Hiring a dog trainer is like picking a therapist for your dog. The wrong fit can confuse or even harm your pup, while the right one can unlock their potential and strengthen your bond. With so many trainers making big promises (and plenty of amateurs posing as experts), it can be tough to know who to trust. 

Keep reading to uncover the biggest red flags to avoid when choosing a dog trainer.

Top Dog Trainer Red Flags to Watch For

Before you sign up for that training package, take a closer look. Not all trainers use safe or ethical methods, and some can do more harm than good. Here are the top red flags to watch out for when evaluating a potential dog trainer.

1. Avoids Questions or Lacks Transparency

Ivan Petersel, CPDT-KA, founder of Dog Virtuoso, says trainers should be able to explain clearly their methods and why they use them. If they seem defensive, vague, or resistant to questions, consider it a red flag. 

“Too often, instead of explaining their methods, some trainers fall back on lines like, ‘I’ve been doing this for 20 years,’ but that’s not an answer—it’s a deflection,” Petersel says.  “If a trainer can’t or won’t tell you exactly how they’ll treat the dog you love, that’s not someone to trust.”

2. Recommends Aversive Training Tools

If a trainer uses or recommends aversive tools, such as shock collars, prong collars, citronella sprays, leash jerks, yelling, or physical punishment, that’s your cue to walk away immediately.

Training rooted in fear may suppress behaviors in the moment, but can erode trust, create stress, and lead to more behavioral issues over time.

3. Doesn’t Possess Certifications or References

While certification alone doesn’t guarantee quality, a lack of any credentials, professional memberships, or client references should raise concerns. A trustworthy trainer should be transparent about their background, education, and experience.

4. Uses “Pack Leader” or Dominance Language

Trainers who talk about being the “alpha” or controlling your dog through dominance are relying on outdated science. Modern behavioral experts agree that trust, not fear, is the foundation of effective training.

5. Promises Fast Results

Quality training doesn’t happen overnight. Be cautious of trainers who promise instant fixes or guarantee results within a set timeframe. Every dog learns at their own pace, and there’s no way to guarantee specific results within a set timeframe. 

6. Claims a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Works

If a trainer insists that the same method works for every dog, do not pass go. Petersel explains that dogs have unique personalities, histories, and learning styles, and effective training should be tailored to the individual, not forced into a cookie-cutter program.

7. Focuses Only on Obedience

“A big problem I see with some trainers is that they only care about surface-level obedience, not the dog’s emotional state,” Petersel says. For example, he says many trainers will simply teach dogs to “sit” in the presence of a trigger, but just because the dog is sitting doesn’t mean the anxiety is gone. Without addressing the underlying stress, the dog may continue to struggle internally, even if they appear obedient on the surface.

8. Doesn’t Ask About Your Dog’s History

A trainer who agrees to work with you without asking about your dog’s history, health, or daily routine is skipping a critical step. Ethical, effective training begins with a full understanding of your dog’s background and an honest assessment of whether they’re the right person to help.

9. Doesn’t Have Insurance

Petersel says if a professional trainer doesn’t carry general liability insurance, that’s a red flag. Insurance shows that the trainer takes their work and your dog’s safety seriously. Without it, you could be left responsible if an accident happens during training. If they can’t provide proof of coverage, it’s best to keep looking.

Trust Your Instincts

Your dog’s well-being should always come first. If a trainer’s methods make you uneasy, trust your instincts and keep searching. The right trainer will use humane, science-backed techniques that respect your dog’s emotional state and treat them as the sensitive, intelligent being they are.

As a certified canine enrichment specialist and pet industry expert, I’ve tested half a dozen smart collars and wearable devices for pets over the last decade. I’m always interested in how technology can give dogs safe freedom while giving pet parents peace of mind.

For two weeks, I tested the SATELLAI Collar with my active Labrador, Burt, on hikes through the Pennsylvania woods and in the city. 

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Here’s my honest experience with the collar and app so you can decide if SATELLAI is the right fit for your dog.

What Is the SATELLAI Collar – GPS Dog Fence?

SATELLAI is a virtual fencing system that uses GPS satellites instead of buried wires or physical fencing. Using the app, you can:

• Create fences of almost any shape or size, up to 100,000 acres
• Add a danger zone within a fence to block off spots like a pond, driveway, or shed
• Choose between tone, vibration, or optional static feedback
• Track your dog’s location in real time on a map that also shows your own position
• Monitor your dog’s activity and rest
• Use a beacon accessory to set smaller no-go areas

The collar is rugged, waterproof, and fits necks from 14-30 inches, making it best for medium to large dogs.

