The next program starts June 23, 2025! Meetings will be at our Northeast Minneapolis location.
The Canine Coach School for Trainers Certification Program is unlike any other. In addition to including all the digital videos included in our affordable Digital Membership, this structured seven-week program includes a robust in-person meeting schedule that includes deep-dives into dog behavior and training theory and the most valuable thing a certification can offer: weekly hands-on experience training with dogs!
"This is such a great opportunity!!
The very short list of people we trust wholeheartedly to handle our reactive dogs is almost fully comprised of Canine Coach staff, trainers, and individuals who have worked with them in some capacity. 💗 The best people around, especially Erin!
If I knew someone had been certified through this program, I’d be way more likely to trust them with my dogs, too. ✨"
- From Canine Coach client Kayla S
Whether you’re already working in the dog industry or interested in turning your love for dogs into a career, here are some ways it can benefit you:
Getting certified means you have met our specific standards of knowledge and skills in humane, science-based dog training, which sets you apart from others.
People are more likely to trust a professional who has gone through a certification process because it assures them of your competence and professionalism.
Achieving a certification is a rewarding experience that demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning and professional development in a field you care about deeply.
Certifications can open doors to opportunities, whether that is a new job or expanding your services to attract new clients.
Our 7-week certification program follows a set weekly curriculum so that you can maximize your learning experience. The program is offered multiple times per year and accepts up to eight participants per program.
Each week is structured around a curriculum topic. Early in the week, you will independently watch the corresponding lecture and demo videos in the digital portal. Twice per week, you’ll join the other participants and your teachers at our facility for a 90-minute session for in-depth discussion and practice sessions with actual dogs. At the end of the week, you’ll take a digital quiz to test yourself on what you learned and have the opportunity to connect with your teachers during office hours.
Toward the end of the program, there will be a field trip to Minneapolis Animal Care and Control to practice training with shelter dogs.
The program concludes with an online knowledge test and an in-person evaluation. If you pass, you will receive a lifetime certification from The Canine Coach and the ability to add “CCC” (Canine Coach Certified) after your name. No renewal necessary!
Each week, you will cover a different topic:
Animal Learning Theory
Reward Markers & Shaping Methods
Social Structure Theory & Healthy Play
Body Language & Behavioral Formulas
Addressing Unwanted Behaviors
Leashwork & Equipment Use
Schedules of Reinforcement
Basic Commands included in this program: Sit, down, stand, watch me, leave it, drop it, quiet hold, sit-stay, polite greetings, appropriate play, puppy modifications, loose leash walking, recall, go-to-bed, and more!
We’re glad you asked. Here are just a few ways that our program is different from the all-digital options out there.
Learn from certified dog behavior specialists with years of experience helping trainers reach their full potential.
No other dog trainer certification in our area offers hands-on practice with actual dogs. You'll get to work directly with dogs 2x per week to hone your training skills!
Having fun is integral to learning! You're going to love our friendly, knowledgeable teachers and our supportive team spirit.
We love to nerd-out at our in-person sessions! Explore the fascinating world of animal psychology with in-depth lectures and discussions.
Our program is like no other in the Twin Cities. Meeting twice per week to work with our expert trainers and dogs at our facilities is invaluable experience that will serve you for years to come. Is this an investment? Absolutely. It's an investment in your future working with dogs. Your future self will thank you!
Get "Canine Coach Certified" in just seven weeks in our one-of-a-kind certification program.
Weekly curriculum video lectures + demos
In-person sessions 2x per week
Experience working with dogs!
MACC field trip training session
Digital knowledge certification test
In-person certification test
Lifetime certification (if you pass)
The next program starts June 23, 2025! Meetings will be at our Northeast Minneapolis location.
After you register, videos will unlock on June 16th, so you can dive into the learning right away! Then, starting June 23rd, we’ll meet in person every Monday and Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM for hands-on training at our Northeast Minneapolis location.
Only eight spots are available per certification program! Click here to register for the June 23 program >>
Register now, pay later with Afterpay! Spread out the cost of the program with custom and interest-free plans. To register using Afterpay, please click here to contact us and we will send you further instructions.
The in-person sessions are what make our certification so unique. Unfortunately, if you are unable to attend the required 14 in-person training sessions, the MACC field trip or the in-person certification test, you are not eligible for this program.
But neverfear! We have another option or you. Our new Digital Membership is an affordable way to still access the learning materials from anywhere in the world so you can learn on your own schedule. It also unlocks access to networking with current and past certified dog trainers.