CPDT Qs

http://www.ptcny.com/clients/CCPDT/index.html#ApplicationRequest1

Scroll down and it tells the eligibility requirements, which it sounds like you would have absolutely no problem fulfilling. 

I looked through all that.  What wasn't clear to me was whether their focus was on people training or dog only training.  I've had very little people training experience - although if I counted rescue type counseling/training I could add up a hundred or so hours right there.   

There's a Yahoo group for prospective CPDT's.  I gave the CPDT a lot of consideration, but chose not to certify because they let so many people do so who are not positive trainers, so the credential doesn't mean that much to me.  Just my own politics on that matter, I realize, and I may change my mind at some point, but if I ever certify, it will be with IPDTA first.  It irks me that just because competitors who still use leash corrections can pay $300+ to get "view only certified trainer" referrals on their website, thus try to force me to certify to get the same treatment.  And this from an organization founded by Dunbar that claimed to be positive.  I actually complained about one trainer who was very UN-positive using the APDT logo, and basically nothing much happened, so... 

Many of the best trainers I know have zero certifications, and so I don't put the same stock in it as some people do.  But, I admire you for the learning that goes into being able to certify, which is really the important thing.

Good luck to you, anyway.

A little OT but it reminds me of a similar snafu I ran into. I have a master electrician license and have done more than my share of electrical engineering on the side of a cardboard box. Especially on the project we are now on where the engineering is non-existant. We are having to design as we go. Anyway, in Texas, there's no way to convert my master license into an engineering cert from the state. You have to have a degree from a four year college and membership in a profesional society. My project manager, also a master, used to work in Colorado, where a master can be certified as an engineer. It's as tough or tougher as any college requirements. But you have to have a Colorado residence.

End of OT.

Good luck with seeking accreditation. It can't hurt to have such things. It won't necessarily mean that people will listen to you. Anne can tell you that.

I can tell you that in my own trade. Everyone thinks they have to one-up a master and if they read something you haven't read in 5 years, they think they are as smart as you are. I laugh and go on about my merry way.

ron2

Good luck to you, anyway.

A little OT but it reminds me of a similar snafu I ran into. I have a master electrician license and have done more than my share of electrical engineering on the side of a cardboard box. Especially on the project we are now on where the engineering is non-existant. We are having to design as we go. Anyway, in Texas, there's no way to convert my master license into an engineering cert from the state. You have to have a degree from a four year college and membership in a profesional society. My project manager, also a master, used to work in Colorado, where a master can be certified as an engineer. It's as tough or tougher as any college requirements. But you have to have a Colorado residence.

End of OT.

Good luck with seeking accreditation. It can't hurt to have such things. It won't necessarily mean that people will listen to you. Anne can tell you that.

I can tell you that in my own trade. Everyone thinks they have to one-up a master and if they read something you haven't read in 5 years, they think they are as smart as you are. I laugh and go on about my merry way.

 

Don't worry, Ron, the degree doesn't get anyone to listen to you either.  But, I hear Colorado is nice this time of year;-)

I think it's nice in Colorado ANY time of year.  Gus's old owner is there and when I see pictures of his ranch - drool, drool. 

in Texas, there's no way to convert my master license into an engineering cert from the state. You have to have a degree from a four year college and membership in a profesional society. My project manager, also a master, used to work in Colorado, where a master can be certified as an engineer. It's as tough or tougher as any college requirements.

I think I remembered something about that.  Frustrating, huh?  Patrick has a vaguely similar situation - he's got 15 years of practical IT experience AND a master's degree in computer science, and keeps getting passed over for management positions because he doesn't have and MBA.  So this year he might be throwing it all over and taking a 50% paycut, to teach full time at our local community college.  He'd rather use his brain than stay in the rat race.  It's going to be an interesting year.  This will be at the same time I'm going back to school for my biotech degree, plus possibly this.

I'm actually interested in doing some formal research and a certification like this will help me find support easier.  Plus, I'm hoping to get a local kids' education program going - maybe we can start a grassroots movement against the current flow of chained dogs, random breedings, and overflowing shelters.  Formal certification can help me get into the schools and 4-H programs.

LOL.  I don't care if anyone listens to me here or elsewhere, with or without letters.  My advice/opinion does come with a guarantee, though - if you aren't 100% satisfied, you get a full refund on every penny you paid for my thoughts!   Minus a small restocking fee, of course.

Becca, good luck.  I've been buried with my head in something but am going to email you shortly about something else  but this thread has also raised something I wanted to talk to you about, so expect an email.

I would be shocked if someone with your experience couldn't meet requirements for accreditation easily, and while I agree letters are not always the most important thing they can often open doors. 

brookcove

Minus a small restocking fee, of course

There's the catch. I never thought of a restocking fee for putting thoughts where they came from. Genius, pure genius, Becca.