4Paws University News

LISA MULLINAX EARNS NEW CERTIFICATION

December 2, 2011

4Paws University trainer, Lisa Mullinax, has become one of only 58 dog trainers worldwide, and the only dog trainer in Sacramento to earn the certification Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

An independent organization, the CCPDT establishes and maintains humane standards of competence for animal training and behavior professionals through criteria based on experience, standardized testing, skills and continuing education

Prior to this date, the CCPDT only certified trainers based on their knoweldge of animal husbandry, ethology, learning theory, equipment, business practices and ethics.  Trainers who qualified earned the title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).  Lisa attained the CCPDT-KA certification in 2007.

In 2011, the CCPDT added a skills assessment that tests trainers in the areas of instruction skills, training skills, application of modalities and training equipment.  Trainers were required to submit four 5-minute videos demonstrating proficiency in each area. 

Trainers who have earned the CPDT certifications are required to meet a minimum of continuing education requirements each certification period.  The CPDT-KSA requires an additional 12 hours of hands-on continuing education every three years.  This ensures that trainers bearing the CPDT designation remain at the top of their field in theory and practice.

Lisa is thrilled to join such a select group of trainers working to establish set standards in the dog training profession so dog owners, veterinarians and others can identify professional trainers who have demonstrated knowledge and skill in the field of dog training.