07/15/2026
A dog was killed recently in a board and train. Not the first dog to die in this same trainer's care, stirring up lots of drama in the SoCal dog training world.
There's a loud narrative in some corners of this industry that credentials don't matter. That real world experience is enough. I don't agree.
Legit credentials aren't a logo someone designed for their own solo method. They come from real organizations with oversight, exams, supervised hours, and continuing ed that's actually tracked. Some examples: CCPDT, IAABC, KPA. Many of the major players (IAABC, KPA, APDT International, ADI, and others) are signed onto the Joint Standards of Practice, a shared ethical code that gets revised as the science evolves. Violate it, and there's actual repercussions.
Are there phenomenal trainers out there without a single credential? Yes. I know some. They're the exception. Not the industry standard, and definitely not something you should have to bet your dog's life on. Ask your trainer who certifies them. Look up the training involved and the standards they are held to. Dog Training is a job where we can change lives for the better, and it's also a job where we can cause real harm. With that power should come great responsbility.
