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Become a Certified
Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
 View list of certified
instructors
Get your Trick Dog Instructor Certification:
Application is open to anyone interested in promoting, teaching or training
trick dogs providing their application has been accepted,
and that they abide by the Association’s Code of Conduct. The applicant
shall purchase the instructional materials at a cost of $135. There is no additional
cost for submitting the test. The cost of the instructional materials shall not
be refunded if applicant does not qualifiy for certification, however the applicant
may re-submit a test every four months at no additional cost.
To recieve your application packet:
- Email: application@domorewithyourdog.com
- You will be emailed a link where you can pay $135 via credit card
or PayPal.
Or, you may mail a check payable to Kyra Sundance for $135 to:
Do More With Your Dog!®
44404 16th St. W., ste. #204
Lancaster, CA 93534
When you get your instructor certification, you get:
- A "Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)" certificate
- The official title of CTDI added after your name
- Website listing as a certified instructor
- Referrals for students looking for certified instructors or seminar leaders
- Order form to order student packets at a discount for resale to your students
- Ongoing support and free, confidential responses to your dog training questions
- Newsletter informing you of events and new products
- When your students submit a "Trick Dog" title application form,
the CTDI earns credits which can be used to get free books and
DVDs.
Am I qualified?
- Applicant must
have earned at least an "Intermediate Trick Dog" title
on his/her own dog
- Applicant will submit a written test and a video (described below).
What is included in the application packet?
- "The Dog Tricks and Training Workbook" (includes 30 trick cards
and a DVD)
- "Best of 101 Dog Tricks" (DVD)
- Instructional materials including teaching advice and a detailed syllabus for a 7-week tricks class
- An application
form
- A written test
- Instructions for submitting the video portion of the test
- A list of guidelines on adhering to positive training techniques
- "Do More With Your Dog!" wristband
- Clicker
What is on the written test?
The written test consists of 25 short essay questions contained
within four sections. The questions do not have definitive correct answers, but
rather they provide an opportunity for you to convey your knowledge and skill
set. We are looking for your abilty to convey information and provide helpful
guidance to real-world training challenges. Below are sample questions from each
of the four sections.
Section 1: How would you handle the following training problems?
Sample
Question: Take a Bow: My dog keeps lying down instead of bowing.
Section 2: Your personal training style
Sample
Question: Have you ever worked with a dog who wasn’t food motivated?
What
happened?
Section 3: People skills
Sample
Question: When you see an owner becoming frustrated, what do you do?
Section 4: Professionalism
Sample
Question: What training gear do you never leave the house without?
What will be asked of me in the video portion of the test?
Instructor must submit a video of himself/herself. Video must show the specific
skills outlined below. Items 2 and 3 ask you to show how you would teach a trick
to a student. You may have a student in the video, or you may pretend the camera
is the student, and explain your instructions to the camera. You should be demonstrating
with a dog.
- Demonstrate your dog performing 5 tricks of an intermediate or
higher skill level (tricks and skill level listed in the 101 Dog Tricks book).
- Choose 3 of the tricks listed below, and demonstrate how you would teach
these tricks to your student.
• Shake Hands
• Roll Over
• Take a Bow
• Say Your Prayers
• Figure-8’s
- Choose 1 of the tricks listed below, and demonstrate how
you would teach this trick to your student by using a clicker or reward marker.
Please assume the student has already charged up the clicker/reward marker.
• Cover Your Eyes
• Soccer
• Hold and Object
CODE OF CONDUCT
The conduct of each certified Trick Dog Instructor reflects on the certifying
body as a whole, and for that reason we strive to have every instructor using
effective and humane training methods as recognized by our industry. We recognize
that you may be involved in training dogs for competition or as working dogs,
and may use a variety of training methods in these endeavors. This code of conduct
applies to your training specific to dog tricks classes.
Dogs will be trained
through positive reinforcement methods of praise, toys, and food. In general,
positive punishment and compulsion techniques are not appropriate for dog tricks
classes. Prong collars and choke chains are not encouraged unless the owner is
physically unable to control the dog. Luring and shaping methods are preferred
over physically modeling the dog into position. Dogs should not be forced into
situations where they become fearful, such as going into an agility tunnel, or
standing near a bigger dog.
Termination of Certification
An instructor’s certification may be terminated if the instructor is convicted
of animal cruelty charges, or is determined to be using training techniques that
are harmful to the dog
Goals of a Trick Dog Instructor
• Encourage dog owners to spend time and
participate in activities with their dogs, which will strengthen the human/canine
bond and thus improve lifelong relationships
• Promote having fun with dogs through trick training
• Lay a lifelong foundation of learning and training for dog and owner
• Encourage and share information with other dog trainers, in order to
help us all become better trainers
Code of Ethics
• I am dedicated to training dogs, and training owners
to train their dogs, for the enjoyment of dog, owner, and audience.
• I will at all times act in the interest of the dog.
• I will keep the dogs in an environment and under a regime that as far
as is possible ensures the well being of the dog.
• Advertising of my dog training services will be as factual as possible.
Misleading exaggerations or unfounded implications of superiority will not be
used.
• I will refrain from knowingly making unfair or untrue statements about
the dogs or practices of others.
• I train with humane, motivational, and non-violent methods.
• I believe discipline should be fair and consistent, and never angry or
punitive.
• I am dedicated to continually educating myself in all aspects of training
dogs.
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