Professional Dog Trainer Certification Course
Become a confident, skilled, and in-demand dog trainer.
This comprehensive program is designed for individuals who want to turn their passion for dogs into a professional career. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have hands-on experience, the Gemini K9 Trainer Course gives you the knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience needed to succeed in today’s dog training industry.
Why Train With Gemini K9
With over 30 years of professional dog training experience, Gemini K9 Obedience Inc. is recognized for producing reliable, skilled trainers who understand both the dog and the owner. Students learn through immersive, real-world application—not just theory.
Length of the trainer's course for phases 1-3 is a total of 300 hours
Length of the trainer's course for phases 1-4 is a total of 500 hours
Course Curriculum
Balanced Dog Training Foundations
Canine psychology, communication, motivation, learning theory, and how to apply a balanced system using clear structure, fair corrections, and reward-based reinforcement.
Puppy Development & Early Learning
Shaping behaviours from day one to prevent common problems and create a resilient foundation.
Obedience Training — Basic to Advanced
Training Tools & Techniques
Core commands (sit, stay, recall, heel, down) progressing to off-leash reliability using tools like long lines and e-collars.
Safe, effective use of prongs, slip leads, martingales, halti, e-collars, reward markers, and long lines — when and why to use each.
Behavior Modification & Problem Solving
Scent Work Training
Protection Programs
Hands-on work with real dogs on aggression, reactivity, fear, separation anxiety, resource guarding, and other behavioral challenges.
Principles of scent detection, imprinting, motivation building, indication training, search patterns, and troubleshooting for sport or working roles.
Training safe, controlled protection skills for sport and professional applications. Topics include:
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Foundation obedience and control under pressure
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Drive building and channeling (controlled prey and defense drives)
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Indication and targeting, controlled bitework, and release reliability
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Decoy handling and safe scenario progression
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Handler safety, risk assessment, and legal/ethical considerations
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Transitioning between protection work and everyday obedience
Client Communication & Business Development
Consultations, client coaching, program structuring, intake/evaluation best practices, and building a profitable dog training business.