International Dog Trainer School
Dog Trainer Certification
The Human Caring Code®
“The best dog trainers don’t just teach dogs – they learn how to communicate with them.“
Become a Certified Dog Trainer with the Caring Human Code® Method
Are you ready to take your passion for dogs to the next level? Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, our 12-month Dog Trainer Certification Course will provide you with everything you need to become a confident, skilled, and ethical dog trainer.
This is not your typical dog training course. We focus on understanding dogs deeply, not just teaching them commands. With our Caring Human Code® and Calming Signals Approach® you’ll learn how to create meaningful, respectful relationships with dogs that lead to lasting behavioral changes. This course isn’t just about training dogs—it’s about building mutual understanding, trust, and effective communication.
In this comprehensive program, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the theory and practical application of training, while also developing the skills needed to work with clients and build your professional dog training career. By the end of the program, you will not only know how to train dogs but also how to build meaningful relationships with them and their owners.
The Course is Intensive and Fully Online
You will need to manage your own study time. At the beginning of the course, we will provide you with tips on how to organize your study schedule and maintain good self-discipline. You can expect self-study, group work, and many practical exercises that you must film and submit. There will also be a good amount of observation tasks, where you are expected to observe and reflect on your own learning. The estimated average study time per week is between 4 – 5 hours. You will need to pass tests after each module of the course. We place great emphasis on individuality and strong collaboration skills.
This is an education program for those who are serious about pursuing a career in dog training and wish to develop personally. It is open to everyone who is already working professionally with dogs and to those who are just starting out. You must be aware that this is an unconventional course, and what you learn will, in many cases, be very different from what you have previously learned. We do NOT focus on traditional obedience training, but take a holistic approach to training and helping dogs with behavior problems.
What Makes Our Program Unique
At Nordic Dog Trainer, we believe that dog training is about teaching people how to understand, communicate with, and train their own dogs. Our program stands out because we focus on the human-dog relationship, emphasizing communication, pedagogical skills, and the science behind dog behaviour. Dog training isn’t just about the dog—it’s about empowering owners to connect with and effectively guide their dogs.
We take a holistic and science-backed approach to understanding dog behavior. Our curriculum integrates evidence-based practices and includes expert input from veterinarians, physiotherapists (Galen Myotherapy), and specialists in canine language. This multi-disciplinary perspective ensures that you receive a well-rounded education that combines scientific knowledge with practical application.
A key differentiator of our program is our emphasis on scientific literacy. We teach you how to read and analyze scientific articles, so you can stay informed about the latest research in dog behavior, learning theory, and animal welfare. This empowers you to make informed, evidence-based decisions in your training approach and apply the most up-to-date methodologies.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on calming signals. We are the only school in the world teaching calming signals based on Turid Rugaas’ original teachings in her book On Talking Terms with Dogs. No more confusion or mixed messages—at Nordic Dog Trainer, you’ll learn the true, original knowledge of calming signals and how to incorporate them into your training.
Join us and become part of a global community dedicated to ethical, compassionate, and science-driven dog training.
Course Structure and Pedagogical Approach
Our 12-month Dog Trainer Certification Course is designed with a pedagogical approach that ensures natural progression in your learning. From the beginning, you’ll start by mastering the basics—calming signals and observation techniques—with your own dog. As you grow in confidence and skill, you will move on to working with other dogs—both familiar and unfamiliar—giving you the experience and versatility you need to handle dogs in a variety of situations.
Throughout the course, you’ll perform practical exercises not only with your own dog but also with other dogs and even with clients you may not have met before. This progression helps you build confidence and experience in real-life scenarios.
We place a strong emphasis on repetition and practice—this is why quantity training is a key part of our approach. You’ll repeat the exercises you learn, allowing you to refine your skills and become comfortable applying the techniques with different dogs, breeds, and ages.
By the end of the program, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding and confidence of how to handle dogs of all types, from puppies to seniors, and learn to adjust your approach based on the individual needs of each dog.
Business Development for Dog Trainers
In addition to the comprehensive dog training skills you’ll acquire, our 12-month Dog Trainer Certification Course also includes a dedicated business module to help you succeed as a professional dog trainer. This module is designed for both those starting their own business and those looking to expand their existing practice.
