This course is a 6 week hybrid on-line course that begins Wednesday, June 12 and ends July 26, 2024. Course content will be released at 1:00pm EST June12, 2024.
This is a hybrid course which contains on-demand materials such as recordings, readings and live calls.
Live calls take place at 7:30 PM EST on the following dates: June 26, July 10 and 24. Live calls will be recorded and posted to the course.
Are you looking to become a dog behavior consultant? Join Sarah Filipiak, as she provides you with an overview of dog behavior consulting as a career path.
- Differences between dog training and dog behavior consulting.
- Fundamentals of dog behavior consulting
- Assessing and addressing behavior problems
- Intervention planning and implementation
For the full list of topics covered see the course syllabus click here
Suggested Course Resorces:
1. Just Listen By Mark Goulston click here
2. Design Thinking for Training and Development by Sharon Boller and Lauren
Fletcher click here
3. Susan Friedman from Behavior Works Click here
Grading: This is a pass/fail course, instructor may ask for clarification or re-dos of assignments.
Course Requirements:
This is a 6 week on-line course, each week a new content is released, and attendees have one week to read and complete assignments.
- Discussion board- Attendees are required to make two post per week pertaining to the topic of the week.
- Each week there will be a written assignment that will need to be summited via your dashboard. Please submit in a PDF file or Word document. Students have till the following week to complete assignments.
- Added bonus-Three LIVE calls via Zoom (see syllabus for those dates and times). These calls will allow you to interact with your fellow classmates to network and ask the instructor questions.
*No prerequisites are required anyone is welcome to enroll in this course, no prior experience is required.
CEUS: 20 CCPDT, KPA
IAABC 15
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak CDBC has been training dogs since age 8. A longtime volunteer with humane societies and dog rescue groups, Sarah began training professionally in 2001. APDT eLearning Certificate Course Syllabus Best Pets Dog Training LLC is the result of Sarah’s obsession with dogs combined with her passion for teaching others how to relate to animals. Sarah served a five-year term on the board of and is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and has been a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers since 2001. She has raised and trained European-line German Shepherd Dogs for more than 15 years, and has competed in disc, agility, AKC and UKC obedience, conformation and Rally. Her current dog crew includes two Whippets, a German Shepherd Dog and a mixed breed Nelsonville Special.
- Differences between dog training and dog behavior consulting.
- Fundamentals of dog behavior consulting
- Assessing and addressing behavior problems
- Intervention planning and implementation
For the full list of topics covered see the course syllabus click here
Suggested Course Resorces:
1. Just Listen By Mark Goulston click here
2. Design Thinking for Training and Development by Sharon Boller and Lauren
Fletcher click here
3. Susan Friedman from Behavior Works Click here
Grading: This is a pass/fail course, instructor may ask for clarification or re-dos of assignments.
Course Requirements:
This is a 6 week on-line course, each week a new content is released, and attendees have one week to read and complete assignments.
- Discussion board- Attendees are required to make two post per week pertaining to the topic of the week.
- Each week there will be a written assignment that will need to be summited via your dashboard. Please submit in a PDF file or Word document. Students have till the following week to complete assignments.
- Added bonus-Three LIVE calls via Zoom (see syllabus for those dates and times). These calls will allow you to interact with your fellow classmates to network and ask the instructor questions.
*No prerequisites are required anyone is welcome to enroll in this course, no prior experience is required.
CEUS: 20 CCPDT, KPA
IAABC 15
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak CDBC has been training dogs since age 8. A longtime volunteer with humane societies and dog rescue groups, Sarah began training professionally in 2001. APDT eLearning Certificate Course Syllabus Best Pets Dog Training LLC is the result of Sarah’s obsession with dogs combined with her passion for teaching others how to relate to animals. Sarah served a five-year term on the board of and is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and has been a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers since 2001. She has raised and trained European-line German Shepherd Dogs for more than 15 years, and has competed in disc, agility, AKC and UKC obedience, conformation and Rally. Her current dog crew includes two Whippets, a German Shepherd Dog and a mixed breed Nelsonville Special.
