CARLSBAD, CA, Jan. 6, 2003 - Canine Learning Center's Laura Christiansen, Marcia Wigdahl and Julie Kroonenburg all earned Level 1 certification through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the first national certificaiton for dog trainers in history. Laura Christiansen, Marcia Wigdahl and Julie Kroonenburg now join 441 Certified Pet Dog Trainers in the United States and Canada.

Up until the creation of the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no true certification process for dog trainers. Many schools teach dog trainers and offer certification for their specific programs. These certificates, therefore, reflect the teachings and quality of a specific school. Other organizations offer take-home tests for "certification." The trainers are not monitored to make sure they are completing the test without any assistance or collaboration, nor is the testing process standardized.

This unprecedented process was originally implemented by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the largest association of dog trainers in the world, founded by noted veterinarian, behaviorist and author Dr. Ian Dunbar. Early on, the APDT recognized the need for certification for its profession. Pet dog trainers needed a credible means of measuring their knowledge and skills and the dog-owning public needed a credible barometer for choosing a trainer. A task force of approximately 20 nationally known dog training professionals and behaviorists worked for three years to research and develop the comprehensive written examination. The APDT also hired
Professional Testing Corporation to ensure the process met professional testing standards. It then created a separate, independent council - the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers - to manage the accreditation and pursue future development.

Candidates who pass the exam earn the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer and may use the designation, "CPDT," after their names. As creators of the examination, the task force members have also earned the use of the CPDT designation. All certified trainers must earn continuing education credits to keep their designations, or take the examination again in three years.