Setup and First Impressions with the App

Inside the box, you’ll find the collar, charger, quick-start guide, and extra contact points (for those who choose static correction). 

• The quick-start guide explains how to fit the collar, download the app, and pair it to your phone.
• Downloading the app and pairing the collar was straightforward. I thought it was fun that when I set up Burt’s profile, the app used AI to correctly identify his breed from a photo.
• The collar itself is on the larger side but Burt wasn’t bothered. When we took it out on the trails, several dog owners commented on it. 

Pro Tip: The app itself doesn’t have a guided tour, so I found myself clicking around to figure out the features. I found the built-in AI chat assistant. When I asked how to get started, it introduced itself as a “veterinary medical assistant” and sent me a detailed message.

Key Features I Tested With the SATELLAI Collar – GPS Dog Fence

Real-Time GPS Tracking and Escape Alerts

This is the feature that impressed me most! The map refreshed quickly and showed me exactly where Burt was, even in heavily wooded areas. 

I also like how the map showed my own location. It helped me to orient the map and find Burt.

If Burt went beyond the virtual fence, the app sent me a push notification and triggered his collar with either a tone, vibration, or static correction. You can customize the settings to differentiate between warnings and escape alerts.

Creating Virtual Dog Fences with SATELLAI

Creating or dragging a boundary in the app was simple and intuitive. I set up the virtual fence before leaving the house, but on one hike, the trail ran right along the edge of the off-leash wooded area; In some spots, the boundary I had set was too close to the trail, and in others it was too far away. Being able to adjust the fence in the app on the fly was very useful.

You can also add a no-go zone within a fence to keep your dog away from specific hazards like ponds, driveways or road crossings. 

Training My Dog to Understand the Virtual Fence

A virtual fence isn’t a magic switch. Your dog won’t automatically understand the boundaries just because you strap on this collar.

To use SATELLAI safely, you need to train your dog. I’ve done boundary training with Burt before, but every device is different. I started fresh so he could learn the SATELLAI system.

Our training looked like this:

• Short, daily, positive sessions (10-15 minutes twice a day)
• Starting on leash, walking towards a boundary to introduce the tone
  •  Pro Tip: The leash is for training purposes only. The SATELLAI Collar itself is designed for off-leash use and does not require a leash.
• Pairing the alert with rewards when he returned to me
• Gradually adding distractions as he got the hang of it

In addition to the tone alert, the collar also offers vibration, static correction, and a few quirky extras: You can tap buttons in the app to trigger an AI voice on the collar to say “Good,” “Go Home,” or play a whistle. These features are creative, but I wasn’t sure when I’d use them. What they do provide is more training time with your pup. As a canine enrichment expert, I see this training and bonding time as a positive!

Beacon: Set Small Boundaries 

It took me a while to figure out the beacon because it wasn’t explained in the user manual. 

After some exploring in the app, I figured out it’s a small accessory you place on something you want your dog to avoid. 

For example:

• Indoors, it could keep your pup away from the trash can or a baby’s crib
• Outdoors, I saw one reviewer mention using it to block access to a shed.

The beacon is a clever add-on for targeted boundaries in spots too small to map as a danger zone. It’s roughly the size of an AirTag.

SATELLAI promotes round-the-clock health monitoring, but in my testing, it only tracked activity and rest time.

The activity tracking was very accurate. One day, I set up a quick agility tunnel in the yard for Burt. We played for about ten minutes, and when I checked the app later, it logged eleven minutes of activity!

That gave me confidence that the activity tracker was reliable. 

Battery Life and Durability

SATELLAI promises up to five days of battery life, much longer than competitors. In my testing, the battery definitely lasted a long time, but I never pushed it to the full five days. I liked charging it by the door at night so we remembered to put it on in the morning before a walk.

The collar feels rugged and durable. The IP68 rating means it has the highest rating against dust and can handle being 5 feet underwater for up to 30 minutes. 

If your dog enjoys swimming in lakes or the ocean, you can use the collar with confidence. As long as the swimming time does not exceed 30 minutes, it is completely safe.