Pricing:
- Differences between dog training and dog behavior consulting.
- Fundamentals of dog behavior consulting
- Assessing and addressing behavior problems
- Intervention planning and implementation
For the full list of topics covered see the course syllabus
Suggested Course Resources:
1. Just Listen By Mark Goulston click here
2. Design Thinking for Training and Development by Sharon Boller and Lauren
Fletcher click here
3. Susan Friedman from Behavior Works Click here
Grading: This is a pass/fail course, instructor may ask for clarification or re-dos of assignments.
Course Requirements:
This is a 6 week on-line course, each week a new content is released, and attendees have one week to read and complete assignments.
- Discussion board- Attendees are required to make two post per week pertaining to the topic of the week.
- Each week there will be a written assignment that will need to be summited via your dashboard. Please submit in a PDF file or Word document. Students have till the following week to complete assignments.
- Added bonus-Three LIVE calls via Zoom (see syllabus for those dates and times). These calls will allow you to interact with your fellow classmates to network and ask the instructor questions.
*No prerequisites are required anyone is welcome to enroll in this course, no prior experience is required.
CEUS: 20 CCPDT, KPA
IAABC 15
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak CDBC has been training dogs since age 8. A longtime volunteer with humane societies and dog rescue groups, Sarah began training professionally in 2001. APDT eLearning Certificate Course Syllabus Best Pets Dog Training LLC is the result of Sarah’s obsession with dogs combined with her passion for teaching others how to relate to animals. Sarah served a five-year term on the board of and is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and has been a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers since 2001. She has raised and trained European-line German Shepherd Dogs for more than 15 years, and has competed in disc, agility, AKC and UKC obedience, conformation and Rally. Her current dog crew includes two Whippets, a German Shepherd Dog and a mixed breed Nelsonville Special.
Pricing:
Member= $300.00
Animal Care Partner= $325.00
Learning Partner=$350.00
Non-Member=$399.00
This course is a 6 week hybrid on-line course that begins Monday, July 20, 2026 and ends August 31 2026. Course content will be released at 1:00pm EST July 20, 2025
This is a hybrid course which contains on-demand materials such as recordings, readings and live calls. Live calls take place at 7:00 PM EST on the following dates: July 29th, August 12th and 19th. Live calls will be recorded and posted to the course.
Are you looking to become a dog behavior consultant? Join Sarah Filipiak, as she provides you with an overview of dog behavior consulting as a career path.
- Differences between dog training and dog behavior consulting.
- Fundamentals of dog behavior consulting
- Assessing and addressing behavior problems
- Intervention planning and implementation
For the full list of topics and assignments, due dates covered see the course syllabus click here
Suggested Course Resources:
1. Just Listen By Mark Goulston click here
2. Design Thinking for Training and Development by Sharon Boller and Lauren
Fletcher click here
3. Susan Friedman from Behavior Works Click here
Grading: This is a pass/fail course, instructor may ask for clarification or re-dos of assignments.
Course Requirements:
This is a 6 week on-line course, each week a new content is released, and attendees have one week to read and complete assignments.
- Discussion board- Attendees are required to make two post per week pertaining to the topic of the week.
- Each week there will be a written assignment that will need to be summited via your dashboard. Please submit in a PDF file or Word document. Students have till the following week to complete assignments.
- Added bonus-Three LIVE calls via Zoom (see syllabus for those dates and times). These calls will allow you to interact with your fellow classmates to network and ask the instructor questions.
*No prerequisites are required anyone is welcome to enroll in this course, no prior experience is required.
CEUS: 20 CCPDT, KPA
IAABC 15
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak CDBC has been training dogs since age 8. A longtime volunteer with humane societies and dog rescue groups, Sarah began training professionally in 2001. Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and has been a member of the Association For Professional Dog Training since 2001. She has raised and trained European-line German Shepherd Dogs for more than 15 years, and has competed in disc, agility, AKC and UKC obedience, conformation and Rally. Her current dog crew includes two Whippets, a German Shepherd Dog and a mixed breed Nelsonville Special.
