Credentials

The dog training industry is unregulated, making it easy for anyone to call themselves a Dog Trainer, and even market themselves as one. Always make sure to research your trainer’s credentials and hire a Certified Professional when dealing with behaviour modification or dog training support. Here at Alpine Dogs, we are committed to further our knowledge with continuing education and certifications, ensuring we adhere to the BC SPCA Animal Kind Standards.

Below are Saundra’s dog training credentials and memberships.

Training Credentials

Certified and Educated

CTC - The Academy For Dog Trainers

This program is known as the Harvard of the Dog Training education system. This is a science heavy two year program aiming to produce the worlds most effective & educated dog trainers.

CSAT- Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer

This program, led by Malena DeMartini is an intensive separation anxiety certification program. CSAT trainers engage in over three months of intensive study of the treatment of separation anxiety, involving over 100 hours of instruction, high-level coursework, and exams.

CPDT-KA - Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. All certified members are required to pass a science based examination & must participate in continuing education annually in order to keep the designation.

BC SPCA Animal Kind Accredited

Animal Kind accreditation requires trainers to be audited by the BC SPCA to ensure they adhere to a strict set of standards, and commit to using only reward-based training methods that are effective and humane.

SA (Separation Anxiety) Pro Trainer™ Certified

In order to become a SA Pro Trainer™, students complete a comprehensive, step-by-step guided training programme and are assessed by Julie Naismith (specialist separation anxiety training and behaviour consultant) before they are granted the SA Pro Trainer™ certificate.

Certified Control Unleashed Instructor

Saundra studied directly under Leslie McDevitt, learning how to incorporate the power of pattern games into her dog training. Saundra now offers Control Unleashed classes based on the concepts and pattern games created by Leslie McDevitt.

Fear Free Certified Professional

Fear Free Certified Pet Professionals promise to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. This certification program is designed to give qualified animal trainers the knowledge and tools required to begin implementing Fear Free techniques with their clients’ pets.

PPG - Pet Professional Guild, Training Professional Member

Professional Pet Industry Member Association that advocates for force-free dog training and pet care. All members adhere to the view that aversive methods should never be used - or even deemed necessary - in the training or behavior modification of any animal.

Walks N' Wags Pet First Aid Certified

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid is an internationally recognized course for dog professionals. The program covers comprehensive pet safety and first aid that is regularly reviewed by a Veterinary panel for accuracy.

CTDI - Certified Trick Dog Instructor

Do More With Your Dog!®, as the official sanctioning and organizing body for the sport of Dog Tricks, has established guidelines for instructor certification in order to ensure that standards of excellence are met when teaching the sport.