SATELLAI Collar: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Accurate GPS tracking in rural and urban areas
• Easy to create and adjust fences
• Unlimited safe zones 
• Works for multiple dogs in one app
• Beacon adds versatility indoors and outdoors
• Longer battery life than many competitors
• More affordable than some other GPS fence systems

Cons:

• Not ideal for very small dogs
• Subscription required for full use
• The app is under ongoing development, with more AI capabilities coming in December 2025
• Health monitoring is under ongoing development

Is the SATELLAI Collar – GPS Dog Fence Worth It? My Honest Take

For Burt and me, the SATELLAI’s biggest strength was its real-time map accuracy. The fencing features worked well once I retrained him to the new tone, and the beacon added flexibility.

The health monitoring and AI features are limited for now, but the battery life and rugged design stood out.

Compared to other collars I’ve tested, SATELLAI hits a middle ground. It’s not as polished as top-tier systems, but at about half the price, it’s a practical choice with excellent tracking.

SATELLAI is best for:

• Medium to large dogs with room to roam
• Families who want portable fencing for different properties or adventures
• Pet parents looking for reliable GPS tracking 

It’s not ideal for:

• Small dogs
• Advanced health insights or vital signs

At an MSRP of $499.99 (now $399.99 for a limited time) plus a service subscription of $9.99 per month, the SATELLAI Collar is a solid option if your priority is safe freedom for your pup paired with accurate GPS tracking. 

If you take your time with proper training, this collar can give both you and your dog more confidence to explore and make fun memories together.

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Dog treat pouches make it convenient to reward your dog when you are training or going for a walk, and there are multiple styles to choose from depending on your needs. “I look for a bag that can hold two different kinds of treats—regular training treats as well as a high-value treat,” Traci Madson, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, told The Spruce Pets. “I also consider pouches with multiple pockets so I can carry things like poop bags, training clickers, and my keys and phone.”

This treat pouch is all-around perfect for everyday use. The main treat compartment is substantial enough to hold at least a cup of treats.

It has a magnetic closure and a wide opening, so it’s easy to pop it open and closed with one hand, and you don’t have to maneuver too much to quickly access a treat. There are slight gaps when the pouch is closed, so treats might be able to spill out, but you’d have to be nearly upside down for that to happen.

The pouch has a little zip pocket in the front, which can hold essentials like poop bags, keys, and lip balm or a clicker. The bag can be worn three ways: with the attached belt, using the loops to attach it to your own belt, or with the included clip. It comes in 20 colors and patterns, so you can opt for something subdued, such as black or champagne, or a vibrant print like blue flowers or pink camouflage.

As the mom of a smart border collie mix and a foster to more than 70 dogs, I have tried at least a dozen different treat pouches. I mostly use them in the yard for training and to get a pup’s attention. This has become my favorite for everyday use.

It’s the right size because rarely do I carry more than a large handful of dry kibble or training treats. It has the extra handy pocket, so I always know I have some poop bags on hand, and it’s easy to snap on and easy to clean.

I don’t often use high-value treats like hot dogs or chicken, but if I did, I’d definitely put them in a zip-top plastic bag to avoid any mess. This bag wouldn’t be my choice if I were going on an all-day dog outing or if I needed to carry a lot of extra gear like my wallet and a water bowl, but it’s rare that I’d need to tote all that stuff. This really fits the bill for a neighborhood walk, a romp in the backyard, or training in the living room.

Can be worn three ways

If you typically take a bunch of things with you when you’re out with your dog, this is a good-sized option. The Wilderdog Utility Pack has three storage areas: the main compartment and two smaller zippered pockets. I put treats in the top front pocket, which is accessed with a sturdy zipper and easy-to-grip plastic tabs on the end.

I kept the zipper closed until I was ready to grab some treats, and I could do it quickly with one hand. I had to bend over pretty far with the zipper open before anything fell out.

The main compartment is big enough for your wallet and phone, but there’s also plenty of space for a clicker and a ball or squeaky toy if you need a distraction. It would be nice to include a small zippered pocket in that big area so you could stash away keys or your ID, but it’s definitely not a dealbreaker.

The lower front pocket is made for a roll of poop bags with a built-in dispenser. There’s also a stitched webbing loop so you can use a carabiner or clip to attach a collapsible bowl or clicker. The bag is made of a sturdy water-resistant cotton/poly blend that’s durable but not too heavy.

The bag can be worn as a fanny pack or as a crossbody bag, and you can buy an additional strap extender to add 24 inches if needed. It comes in black and three jewel colors—huckleberry (featured in our tested photos), evergreen, and pacific blue. Also, extra points because it’s machine-washable!

