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Dog Behavior Consulting Diploma Program

DogNostics

 

Tools, Processes and Systems To Help You Bridge the Gap Between Training Skills & Behavior Case Management

 

This Program Teaches What So Many Others Do Not!

Join the next generation of ethical, data-driven Behavior Consultants.

The Industry Gap: Theory vs. Reality. Many Dog Behavior Consultants and Trainers graduate, expecting to be fully prepared to manage complex behavior cases. However, most programs focus almost exclusively on academic theory—learning theory, neuropsychology, and ethology.

While this scientific knowledge is vital, it is often not enough. Most curricula fail to prepare professionals for the human side of the equation: supporting clients through the complex process of long-term behavior change.

The Missing Link: Consulting & Management Skills. Even with a wealth of scientific evidence available, there is a significant disconnect between the idealistic presentation of academia and the “in the trenches” reality of working with pet owners. Many professionals feel uncertain about how to plan, manage, and execute behavior change effectively.

How This Program is Different: We bridge this gap by teaching the skills often overlooked by other schools, including:

  • Project & Process Management: How to structure a case from start to finish.

  • People Training & Coaching: How to get compliance and buy-in from owners.

  • Training and Teaching Systems: How to operationalize your systems for maximum success

Behavior Case Management is a Science and an Art – Stop Guessing and Start Functionally Assessing!

Master the science of behavior change, the art of client coaching, and the systems that turn complex aggression and anxiety cases into solvable, stress-free plans.

Your  Transformational Approach To Behavior Consulting

The transformational approach to behavior change must focus on two equally important components: the art and the science of behavior change.

The Art of Behavior Consulting focuses on the management of behavior change programs through a systematic approach to the management of the process and the people, whereas the

Science of Behavior Consulting works through a scientific approach to behavior change within the environment.

Who is the DogNostics Dog Behavior Diploma For?

This diploma is designed for professionals who are ready to move beyond “teaching cues” and delve into the complex art and science of behavior modification. It is ideal for:

The Professional Dog Trainer seeking “The Next Level.”

You are already skilled at teaching obedience behaviors like sit, stay, and recall, but you feel stuck when clients present with complex emotional issues like separation anxiety, resource guarding, or reactivity.

Why this fits: This course bridges the gap between Trainer and Behavior Consultant, giving you the diagnostic tools (Functional Assessment) and case management systems (DMAIC) to handle complex cases with confidence.

The “People-Oriented” Pet Professional

You have realized that dog training is actually 50% (or more) human coaching, and you struggle with clients who don’t do their homework.

Why this fits: This curriculum places a massive emphasis on Motivational Interviewing and On-Task Skill Coaching. It is perfect for the professional who wants to master the systems of teaching and training so they can drive human behavior change as effectively as canine behavior change.

Why The DogNostics Diploma?

✅ Evidence-Based Confidence: Replace “gut feelings” with the Functional Assessment and Neuroscience of learning.

✅ Solve the “Owner Problem”: Use Motivational Interviewing to turn resistant clients into your best partners.

✅ No More Burnout: Implement the DMAIC System to manage cases with a repeatable, professional workflow.

✅ Portfolio Ready: Graduate with 4 Real-World Case Studies already solved and documented.

Continued Education Units

CCPDT has approved the  Dog Behavior Diploma 21 CEUS for Trainers and 21 CEUs for Dog Behavior Consultants.

The Pet Professional Accreditation Board has approved the Dog Behavior Diploma for 23 CEUS

IAABC has approved the program for 25 CEUS

Learn more About Your Faculty Niki Tudge
Checkout The Curriculum Here

The DogNostics Dog Behavior Diploma Program

Program Structure & Credential: This is a comprehensive 12-month study program comprising six modules. Each module requires approximately 6–8 weeks to complete. Upon successful completion of the Dog Behavior Diploma Modules, you will be entitled to use the credential DN-DBC (DogNostics – Dog Behavior Consultant) with your name.

 

Part One – The Review

In Part One, we review two essential building blocks for the Diploma program.

  • The Use and Application of Best Practices – A Working Guide

  • A Comparison and Contrast between Respondent and Operant Conditioning

Part Two – The Fundamentals

In Part Two, we review three essential topics for our work.

  • Canine Communication and Social Behavior

  • The Experiential Learning Model

  • Pet Welfare and Well-Being

Part Three – The Teaching & Training Systems

In Part Three, we introduce you to the systems that you will find highly effective in your teaching of people and pets.

  • The Functional Assessment

  • The Train-Test-Train System

  • The DMAIC System to Case Management

  • On-Task Skill Coaching

    Part Four – People Training Knowledge

    • Biology of Learning

    • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

    • Developing, Planning, and Implementing Training Programs

    Part Five – Bringing It All Together

    •  Using Differential Reinforcement, Counter Conditioning & Desensitization Protocols
    • Example scenarios and case studies

    • Capstone Requirement: We support you in developing four behavior case studies that work towards your graduation.

     

    Behavior Consulting Diploma

    Behavior Consulting Diploma

    Learn to change behavior so you can change lives.

    12 payments of $90/month

    Enrollment & Graduation Requirements:

    While enrollment is open to anyone wishing to expand their knowledge, this program focuses exclusively on high-level behavior concepts. It compares and contrasts behavior approaches but does not cover basic training mechanics or the process of individual skill development.

    To ensure that every graduate holding the DogNostics credential possesses the full competencies of both a Dog Trainer and a Dog Behavior Consultant, proof of foundational skills is required for graduation.

    How to Validate Your Skills If you have not already had your knowledge and skills tested by a reputable organization, see the list below, you must complete the verification process with DogNostics during your program. This includes:

    • Passing the DogNostics Dog Training knowledge test.
    • Submit a portfolio of skill videos for assessment.

    Diploma Program Graduation Eligibility – Option 1

    Knowledge Assessment

    If you have already had your dog training knowledge assessed by any of the following organizations, we consider this sufficient and do not require any further proof of competency.

    • The Pet Professional Accreditation Board
    • The Certification Council for Professional Dog Training
    • DogNostics Education
    • The Academy for Dog Trainers
    • Pat Miller Academies
    • Victoria Stillwell Academy
    • Companion Animal Science Institute
    • Karen Pryor Academy
    • Delta Institute
    • Bishop Burton College

    We are confident that these organizations cover the required topics to meet our credentialing standards.

    Skill Testing – Performance Competency

    If you have had your skills tested by one of the following organizations, then we consider this sufficient proof of competency.

    • The Pet Professional Accreditation Board
    • The Certification Council for Professional Dog Training
    • DogNostics Education
    • The Academy for Dog Trainers
    • Kay Laurence
    • Helen Phillips
    • Karen Pryor Academy
    • Canine Behavioral School
    • Delta Institute
    • Bishop Burton College

     Diploma Program Eligibility – Option 2

    If you do not meet eligibility under either the Knowledge or Skills criteria, you may still register and progress through the program; however, before graduation, you will be required to demonstrate competency in both knowledge and skills. This can be done by completing the requirements from any of the above educational institutes or by having DogNostics assess them during your program.  Please see the eligibility document above for information on the required knowledge and skills.

     

     

    Option 2 - Knowledge & Skill Testing Criteria

     

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