Angela Allen Earns Pet Dog Trainer Certification
For Immediate Release
Monday, November 17, 2008
Contact: Don Hanson Green Acres Kennel Shop 945-6841
[Bangor]⎯ - Dog trainer Angela Allen, of Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, has earned Level I certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the internationally recognized certification program for pet dog trainers. Allen now joins the more than 1000-plus Certified Pet Dog Trainers located throughout the US and in a number of countries outside the US.
The CCPDT's program (ccpdt.org) is the first national certification for dog trainers. Until the creation of the independently operated Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no nationally available 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." These tests are not monitored, nor are the testing processes standardized.
In order to develop a credible barometer for the dog-owning public to choose a trainer, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) initiated a process to develop a standardized dog trainer examination. The APDT is the largest dog trainer association in the world and promotes humane training practices. In conjunction with a task force of approximately 20 nationally known dog-training professionals and behaviorists, the APDT developed the CCPDT certification examination.
The task force worked for three years to research and develop the comprehensive written examination in conjunction with an independent testing company. The task force followed rigorous standards to ensure that the process met professional testing criteria. A critical part of this process was the establishment of the separate and independent CCPDT to manage the accreditation and recertification of the pet dog trainers. The CCPDT also pursues development of future higher-level training examinations.
The CCPDT administered its first examination September 28, 2001, during the APDT Annual Educational Conference in Ellenville, NY. Since then, the CCPDT administers the test twice a year at sites throughout the US. The Professional Testing Corporation of New York ensures that the test sites are professionally secured and monitored.
Candidates who pass the exam earn the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer and may use the designation, "CPDT," after their names. All certified trainers must earn continuing education units to maintain their designations.
A nursing student, Allen has been an employee of Green Acres Kennel Shop since 2001and has been teaching dog training classes since 2006. She joins Kate Dutra, Don Hanson, Christie Mahaffey, Joel Mahaffey and Becky Ruggiero, as the CPDT’s teaching at Green Acres.
In business since 1965, Green Acres Kennel Shop at 1653 Union Street is a Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) accredited facility offering boarding, daycare and grooming for dogs and cats, as well as pet behavior consultations and training classes. The Green Acres retail store offers a wide variety of wholesome pet foods, treats and quality supplies. For more information, please call 945-6841 or visit www.greenacreskennel.com.
