About Us
Barb Maja, CPDT-KA
What is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer? The CCPDT is the only international standardized certification for professional dog trainers that is both psychometrically sound and independent of any course of study and/or methodolgy. We must meet trusted, independent, science-based standards. Dog training certifications are not all the same. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers' certification is a national certification process for dog training professionals. The credential is very respected within the industry and has been developed using consistent, recognized certification practises. With no licensing or mandatory educational requirements for dog trainers, it can be difficult to determine which trainer has the experience and knowledge to best help your given situation. Certified Professional Dog Trainers are required to provide verifiable experience records and recommendations by a veterinarian, a client and another trainer colleague. In addition, we must pass a science based exam to demonstrate knowledge in instruction skills, animal husbandry, ethology, learning theory and equipment which is reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date with the current scientific landscape of canine behaviour and training. Also, in order to maintain my CPDT designation, I must recertify every 3 years by accumulating continuing education credits approved by the CCPDT. Please visit the link below to learn more:
About myself:
I own 2 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers named "Annie" and "Copper". I competed regularly in Agility with "Annie" from 2001 to 2007 and have many agility titles including 1st place AAC Regionals 2003 and 6th at Nationals that same year. Annie is now retired at the age of 11 years. I continually research canine behaviour and update my classes to reflect current methods that are proven and accepted by the CCPDT.
I do not believe in using force to train. New methods of training have proven there are more humane ways to train then with pain. Why would we choose anything but the more humane!! My goal is to aid you in becoming a successful dog trainer, developing a relationship with your dog built on trust, mutual respect and solid communication.
Below are courses that I have attended in the past 5 years:
Feb 2010 - Kathy Sdao - Advanced Clicker training
July 2008 - Kathy Sdao - Know Way, Know How - the true meaning
of clicker training and the science behind it - 3 days
May 2007 - CAPPDT annual 3 day conference with Dr. Stanley Coren.
Dr. Ian Dunbar, Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz and many other
amazing speakers
Nov 2006 - Click to Calim - Managing the Reactive Dog - Emma Parsons
Oct 2005 - Dog Aggression Seminar - Jean Donaldson - 2 days
Sept 2005 - First Aid for Pets - Dr. Cathy Wright
Apr 2005 - CAPPDT annual 3 day conference with Terry Ryan, Pat
Miller, Trish King, Patricia McConnell, Steve White, Pia Silvani and many more exceptional trainersApr 2005 - Passed the CPDT National Certification Exam (see above
for further information about this credential)June 2000
to 2006 - I have also attended many agility seminars and training
from 2001 to 2007 with amazing handlers such as Kim
Collins, Stacy Peardot-Goudy, Kathy Keats, Janet Ooms
and many more.
