Dog Training 101: What Every Trainer Needs to Know
Build a thoughtful foundation for professional dog training
Dog Training 101 is an entry-level certificate course for people who want to understand the profession before they begin working with clients. It gives newer trainers a clear path through the knowledge and professional responsibilities that shape good work.
The course is taught by Sarah Filipiak CDBC through APDT International. Across five weeks, students work through recorded lectures and weekly assignments, then discuss the material with classmates and the instructor.
Registration for the October 2026 course
The next five-week course runs October 19 through November 22, 2026. APDT International manages enrollment, pricing, and course access.
Who Dog Training 101 is for
The course welcomes beginners and requires no prior dog-training education. It serves:
- People considering dog training as a career
- Serious dog people exploring where professional study could lead
- New trainers building their educational foundation
- Working trainers who want a clearer understanding of professional qualifications, credentials, and scope
What the course covers
Dog Training 101 focuses on the knowledge a trainer needs before offering services. Students explore:
- How the history of dog training continues to shape current methods
- Dog behavior and body language
- How to assess training approaches and choose them for the case in front of you
- Professional education, membership organizations, and credentialing paths
- How to recognize your current abilities, limits, and areas for continued study
- How human behavior and communication affect training outcomes
By the end of the course, students develop a concrete plan for continuing their education and moving toward work as a dog trainer.
What this course is designed to do
This foundation course helps you understand the field, evaluate your options, and make informed choices about your next stage of education. Skill development continues through supervised, hands-on training and focused study.
About the instructor
Sarah Filipiak is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, educator, and founder of Train Canine. She has more than two decades of behavior consulting experience and more than a decade teaching and mentoring trainers. Her work helps people understand why behavior happens and choose interventions that fit the case while communicating clearly with clients.
Sarah has taught for APDT International and leads mentorship programs through the IAABC Foundation. She has served in several IAABC leadership roles, including president and executive director. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and journalism.