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How old should my dog be to start training? Although many trainers recommend beginning your dog's training as early as possible, dogs of all ages are able to learn at different levels. Most puppies between the ages of 7 to 16 weeks benefit from a puppy preschool program that focuses on preventing unwanted behaviors and the benefits of socialization. Most dogs are ready to begin formal obedience training as early as 14 to 16 weeks of age. In some situations a puppy can begin obedience training earlier or later. After speaking with a certified professional trainer, they will be able to advise you as to whether or not your dog is ready for training.

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Welcome

All members of the National K-9 Dog Trainers Association (NK9DTA) are Certified Professional Trainers.  All NK9DTA members have received certification from the National K-9® School for Dog Trainers; a professional school approved by The Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools.  National K-9 has the authority to issue professional certification, which is recognized throughout the United States and around the world. 

To achieve professional certification, NK9DTA members have completed one of National K-9’s intensive courses which includes a combination of: classroom instruction; hands on training experience; written testing, and extensive field evaluation under the supervision of experienced instructors.  The hands on instruction and feedback received by our members while at National K-9 cannot be duplicated by any book, correspondence course, videotape, or Internet course.

NK9DTA members have been taught the skills and knowledge from their study at National K-9 to pursue careers as Certified Professional Trainers.  NK9DTA members pursue training dogs for family, service, industry, therapy, sport, and even entertainment.  NK9DTA members have experience in the areas of:  Basic Obedience; Advanced Obedience; Behavior Evaluation and Modification; Canine Personality Assessment; Breed Traits, Kennel Management; Puppy Evaluation and Preschool; as well as Utility Training and Confidence Building. 

Many of our members also have experience in the training of Retrieval; Therapy Dogs; Assistance Dogs for the Disabled; Scent Detection, Personal Protection Dogs; and Police Dogs.  Some members are also involved in Search and Rescue organizations.  The NK9DTA also has members that are involved in various forms of competition including Agility, Flyball, Field Trails, French Ring Sport, Schutzhund Trials, and more.  Among our membership you will also find those who are involved in breeding, exhibiting, and trialing dogs through the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, and other dog clubs or organizations.

Our members understand that a dog trainer’s education is ongoing.  NK9DTA members are encouraged to continue their education whether it is through continued independent study of dogs, joining professional organizations, studying with other professional trainers, attending seminars/workshops/conferences and much more.

Check out our Selecting a Dog Trainer page for help in how to find a trainer that meets your needs.   Click on our Locate a Trainer link to find trainers in your region and to determine what services they offer. Thank you for visiting our site and we invite you to explore what the National K-9 Dog Trainers Association Members can offer you and your dog.

 
 
Current News
 

NK9DTA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION - Are you a National K-9 School for Dog Trainers graduate and not a member of the National K-9 Dog Trainers Association? NK9DTA membership is for graduates in good standing of the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers (www.nk9.com) only. If you are a National K-9 School for Dog Trainers Graduate and would like to join the NK9DTA, please email your full name, graduation month/year, and contact information to INFO@NK9.COM or call (614) 864-0213 for an application.


LOOKING TO HIRE A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL TRAINER? If you are interested in hiring a National K-9 School for Dog Trainers graduate for your dog related business, please contact info@nk9.com. If you are looking to locate a certified professional trainer in your area, click on "Locate a Trainer" above.


ATTENTION NK9DTA MEMBERS - If you have not requested a login and password to the members' area, email info@nk9.com. If you need to update your business information on the site's trainer locator, you can also email your updated information to info@nk9.com.


PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE - The 2008 International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) Annual Conference is scheduled to take place June 5 - 8, 2008 at the Triple Crown Academy and Event Center in Hutto, Texas. Some speakers Brother Christopher - The New Skete Way, Stanley Coren - Psychology of Dogs, Kayce Cover - Bridge and Target Training, and Brian Killcommons - Business Building. For more information go to www.dogpro.org or contact the IACP by email at iacpadmin@mindspring.com -or- Call 407-469-2008.


Congratulations to the graduates of the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers 2007 November/December Master Trainer Course: Rachel Whitaker (New York), Shawn Gazsi (West Virginia), Audra Herrig (Iowa), Kim Fountain (Colorado), Kathy Cossell (Pennsylvania), William O'Hara Jr. (Massachusetts), Peggy Herman (Florida), Andrew Replogle (California), Tammy Miller (Ohio), and Megan Lendavic (Ohio).


Congratulations to the graduate of the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers 2007 November Obedience/Behavioral Course: David Darton (Vermont) and Jorge Valentin (Puerto Rico).


 
 
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