You’ll learn how to launch your own dog training business, from building your brand to finding your first clients. The course covers everything you need to know about marketing yourself, growing your business, and scaling it to do more of what you love.
Course Designed for You Who Want to Work with Dogs
This course is specifically designed for those who are already working with dogs or those who wish to start a career in dog training. The program is structured in such a way that you can begin offering paid courses and activities during your studies, helping you to finance your education. We will teach you how to start and run these activities after approximately one-third of the course is completed. For example, we have included our Sensory Enrichment Coach Program as part of the curriculum, allowing you to offer this as a paid service at your own dog school. This gives you the opportunity to gain practical experience while simultaneously building your business and funding your studies.
Application deadline:
8th of August 2025.
What you will learn
This course combines theory with practical application, ensuring you gain real-world experience in dog training. Over the 12 months, you will develop expertise in →
Throughout the course, you will be involved in a range of practical assignments, including working with your own dog, observing and training other dogs, and interacting with clients.
You will receive 1-1 mentorship and live feedback sessions to ensure you’re progressing and getting the support you need.
Understanding and observing dog behavior: Learn how to read a dog’s body language and calming signals, an essential skill for building a relationship based on trust and communication.
Non-coercive training methods: Master techniques that allow you to train dogs without the use of force, focusing instead on mutual cooperation and trust-building.
Behavioral challenges: Develop the skills to handle dogs with fear, reactivity, and aggression, and learn to apply your knowledge in complex, real-world situations.
Pedagogical skills: Learn how to teach dog owners effectively, focusing on how to communicate and guide them in training their dogs.
Business development: Get practical guidance on how to start your own dog training business, market yourself, attract clients, and grow your career.
Throughout the course, you will be involved in a range of practical assignments, including working with your own dog, observing and training other dogs, and interacting with clients.
You will receive 1-1 mentorship and live feedback sessions to ensure you’re progressing and getting the support you need.
Course features
Fully Online: Complete the course from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, with online lectures, practical assignments, and live sessions.
Mentorship and Support: 1-1 mentoring sessions with experienced trainers to guide you through your learning journey.
Practical Experience: Hands-on exercises with your own dog, other dogs, and clients to help you build confidence and competence in real-world settings.
Live Sessions: Zoom calls for group discussions, practical feedback, and Q&A, ensuring personalized learning and ongoing support.
Business Coaching: Learn how to build and grow your own dog training business, from finding clients to marketing your services.
What’s Included
Comprehensive 12-month course with practical exercises, theory lessons, and interactive content.
1-1 mentoring and teacher based and group feedback to support your learning and growth.
Live sessions with instructors for direct feedback and guidance.
Access to a global community of like-minded students, fostering networking and collaboration.
Business development training to help you launch and grow your own dog training business.
Certification by Nordic Dog Trainer upon successful completion, giving you the credentials to begin your career as a professional dog trainer.
Course Commitment
This is an intensive program, with an estimated commitment of an average of 4-6 hours per week for the full 12 months. This includes watching lessons, completing practical exercises, participating in live sessions, and submitting assignments. You will be expected to complete the program in full, including all practical tasks and assessments, to receive your certification.
Workload and Participation
This course requires you to work in a structured way, balancing self-study, team/group work, and participation in live Zoom meetings. If you’re in a different time zone, you’ll have the option to watch recordings of the live Zoom meetings.
As a general rule, we will meet on Zoom every other week throughout the year (except during the holiday breaks in summer and Christmas). The live meetings will be scheduled Wednesday evenings and and Sunday evenings each month to give everyone the opportunity to participate, especially if you’re working or in a different time zone.
We understand that sometimes things may prevent you from attending, but if you miss a session, you must catch up by watching the recording. However, if we go over practical tasks and provide feedback during meetings you miss, you will not receive feedback on your task.
To pass the course, you must attend at least 80% of the live Zoom meetings.
What You’ll Learn:
Over the next 12 months, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with:
The Caring Human Code®
Learn how to connect with dogs in a way that fosters trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
Apply non-coercive communication techniques, focusing on body language, energy, and emotional regulation to guide dogs instead of using commands.
