4.9Bark Score
- How you can train
- Group classes, Private lessons, Board and train
- Helps with
- Basic obedience, Recall, Leash pulling, Puppy training, Aggression and 4 more
- Credentials
- IACP
CDT certification
CDT certification is the Certified Dog Trainer credential from the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), a membership association for dog professionals. Here is how a trainer earns it and what to ask, plus the trainers in our directory who list the IACP.
- On Barklopedia
- 19 trainers list the IACP on their listing (as members or for one of its certifications: ask which)
What is the IACP CDT?
The CDT is the IACP’s Certified Dog Trainer exam. Unlike a multiple-choice test, it is a portfolio: the trainer submits written reports on real training cases, with feedback from those clients, which a panel of professional peers reviews.
How does a trainer earn the CDT?
At the time of writing, the IACP describes the CDT as a three-part process:
- Part 1
- An application
- Part 2
- An exam portfolio of written case reports, completed within 6 months
- Part 3
- References from the client in each case study
- How it is taken
- Electronically, at the trainer’s own pace
- Fee
- $249.99 for IACP members
Is an IACP member the same as a CDT?
No. Being a member of the IACP and holding its CDT certification are different things. Many trainers list the IACP because they are members, so if a trainer mentions the IACP, ask whether they hold the CDT or another IACP certification.
What does a CDT mean for you as a dog owner?
It shows the trainer’s real case work has been reviewed by other professionals, with feedback from their clients. It does not tell you which methods they use, so ask how they train. Every trainer on Barklopedia has their methods labelled.
How can you check a trainer holds the CDT?
Ask the trainer, and check with the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) if you want to be sure.
The credentials on Barklopedia come from what trainers publish themselves. We haven’t confirmed each one with the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), so it’s worth checking before you book.
Trainers on Barklopedia who list the IACP on their listing (as members or for one of its certifications: ask which)
19 trainers, highest Bark Score first. Nobody can pay to move up.
4.9Bark Score
- How you can train
- In your home, Board and train
- Helps with
- Puppy training, Basic obedience, Recall, Leash pulling, Fear and 6 more
- Credentials
- IACP
4.8Bark Score
- How you can train
- Group classes, Board and train, Private lessons
- Helps with
- Puppy training, Basic obedience, Recall, Leash pulling, AKC Canine Good Citizen
- Credentials
- IACP
4.7Bark Score
- How you can train
- Board and train, Group classes
- Helps with
- AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC trick titles, Service dog work, Basic obedience, Reactivity and 6 more
- Credentials
- IAABC-ADT, CPDT-KA, IACP
4.3Bark Score
- How you can train
- Private lessons, Group classes, In your home
- Helps with
- Puppy training, Basic obedience, Recall, Leash pulling, Therapy dog work and 3 more
- Credentials
- IACP
4.0Bark Score
- How you can train
- Private lessons, Group classes, Online
- Helps with
- Basic obedience, Recall, Leash pulling, Fear
- Credentials
- IACP
4.0Bark Score
- How you can train
- Private lessons, Board and train, Online
- Helps with
- AKC Canine Good Citizen, Puppy training, Basic obedience, Therapy dog work, Reactivity and 3 more
- Credentials
- IACP
4.0Bark Score
- How you can train
- Group classes, Private lessons, Board and train
- Helps with
- Basic obedience
- Credentials
- IACP
3.9Bark Score
- How you can train
- Private lessons, Group classes, Board and train
- Helps with
- Basic obedience, Agility, Puppy training, Reactivity, Aggression and 7 more
- Credentials
- IACP
- In business since
- 2007
3.9Bark Score
- How you can train
- In your home, Private lessons, Group classes, Board and train
- Helps with
- Puppy training, Basic obedience, Recall, Leash pulling, Therapy dog work and 3 more
- Credentials
- IACP
3.9Bark Score
- How you can train
- Board and train, Private lessons, Online
- Helps with
- Basic obedience, Recall, Leash pulling, Service dog work, Therapy dog work and 1 more
- Credentials
- IACP
3.9Bark Score
- How you can train
- Board and train, Private lessons, Group classes, Day training
- Helps with
- Basic obedience, Puppy training, Recall, Leash pulling, AKC Canine Good Citizen
- Credentials
- IACP
All 19, by state
Alabama1
- Dominion Dog Training Bessemer
Arizona1
- Dog Trainer US Peoria
Colorado3
Florida2
- D.O.G. of Jax Jacksonville
- Heart & Soul Dog Training Sumterville
Georgia1
- Blackheart K9 Services Chatsworth
Illinois2
- Best Paw Forward Dog Training Monticello
- Pawsibilities Dog Training Cary
Kentucky1
- Kentucky Canine Campus Owensboro
New York4
- Communicanine Behavior Modification LLC Corfu
- All Dawgs Albany
- Canine Academy Clarence
- Dog Training by Bob Maida Yonkers
North Carolina1
Ohio1
- Alpha-Dog Pet Centers, L.L.C Amherst
Pennsylvania1
- FireFly Kennels Lehighton
South Carolina1
- Contented Canines Columbia
Sources, checked October 19, 2026
Other dog training certifications
CPDT-KACPDT-KSAIAABCKPA CTPAll certifications comparedCertified dog trainers near you