Getting the CPDT-KA (and an announcement)

A short documentary on the final days and weeks as I worked to get the CPDT-KA certificate during February through April 2016. PLUS, an announcement on the future of Simpawtico Dog Training you won't want to miss!

[@meganmansfield7500]

Congrats. I’ve been binging as I just got a six month old rescue Monday and I’ve never had a dog before in my life. You’ve either reinforced what I’ve done or given me valuable info I never would’ve known. I appreciate it!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you! And you're welcome! My next cert I'm working on right now is the Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) from the IAABC.

[@christinefoxtrainer]

Thanks for taking us on your adventure. I’ll share this with our Trainer Apprentice Students for some inspiration!

[@-EricaCartman]

Congratulations! I like your enthusiasm. I like Christie's glasses and the lil dog in the middle :p Thanks for sharing, I did not know all that was involved.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks!

[@janestubbs6063]

you are just simply amazing! Congratulations.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you so much!

[@ameliadediosromero8038]

Congrats! So nice you shared.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks so much!

[@CamilleGG451]

Yay!!! I'm so proud of you!! And happy for you! (LOL that's how I will be with waiting for the results when I do it. 6 weeks? OMG... Just be glad it's not the 4 mos for the bar exam... Ugh. Can't imagine). Anyway, congrats! You are a good guy and deserve success!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks, Shana! Really appreciate it. Let me know how it goes when you take it!

[@ramensoup762]

Thanks for sharing the process

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

My pleasure 😊

[@gagarance]

Congrats!!!!!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks!

[@gcamilli]

Congratulations bro. I just applied for the test next year and I am really excited / nervous haha

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

[@crawl2k]

Congratulations! :)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!

[@vampiricconure]

Wicked Cool! Congrats to you! (Better late congratulating than never, LOL)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hey thank you!

[@1971JulioG]

Congrats!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!

[@PawTreader]

Congrats!!! This is my goal to get done. While my clients don't care, I want this done for myself. My question is, did you feel as if you needed the study guide? I saw online it was like an extra $100+ for the study guide. Also, any tips? (:

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I hope you do! If nothing else, it's a tremendously good feeling. And don't discount that nobody cares. There have been some people-both clients and professional network connections-that have come out of the woodwork JUST because I had that. Don't be afraid to advertise it! I really did not feel the study guide was necessary, especially at that price. I didn't get one. I just really read up on the areas they mentioned in the handbook and dove in with high hopes. Plus, your experience counts for a lot, too. As far as tips go, I think probably just test-taking in general is a good skill. I mean, go in having studied and prepared, for sure, but just having confidence with multiple choice questions and not letting the testing scenario rattle you is important too. They really are serious about the security there. Don't let it get to you. Go in like you own the joint, settle in, and crush it. Then, it is what it is. Feel free to reach out via email if you have other questions, and for sure let me know if/when you take it!

[@PawTreader]

I think that's my biggest fear is because I do NOT test well, even when I know all of the information. However, the fact that it's a multiple choice does take some of that pressure off. And thank you so much! I would definitely love to have it by spring of next year at the latest. After training through several companies, I've finally jumped in and have started my own training business this year so there's a lot to be done haha (like my website and such is finally finished :D ) and the CPDT-KA is just the cherry on top.... because just like you mentioned, I want to be able to ensure to my clients that I do take my job seriously, as I'm always looking for ways to improve and that they're getting the best for what they're paying. Keep up the great videos! I really enjoy your content.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

AWESOME. Congratulations on going on your own! I hope you're wildly successful!

[@choryang]

is there a study guide for the CPDT-KA certificate? Planning to get my next year hopefully. Couldn't find any study guide. Thank you! :)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

There is one on the CCPDT's website. It's kind of buried there and you gotta hunt for it.

[@Ajvella31]

Old video i know, but im just now discovering this channel. Is it still active?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

It is! Just the production time is way slower than I'd like it to be! Got a bunch more in the queue, hopefully coming soon!

[@CamilleGG451]

Oh hey wait, question for you- how does one go about logging legitimate training hours for the certification?

[@CamilleGG451]

Oh- nevermind- I found and downloaded the training log so I answered my own question :)

[@wolffendorcalanda4706]

is there a school we can learn at?