Reading and Responding to Calming Signals
Understand how dogs communicate their needs through subtle signs like yawning, lip licking, and body posture.
Learn how to interpret and respond to these signals to reduce stress and improve training results.
Non-Coercive Training Techniques
Master the art of training without force, using positive reinforcement and emotional awareness to create cooperation instead of compliance.
Build trust with dogs and help them make decisions based on their comfort and safety.
Working with Challenging Behaviors
Gain practical experience in working with dogs exhibiting fear, reactivity, and aggression.
Develop behavior modification plans and learn how to handle common issues like barking, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior.
Client Communication and Coaching
Learn how to work with dog owners to create personalized training plans that they can implement at home.
Develop the skills to coach clients effectively, explaining the Caring Human Code™ and guiding them through the training process.
Teamwork and Professional Development
Work closely with peers in small groups to build your teamwork skills and gain confidence in collaborative settings and be certified in the Factor3 Framework.
Develop the emotional awareness and leadership skills that will help you thrive as a professional dog trainer.
Course highlights
12-Month Comprehensive Training: Includes live lectures, practical assignments, group exercises, and personalized feedback from experienced trainers.
Global Access: Learn online together with our global community with students from more than 60 countries.
Practical Application: Work with real dogs, real clients, and real challenges to apply everything you’ve learned.
Ongoing Support: Receive mentorship and community support throughout the course to ensure you succeed every step of the way.
Certification: Upon successful completion, you will earn a Dog Trainer Certification by Nordic Dog Trainer and be ready to start your professional dog training career.
Course Outline
Building a Strong Foundation
- Understanding the Caring Human Code®
- Recognizing calming signals and stress signals in dogs
- Self-reflection exercises to improve learning outcome
- Practical: Observe dogs in real-world settings and practice non-coercive communication
Mastering Non-Coercive Training
- Learning to train with body language, and positive reinforcement
- Handling basic behaviors like recall, sit, and leash walking
- Practical: Work with dogs to build trust and cooperation without commands
Working with Reactive and Fearful Dogs
- Addressing fear, reactivity, and aggressive behaviors
- Developing tailored behavior modification plans
- Practical: Work with dogs showing challenging behaviors and coach clients in real-life scenarios
- Applying advanced techniques to complex behavioral issues
- Developing and presenting a comprehensive training plan for a real client
- Practical: Final exam and capstone project, demonstrating all skills learned throughout the course
Why Choose Our Certification Course?
Ethical and Humane Training Methods
At Nordic Dog Trainer, we focus on a unique approach that goes beyond traditional obedience training. Our program centers around the Caring Human Code®, which emphasizes building trust and understanding between humans and dogs. We prioritize the emotional well-being of the dog, using non-coercive methods that respect their natural communication. Our training methods focus on recognizing and responding to calming signals, a core component of our program that helps dogs feel safe, heard, and understood.
Experienced Trainers
You’ll be mentored by seasoned professionals who have years of hands-on experience and have successfully trained hundreds of dog trainers worldwide. Our instructors bring a deep understanding of dog behavior, communication, and the science behind training, ensuring you receive the best possible guidance throughout your journey.
Global Community
By joining our program, you’ll become part of an international network of passionate dog enthusiasts and professionals. Together, we’re committed to creating better relationships between humans and dogs through education, empathy, and mutual respect.
Practical and Real-World Experience
Our course is designed to give you practical, real-world experience. You’ll apply everything you learn to work with real dogs and clients, ensuring that by the time you graduate, you’re fully prepared to start working as a certified dog trainer. From hands-on training with calming signals to understanding the dog’s emotional state, we equip you with the tools to succeed immediately after certification.
The Unique Calming Signals Approach
We are the only school in the world that teaches calming signals based on Turid Rugaas’ groundbreaking work in On Talking Terms with Dogs. By learning the original calming signals, you will be able to read and respond to dogs’ emotional cues, ensuring their comfort and well-being while training. This approach sets us apart from traditional methods, focusing on understanding dogs as individuals rather than simply training them to follow commands.
Choose our certification course and embark on a career built on compassion, trust, and science-driven dog training.