Three storage pockets

How We Picked

Testing: We selected 10 best-selling and highly recommended dog treat pouches for multiple weeks of real-world testing with real dogs. Our experienced dog guardians—myself included—were also asked to consider many other treat pouches that they currently used or had tried in the past.

Each treat pouch was evaluated for its functionality, including attachment features, closure types, capacity, storage compartments, and how easy they were to clean. We also consulted with dog owners, fosters, and trainers, and read hundreds of product reviews.

More We Recommend

Best for Long Outings: The MuttRuk Sidekick Hip Pack is huge and equipped with a variety of compartments to stash necessities for both human and hound. I filled the Sidekick Hip Pack with a cup of training treats, a full roll of poop bags, a water bottle, my phone, my keys, my wallet, and there was still a ton of room left.

While it feels like too much for a quick walk, I do find it to be ideal for hikes, day trips, and camping, where you want to have all your dog’s stuff and your stuff in one place. Plus, there is a washable liner that can be fully removed, making it ideal for treats.

The front of the pack has three zippered sections for a phone, accessories (dog toys, collapsible bowl, ball, etc.), and treats. There is also an inner sleeve for an ID, cards, and cash secured with a hook and loop strap, and a dispensing pocket for a roll of poop bags. A hidden mesh pouch extends to hold a water bottle, and a carabiner is available to hook anything else or your dog’s leash.

I found its capacity to be similar to a backpack, but the ability to wear it crossbody or around the waist makes it more convenient for accessing the contents inside. The Sidekick Hip Pack comes in four colors (black, gray, red, and teal), all made from durable, water-resistant polyester and with a breathable mesh backing to keep you less sweaty when you wear it.

Strap is adjustable from 20 to 52 inches

Most Stylish: The Treat Pouch from Wild One is among the more stylish treat pouches we tested. It looks like a sleek crossbody bag until you discover the convenient compartments for stashing dog treats and keeping poop bags easy to dispense from the side.

One of this bag’s most useful features is how it opens and closes. We found it very convenient to quickly stick a hand in, grab a treat, and then continue with our walk. There is a bendable frame inside at the top, allowing it to push open and then snap closed using only one hand. It doesn’t seal completely, but it’s pretty tight and will keep a phone and keys contained.

The pouch can be worn either as a crossbody bag or as a waist pack, and the straps are incredibly easy to adjust to a length up to 53 inches. The compact size and lightweight build are ideal for daily walks.

It is currently available in eight colors, including classic black, lilac, and spruce, and Wild One often releases limited edition designs and colors. The easy-to-clean material is knit-like and durable, and each bag is made from 10 recycled water bottles.

Matching leash, harness, and collar available

Best Silicone: Many of the dog trainers we spoke with rely on dishwasher-friendly treat pouches because they typically use messy treats like boiled chicken or hot dogs. The RoyalCare Silicone Treat Pouch is easy to clean with soapy water or on the top rack of a dishwasher.

“The little silicone treat pouches are good for treats because you can pop them in the dishwasher,” said Kettler. “They have a magnetic close, but the ease of cleaning wins out for me.”

The budget-friendly treat pouches from RoyalCare are sold in packs of two, so you can always have a clean one on hand, or you can designate one for dry treats and one for messy treats. They are made from food-grade silicone and have a sturdy clip that attaches to a belt or strap, but there is no strap for crossbody wear.

Each pouch is equipped with a strong magnetic closure, so it’s always closed unless you’re grabbing a treat. The feature prevents treats from spilling out when you lean over, but it cannot be locked in the open position, which, depending on what style of training you are working on, might feel inconvenient.

RoyalCare Silicone Treat Pouches can be used in tandem with another bag, and since they have only one compartment for treats, you’ll need to find another place for a poop bag dispenser and your essentials. As is common with silicone, it can be hard to keep it free of dog hair and lint.

Magnetic closure

Best Machine-Washable: The PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport is a great option for all levels of dog training. And when it gets too grimy, it can be machine-washed and hung to dry—which is a feature many dog treat pouches do not share. The interior is lined in water-resistant fabric, which is easy to clean by hand and keeps messy treats from seeping into other compartments.

The pouch opens and shuts with a sturdy hinge, but our tester found it to be difficult to open with one hand. We also like that this bag features a pocket divider allowing you to keep two different types of treats, such as a regular training treat and a high-value treat, completely separate. There’s an additional front pocket for extras like a phone, keys, and poop bags; loops on the front to attach essentials such as a training clicker; and a carabiner on the side for leash or collapsible bowl attachment.

