yes. Students who begin with a single certification course (Teaching and Instructing People or Leash Reactivity) can upgrade to the Full Professional Certification Program at any time. Your tuition will be adjusted to ensure you never pay twice for overlapping material.

Due to the digital nature of the content and immediate access to materials and mentorship, all tuition payments are non-refundable. However, if you’re unsure about which path to take, we strongly encourage booking a free discovery call with admissions before enrolling. or sign up for an individual course in our course catalog to see if this is the right program for you.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalized mentorship. Each student receives one-on-one coaching, offering individualized support and guidance throughout the program. This hands-on approach allows you to refine your skills, gain confidence, and apply what you learn in practical, real-world scenarios. Additionally, our focus on humane, science-based training methods ensures you graduate as a skilled, ethical, and effective trainer.

Our flexible online format makes WSK9CO accessible for anyone, whether you're balancing work, family, or other commitments. Beyond graduation, we provide access to a global professional community that fosters collaboration, networking, and ongoing mentorship. At WSK9CO, your journey doesn’t end when the program does—your success as a trainer matters to us, and we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. For those seeking a holistic, career-driven, and supportive learning experience, Western States K-9 College is the ultimate choice.

Absolutely. We encourage prospective students to book a free call with our admissions team. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and receive help choosing the best program for your career path. https://calendly.com/joe-westernstatesk9college/30min

You’ll need:

• Reliable internet access

• A device capable of streaming video and participating in Zoom sessions

• Access to email and PDF downloads

• A notebook and basic dog training tools

While having a dog is beneficial, it’s not required to begin. Many students begin their studies while observing, shadowing, or working with dogs owned by friends, family, or clients. Some programs will require hands-on case study submissions, and our team will help you prepare for those requirements.

Absolutely. Western States K9 College is built for students who want more than a hobby — we prepare you for professional success. With the right implementation of our training systems and business coaching, many graduates have:

• Built full-time businesses

• Achieved six-figure income levels

• Designed flexible schedules

• Built deeply fulfilling careers helping people and their dogs

This is your career path — Apply Now

• Joe leads all dog training modules, offering expert instruction drawn from real-world training experience.

• Shannon leads the business and leadership modules, guiding students through the process of building sustainable, profitable training businesses.

Both instructors remain actively involved in student mentorship, ensuring individualized support throughout the program.

Yes! While we offer foundational material, many of our students are already working with dogs in some capacity — as trainers, shelter workers, vet techs, or dog walkers — and use this program to formalize their education, improve results, or grow their businesses.

Our mentorship is not just group Q&As — it's real coaching. You'll get access to weekly google meets calls, video feedback on your training submissions, and even one-on-one business strategy sessions. You’re never alone in your journey.

While we don’t place students in jobs, we offer extensive career-building resources including resume help, business coaching, marketing training, and branding support to help you create your own job or attract clients immediately after certification.

Most students spend 3–5 hours per week on the material and training exercises. However, since the program is self-paced, you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule and goals.

Professional dog training is a hands-on skill — and our students train real dogs from day one.

You will work with real dogs in real-world environments (your own dog, client dogs, shelter dogs, or volunteer dogs). Training sessions are recorded and submitted for instructor review so we can evaluate your timing, leash handling, reinforcement use, and communication skills.

You receive personalized feedback and correction from experienced instructors — not automated responses or theory-only learning.

In addition, students attend live (online) mentorship sessions for case review, troubleshooting, and skill refinement.

The coursework is delivered online.
The training itself is hands-on, evaluated, and guided.

Absolutely. Our program is 100% online and open to international students. We’ve certified trainers from the UK, Costa Rica, Canada, Australia, and more. Time zones are accommodated for live mentorship.

Item descriptionTuition for the Professional Dog Trainer Certification Program is $3,500. or Pay As Your Go In Our Course Catalog

This includes:

• Full access to all course modules

• Weekly live coaching sessions

• One-on-one mentorship

• Business development guidance

• Lifetime alumni access and support

Comparable professional programs of similar depth often range from $8,000–$10,000.

Our program is intentionally structured to provide high-level education and long-term mentorship without unnecessary financial inflation.

Enrollment starts as soon as you pay tuition.

Students select their tuition structure during the admissions conversation:

• Paid in Full $3,500.00

• All-A-Cart Courses: See Course Catalog