Ready to Become a Certified Dog Trainer?
If you’re passionate about dogs and ready to make a difference in their lives, this course is the perfect opportunity to turn your passion into a rewarding career. Our certification program will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work with dogs using a unique, ethical approach rooted in the Caring Human Code® and the Calming Signals Approach®.
This course isn’t just about training dogs—it’s about building trust and understanding with them. By joining, you’ll learn to foster better relationships between humans and dogs through non-coercive, emotionally supportive methods. Whether you want to work with dog owners or run your own dog training business, we’ll provide the tools you need to succeed.
Why do we need an application form?
We want to ensure that this course is the right fit for you. Your application helps us understand your background, motivations, and goals so we can better support you throughout the program. We are committed to providing personalized guidance to help you succeed, and your application is the first step in that process.
Start your journey today and gain the certification you need to become a successful dog trainer with an approach that’s ethical, compassionate, and science-driven.
Non-Binding Application
You can apply now without any commitment! The application process is non-binding, meaning you can apply first and make your final decision about enrollment later. It’s the perfect way to secure your spot and get all the details before confirming your participation.
Start your journey today and join our global community of passionate dog professionals. Apply now to get the early bird discount and save €700 / $700 USD!
Next course start:
3rd of September 2025
Limited spaces
Application is open until the course is fully booked
Application deadline: 8th of August 2025
Course Fee and What It Includes
Tuition Fee:
The total cost of the 12-month Dog Trainer School Certification Course is
€4,900 / $5,600 USD
Early Bird Discount:
Save €700 / $700 USD by enrolling early!
€4,200 / $4,900 USD
(full payment)
Payment Plan Options:
We offer flexible payment plans to suit your needs:
12 Monthly Payments:
€370 / $428 USD per month
4 Part Payments:
€1,050 / $1,245 USD per installment
2 Part Payments:
€2,100 / $2,470 USD per installment
Please note there is a $/€20 fee per part payment.
What's Included in the Fee:
Comprehensive Online Course: Full access to all course materials, including pre-recorded lectures, practical assignments, and quizzes.
Live Sessions: Regular live Zoom meetings with instructors for interactive learning, feedback, and Q&A.
5 x 60 minutes 1-1 Mentoring: Personalized mentoring sessions to provide guidance and answer your specific questions.
Practical Experience: Tutoring and assessements including video-based assignments for feedback.
Business Coaching: A module focused on starting and growing your own dog training business, covering client acquisition and marketing strategies.
Global Community: Access to a network of dog professionals worldwide, with ongoing support from instructors and peers.
Certification: Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your Dog Trainer Certification to help you start your career as a certified dog trainer.
What the Fee Does Not Include
Travel and Accommodation: Expenses related to any in-person events or practicals (if applicable).
Optional Materials and Equipment: Costs for training tools and equipment (e.g., clickers, leashes, harnesses) required for practical exercises.
Additional Books: Any recommended reading materials or textbooks outside of the course curriculum.
Certification Fees: Additional fees for optional certifications or exams not included in the core program.
Non-Binding Application
You can apply now without any commitment! The application process is non-binding, meaning you can apply first and make your final decision about enrollment later. It’s the perfect way to secure your spot and get all the details before confirming your participation. Start your journey today and join our global community of passionate dog professionals. Apply now to get started with the early bird discount and save €700 / $700 USD!
FAQs
Do I need any prior experience to join the course?
No, this course is designed for both beginners and those with prior dog training experience. We start with the basics and build up to more advanced techniques.
How long does the course last?
The course lasts for 12 months, with a combination of online modules, live sessions, and practical training.
What certification will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive the Caring Human Code® Dog Trainer Certification Certified by Nordic Dog Trainer. This certification qualifies you to teach the Caring Human Code® method to dog owners, helping them build better relationships with their dogs. Please note that this certification does not allow you to certify other professionals—only Nordic Dog Trainer can do that.
Is the course accessible internationally?
Yes! This course is fully online, so you can join from anywhere in the world.
Teachers
Lisbeth Borg de Waard
Dr. Amber Batson
Julia Robertson
Greta Inglis
Elena Gkantzou
+ guest lecturers and Nordic Dog Trainer certified teachers and mentors
Teachers list can be subject to change.
