Certificate of Dog Training

I'm happy to announce that this morning I received my Certificate of Dog Training (Cert.DT) from the Companion Animals Sciences Institute (CASI).

CASI provides science-based, advanced, and challenging, credited courses in training, behavior, and nutrition. CASI is run by James O'Heare, CABC, CDBC, PABC, a respected author, international speaker, Director of The Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, Managing Editor of The Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior, and Co-founder of the International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants. He has written 10 books on animal behavior. Behaviorists, trainers, and scientist, including Jean Donaldson, Pat Miller, Chris Bach, Dr. Karen Pryor, Dr. Deb Jones, Beth Duman, Bill and Kellyann Conway, Dr. Jean Dodds, Lorna Coppinger, Janis Bradley, and Nicole Wilde have offered their expertise to the classroom discussions.

So, what does this mean? It means that I now have an intensive, scientific foundation in training, behavior, and technology.

What this does not mean? I am by no means ready to teach a class or take on clients. Although I sometimes dispense general advice, I am not yet qualified to do a professional evaluation or teach a class. That will be my next step.

My long term goal for Mudd Puppies has always been to offer a place where the needs of canine charges can be met in a comfortable, professional setting, whether it be hygiene, behavior, training, mental stimulation, or anything else, short of veterinary care. We're now one big step closer to that goal.