The Treat Pouch Sport measures approximately 8 x 8 x 2 inches, comes in three colors (blue, red, and black), and has an adjustable waist strap, which is optional. The pouch can also be clipped onto a waistband.

We didn’t feel that the size was too bulky, but if you’re training a smaller dog, you might find the PetSafe Mini Treat Pouch (6.5 x 1 x 5 inches) to be more amenable to the amount of treats you need to carry.

Durable canvas exterior

Best Weatherproof: This rugged training pouch from Ruffwear is outdoorsy and sturdy like the brand’s many harnesses, leashes, and other outdoor gear. It can be clipped directly to your waistband or slipped on the included belt.

The rim on the outside of the bag can be bent to conform to your body for better comfort. One of our testers preferred the clip, and another preferred using the belt, so it’s nice to have both options.

The outer nylon is water-resistant, so it protects your treats when you’re training outdoors. The pouch has a magnetic closure that opens and shuts with a click. The treat pocket has a waterproof lining that is easy to wipe clean.

The training pouch comes in only one style with a muted blue and gray checked pattern. There are several nice extras, like a small zippered pocket on the front where you can stash supplies such as poop bags. There’s also a hook for clipping your keys or a clicker; however, there is just one basic pocket for treats.

Easy to wipe clean

Best Capacity: Versatility and a generous 8-cup capacity are just two of the contributing factors to the functionality of this dog treat pouch from Gobeigo. Additionally, there are spacious zipped front pockets with room for a toy, keys, credit cards, and a cellphone of any size, and mesh side pockets for poop bags and water bottles. Plus, the machine-washable treat pouch has a built-in belt clip and comes with shoulder and waist straps, so it can be worn in multiple ways.

Although we didn’t test this dog treat pouch, it’s a top-rated pick at Amazon, so it’s worth including in our list. Reviewers who gave it a five-star rating like how the arched top zipper provides easy access to treats and prevents them from spilling out. A larger zippered compartment allows for easy filling, while the flat bottom keeps it from collapsing. However, some users take issue with the durability of the materials in the straps and mesh pockets.

Available in orange/black, full black, or gray/black, the treat pouch also includes a free clicker that you can attach to the D-ring buckle, along with other accessories such as a collapsible bowl or flashlight.

Eight-cup capacity

Other Products We Tested

In addition to our winners, we also tested these training treat pouches that we feel are worth mentioning, although they didn’t rank among our top picks.

Kurgo Go Stuff It Dog Treat Bag: We normally like Kurgo products and the bag seems sturdy. It has a carabiner and two straps that clip onto your belt or backpack. But we aren’t fans of the drawstring closure. It’s hard to do with one hand and not very convenient with an active dog.

Chuckit! Treat Tote: This is an inexpensive option that might be something to try if you’ve never used a treat pouch before. It has a clip that attaches easily to your waistband and comes in 1- and 2-cup sizes. However, again, we aren’t fans of the awkward drawstring closure.

PetAmi Dog Treat Pouch: Another drawstring option, you can wear this with a shoulder or waist strap or clip it onto a belt. It has a mesh pocket for your phone and keys, and a dedicated poop bag area.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This story was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 75 dogs and puppies. She has done a lot of training with her dog and her foster puppies and has used various training treat pouches. Mary Jo is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products to use with them, such as the best dog toys and the best dog treats.

We also consulted with Traci Madson, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant based in Park City, Utah, and Dawn Kettler, dog trainer and owner of DK9 Training in Mount Olive, Illinois.

• This review contains affiliate links. Read more here.

For anyone who understands the unique connection between dog and human, dog training is both an exciting and popular career path and a meaningful service that drastically changes the lives of dogs and their owners. 

Whether it’s puppies learning to sit, stay, and heel, or older rescues who need to learn how to interact with other dogs without anxiety, many owners need expert guidance on how to train and communicate with their dogs.

Why Become a Dog Trainer?

On top of training being helpful to dogs and their owners, a career as a dog trainer has many other appeals, such as: 

• Growing job market: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for animal care and service workers is projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than most other occupations. And with approximately 90 million dogs in the U.S., there will always be plenty of clients to train!
• Flexible schedules: Both the education and actual work of dog training is often extremely flexible, even for those with busy schedules. Many trainer academies are self-paced and can be done from the comfort of your home!
• Improving dogs’ lives: While training makes the lives of all dogs better, it’s especially life-changing for those in shelters and without homes of their own! According to this study, training actually increases a dog’s chances of getting adopted by 1.4 times. 

