Dog training is an unregulated industry.

This means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, whether or not they have any education or experience in the field. Why does this matter to you? Because it can be hard to tell if the person or organization you’re working with has the experience, education, and ethics to support your dog and your family. We are happy to share our credentials and qualifications in detail below.

Accessibility and Barriers to Certification

It’s important to note that certifications and credentialing programs are imperfect and often inaccessible. There are barriers to access for many people, including cost, schedule, and simply the format in which information is delivered. Many organizations continue to be silent about important issues that impact their certificants and constituents, including but not limited to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At DBI, we are continually assessing which organizations we want to support and be a part of. As members and/or certificants of the organizations listed below, we also work to request and support more inclusive practices within these organizations.

Our Certifications and Credentials

• We both hold degrees in Behavior Analysis. Our academic Master’s degree program was a 2-year, full-time program that included courses on the principles of behavior, data collection and analysis, pedagogy, ethics, and more. In addition to a Master’s degree, Stephanie holds a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis.

• We are both Board Certified Behavior Analysts. In order to become Board Certified, we had to complete a qualifying Master’s degree, 2000 supervised field hours, and a written test provided by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. In order to maintain this certification, we complete at least 32 continuing education hours every 2 years, including a set number of hours in the areas of supervision and ethics. As Board Certified Behavior Analysts, we adhere to a Code of Ethics, which outlines four foundational principles: we work to maximize benefits and do no harm; we treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; we behave with integrity; and we ensure our own competence.

• We are both Certified Control Unleashed Instructors through Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed program.

• Ran is an Accredited Dog Trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (ADT-IAABC). This certification requires a minimum of two years experience dog training; reference letters from clients and a colleague; 100 hours minimum of coursework, seminars, mentorship, and other additional education in the IAABC Core Competencies; and a working knowledge of learning science, training, and husbandry. All of this is assessed through a detailed written exam. Ran is also a Licensed Family Paws Educator.

• Stephanie is Certified Fear Free Animal Trainer through Fear Free Pets. The Fear Free certification program is designed to give qualified animal trainers the knowledge and tools required to begin implementing Fear Free techniques.