Welcome to Nordic Dog Trainer!
Founded 10 years ago, Nordic Dog Trainer has proudly educated over 1,000 dog trainers worldwide. Our mission is to transform the dog training industry by focusing on understanding and communication rather than traditional obedience methods.
What makes us unique? We teach the Caring Human Code® and Calming Signals Approach®, two groundbreaking methods that prioritize a non-coercive, empathetic, and ethical approach to training. Our philosophy is rooted in mutual respect and building a deep bond between humans and dogs—one based on trust, observation, and understanding.
Join us, and become part of a community of trainers dedicated to making a lasting difference for dogs and their owners globally.
Exemption for level 1 and level 2 graduates
If you have completed Level 1 and 2 with Nordic Dog Trainer, you can apply for an exemption from the first part of the course. You will then start in January 2026 and receive a discount on the course fee. Please contact us if you have any questions about this.
Information about Dog Trainer Certification
When you complete the Caring Human Code® Dog Trainer Certification, you will be qualified to teach the Caring Human Code® method to dog owners, helping them create strong, trust-based relationships with their dogs. However, it’s important to understand that the dog trainer profession is not a regulated industry in most countries. This means there are no government-imposed standards or laws dictating who can or cannot call themselves a dog trainer.
In some countries, there are private organizations that have established recognized standards for certification. While these organizations can help set a common benchmark for competence, their standards are still not government-backed. These private certifications can provide value but are voluntary and not legally required.
At Nordic Dog Trainer, we take pride in the Caring Human Code™ approach, which is built on high ethical standards and a science-based methodology that we believe surpasses many of the existing standards in the industry, including those set by organizations like the CCPDT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer). As a Norwegian company based in Europe, we currently have no plans to seek collaboration or affiliation with the CCPDT or similar organizations.
Instead, we are exploring internationally recognized standards for online education, such as ISO certifications and EU standards, to ensure that our education programs meet the highest quality and professionalism benchmarks available globally. We believe that these certifications will provide our graduates with greater recognition and ensure that our training methods remain at the forefront of modern, ethical dog training practices.
Why Certification Matters
While the dog training profession is unregulated, certification can still be valuable. However, the meaning and value of certification depend largely on the criteria and assessment processes used by the certifying organization. At Nordic Dog Trainer, our certification is based on rigorous educational standards, practical experience, and a deep commitment to ethical training practices that prioritize the well-being of both dogs and their owners.
As a dog owner looking for a trainer, it’s important to understand that certification is only one part of the equation. Many trainers may be certified by different organizations, but it’s the quality of the training program and the credentials of the certifying body that truly matter.
We recognize that, for now, certification may vary widely across the dog training industry, but we are proud to offer a program that upholds the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and scientific knowledge in dog training.
What This Means for You
By choosing to enroll in our Caring Human Code® Dog Trainer Certification, you are not only gaining a certification that proves your commitment to ethical dog training but also joining a community of professional trainers who are dedicated to understanding dogs in a deeply empathetic and scientifically grounded way.
We are committed to ensuring that our training and certification programs are aligned with global best practices and recognized industry standards. While the dog trainer profession may not yet be universally regulated, we continue to work toward setting the highest possible standards for our students and our profession.
Our Educational Approach
All of our courses are designed using the pedagogical methods typically employed in higher education in Norway and Scandinavia, and they follow the standards set for Norwegian vocational education (Fagskolenormer).
Our team, which develops and structures these courses, is made up of educators with extensive experience in both teaching and research, including PhDs in pedagogy and lecturers at Norwegian universities. The team members involved in shaping our curriculum include:
- Lisbeth Borg de Waard, MA, University of Lancaster, UK
- Karine Sand, PhD, University of Oslo
- Hege Roaldseth, PhD, University of Oslo
- Johnas Christensen, (creator of Factor3 Team Framework)
- Karina Danielsen Tallman, MA, University of Iowa, USA
This high level of academic expertise ensures that our courses are not only grounded in practical experience but also follow the best pedagogical practices available, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for all of our students.