[@ericz8301]

congrats again, one question for the 300 hours, how to improve it? I had more than 300 hours training experience, i wonder how can I improve it.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Eric. I'm not sure what you mean by "improve." If you have the 300 hours, then you have them. You just have to document it in a spreadsheet. If you haven't been keeping track...well...that's gonna be a chore to write it all down.

[@ericz8301]

Simpawtico Dog Training hey, thanks for your reply. I had more than 300 hours training experience in other country. I immigrated Canada, and don't know my experience is valid for applying CCPDT.

[@charlotteewaskow6572]

thank you for sharing! congratulations!!! I can't take it cause I need my grade12. I am dylixic. I have been told I work amzing with dogs. leash reactivity and privates are my favorite! any idea how I can appeal so I can get my ccptd? please help! Thank you 😀

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

There is ONE question on the application about "highest level of education" but there is an option for GED. That may be your main hurdle. Beyond that, if you're over 18, and you can document the hours spent working with dogs, and you can get a vet to sign off, you should be able to take your test.

[@UncleBuck3t]

I'm currently studying for the CPDT-KA, and I was hoping you had some advice for me?? Maybe some books that really helped or content you wish you had while studying for it?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hmmmm good question! There was a lot less emphasis on the medical stuff. There was more behavioral than I expected. Also, a ton of terminology, so I think focusing on lexicon and vocabulary would be helpful. Books? There are lots of good ones out there: Nicole Wilde's are all great, and so are Patricia McConnell's. Jean Donaldson has some really good books. Ian Dunbar's videos are awesome, of course. Karen Pryor's "Don't Shoot the Dog" has a lot of pertinent info. You can easily get overwhelmed, so don't bury yourself in books...it'll just fry your brain! The test is different every year, so it's hard to say. I hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out over email if you want to discuss more!

[@saramations]

ccpdt manual has a list of refeances on page 21 of that manual

[@sebastianalcarazIKT]

Hope your exam went well James! I'm taking my exam this fall and it's just in a few weeks time. Any advice after taking it?

[@ahmiablack1200]

Congratulations on earning your cpdt Ka. What is your next dog trainer goal? Is there another certification that you also wish to achieve

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you! My next one is CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant) from the IAABC. I was going to do CBCC-KA, but I think the IAABC distinction is more prestigious with more CEU opportunities. Looking to do that in 2020.

[@ahmiablack1200]

@@SimpawticoDogTraining that's awesome! Please do another video when it comes around

[@ElkhanDogTrainer]

Hi Ian, congratulations. Help me out please, how I log hours? Do they check it with company I work or with clients? How do I prove that? Or just I add company name and hours? I’m working for petco, and I do private, group classes. Is it same as hour to do 4 dog group class and private? I I can log each dog as an hour? I mean 1 h group class with 4 dog = 4h hands on

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hey there! They've changed their system since I tested. Now they have a fully online logging system where you input all of your hours into their spreadsheet. You'll put in the company or setting where it occurs at. Be prepared as it is a tedious task. Best would be to keep track on your own computer, and do it all at once when you're ready to apply for your test. They won't check up on every hour, but they will ask for references. Unfortunately, you can only count actual linear hours, so an hour class with four dogs still only counts as an hour. Hope that helps and good luck!

[@kendrag.4062]

How do you provide proof of the 300 hours of training and must this be done prior to testing?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Back when I did this I had to submit a spreadsheet with names and dates. It was a pretty big file. Now, they have you fill out an online spreadsheet which is easier for them, but very tedious for the applicant. One of my other trainers that works for me just did hers in the Spring.

[@conniepritchardreinhardt9978]

Congratulations!! I wish i knew how to get certified for training.. Please feel free to message me all the different courses and where to take them. There is no one innour area that trains dogs. I have been working with dogs since i was a kid. I use to help my god father train police dogs. So i am fairly goid at what i do. I just dont know in what order to get cirtificates.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

There are some schools you can attend, but for right now, I would say take a look at the courses offered by Raising Canine, LLC, and you might join the APDT to get access to many of their courses as well.

[@conniepritchardreinhardt9978]

@@SimpawticoDogTraining thanks i shall try that.

[@michaelseiger9870]

Sorry, I’m kinda late for party but doesn’t negate my congratulations!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks, Michael!

[@jkhanso2]

Congrats!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!