What Dog Training Courses Are Available?

Luckily, there are a number of different schools and certifying organizations to help you get started. These training courses offer education and courses so you can become a certified trainer. Whatever your lifestyle, commitment-level, or time constraints, one of the opportunities below could be a life-changing step towards a new, fulfilling career.

Each of these organizations are unique and offer different experiences. As such, comparing them is a tall order. We have instead assembled a list, in alphabetical order, of options for you review and decide what matters to you.

• Location: St. Charles, MO and online
• Cost: $5,500 – $21,900
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Certification: APC-PDT, APC-SDT
• Training Courses: Professional Dog Trainer (Online or In-Person), Specialized Dog Trainer (In-Person Only)

With 20 students or fewer in each in-person class, the Academy promises one-on-one attention, as well as access to all of the resources needed to start your own dog training business. 

Located in St. Charles, the Academy of Pet Careers campus is 35,000 square feet and features classrooms, student dog kennels, and a large, indoor training area.

• Location: Virtual and hands-on with mentors across the U.S and Canada.
• Cost: $2,895 – $4290
• Duration: 10 to 18 months
• Certification:  ABCDT (Animal Behavior Certified Dog Trainer)
• Training Courses: Dog Obedience Program, Service Dog Training Program

ABC’s 11-stage program teaches the basics of dog training, behavior modification principles, nutrition, CPR and more. Students will learn ways to strengthen the canine-human bond and how to create a full or part-time dog training business. 

ABC offers an “externship,” a hands-on portion that partners students with experienced, mentor dog trainers. The school also encourages students to take part in the school’s “Students Saving Lives” program. Since 2004, ABC students have donated over 200,000 hours of time to help animals find forever homes. 

ABC graduates are also encouraged to join the ABC Alumni Group, which hosts over 18,000 certified dog trainers.

The school’s programs are approved for CEU’s by all of the major dog trainer organizations.

• Location: Across the U.S.A. or in person at the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center campus
• Cost: $1,325–$6,465
• Duration: Varies; on average 6–18 months
• Certification: CCDT, CDTK
• Training Courses: Master Class – Community Edition, Basics Pro, Core SkillsPlus

CATCH’s curriculum covers how dogs think and learn, humane and effective training tools, and how to lead both private lessons and group classes. 

Students are paired with both a program director and a local mentor trainer for expert guidance and support. They can also join online workshops in the private CATCH Community, connecting with peers and pros through live zoom meetings, guided video lessons, and interactive assignments.

• Location: Virtual
• Cost: $399
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Certification: CDT-CTraining Courses: Certified Dog Trainer Comprehension

ISCDT’s program is an online certification course designed for those ready to train dogs professionally. Each student is paired with a personal mentor who provides individualized feedback on quizzes and hands-on training videos.

This program takes 18 weeks to complete if studying full-time, or within a year for part-time learners. The course contains 18 modules covering how dogs learn, from generalizing behavior, to essential cues, and effective troubleshooting techniques when standard methods fall short.

Students also learn canine body language and calming signals, which are vital for reading dogs and avoiding conflict. The program builds confidence not only in training but also in teaching, with assignments designed to develop public speaking skills for working with clients.

• Location: Atlanta, GA and online 
• Cost: $3,950 with payment plan options and scholarships available
• Duration: Flexible – up to 12 months with extensions available
• Certification: VSA-CDT (Victoria Stilwell Academy – Certified Dog Trainer)
• Training Courses: Dog Trainer Course, In-Person Track (add-on)

Founded and developed by renowned dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell, the Victoria Stilwell Academy(VSA) offers both introductory and advanced-level education and certification courses for current and aspiring pet professionals. VSA’s powerful learner-centered, performance-based programs educate, engage and empower ongoing generations of dog training professionals to change the lives of people and dogs through positive training.

Students can learn at home via self-paced online video lessons and gain mentorship through a dedicated faculty advisor. The faculty advisor will also conduct support-oriented skills assessments.

VSA students can also enroll in the In-Person Track which includes hands-on training experience, a concentrated cohort of fellow students, and professional trainer shadowing opportunities.

Methodology

Training organizations were evaluated and reviewed for course content, an examination requirement, and whether the material was predominantly positive reinforcement. To ensure accuracy, we coordinated with each school to review their respective content. All these certifications would be accepted to the Rover Training marketplace.

This guide was prepared as of May 30, 2025, and may not include all relevant changes since that date.

Further Reading