Complete this course and get a digital badge
What is a Digital Badge?
A digital badge is an official online credential that recognizes your accomplishment. It’s a visual representation of your skills and expertise, and you can share it on your social media profiles, email signatures, and professional networks to highlight your commitment to ongoing learning. You will have a specific profile page for ease of downloading and sharing.
How to Use Your Digital Badge:
-
Learn about Your Badge – Visit verify.apdt.com to learn more.
-
Share It – Once received, you can download the badge and proudly display it on your digital platforms like LinkedIn, your resume, or email signature.
-
Verify It – Anyone viewing your badge can easily verify your achievement by clicking on it, ensuring its authenticity. Your badge not only celebrates your hard work but also helps build your professional reputation.
Why does this matter? Because ongoing education isn’t just about CEUs—it’s about staying at the forefront of science and innovation in dog training. By showcasing your dedication to lifelong learning, you can encourage others to pursue professional development in dog training too.
Pricing:
Member= $300.00
Animal Care Partner= $325.00
Learning Partner=$350.00
Non-Member=$399.00
This course is a 6 week hybrid on-line course that begins Monday, September 21, 2026 and ends October 26, 2026. Course content will be released at 1:00pm EST September 21, 2026
This is a hybrid course which contains on-demand materials such as recordings, readings and live calls. There are THREE live calls in this course. Live calls take place at 7:00 PM EST on the following dates: September 28th, October 12th and 19th. Live calls will be recorded and posted to the course.
Are you looking to become a dog behavior consultant? Join Sarah Filipiak, as she provides you with an overview of dog behavior consulting as a career path.
- Differences between dog training and dog behavior consulting.
- Fundamentals of dog behavior consulting
- Assessing and addressing behavior problems
- Intervention planning and implementation
For the full list of due dates, assignments and topics covered, see the course syllabus
Suggested Course Resources:
1. Just Listen By Mark Goulston click here
2. Design Thinking for Training and Development by Sharon Boller and Lauren
Fletcher click here
3. Susan Friedman from Behavior Works Click here
Grading: This is a pass/fail course, instructor may ask for clarification or re-dos of assignments.
Course Requirements:
This is a 6 week on-line course, each week a new content is released, and attendees have one week to read and complete assignments.
- Discussion board- Attendees are required to make two posts per week pertaining to the topic of the week.
- Each week there will be a written assignment that will need to be summited via your dashboard. Please submit in a PDF file or Word document. Students have till the following week to complete assignments.
- Added bonus-Three LIVE calls via Zoom (see syllabus for those dates and times). These calls will allow you to interact with your fellow classmates to network and ask the instructor questions.
*No prerequisites are required anyone is welcome to enroll in this course, no prior experience is required.
CEUS: CCPDT 20, KPA 21, IAABC 15
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, educator, and founder of Train Canine, where she develops advanced, practical training courses for professional dog trainers. With over two decades of experience in behavior consulting and more than a decade teaching and mentoring trainers, Sarah specializes in helping intermediate trainers move beyond “what to try next” and into clear, effective decision-making.
Her work focuses on building conceptual clarity–helping trainers understand why behavior happens and how to choose the most effective interventions–while strengthening the coaching and communication skills required to support real clients. Students leave her courses able to confidently assess cases, design training plans clients can follow, and navigate complex behavior challenges with a structured approach.
Sarah has taught for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and led mentorship programs through the IAABC Foundation, where she has helped guide aspiring consultants toward professional certification. She has also served as executive director, president, and board member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
In addition to her work in dog behavior, Sarah holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and journalism and brings a background in strategic communications. This combination informs her clear, highly structured teaching style and curriculum design, helping students translate complex concepts into practical application.
Complete this course and get a digital badge
What is a Digital Badge?
A digital badge is an official online credential that recognizes your accomplishment. It’s a visual representation of your skills and expertise, and you can share it on your social media profiles, email signatures, and professional networks to highlight your commitment to ongoing learning. You will have a specific profile page for ease of downloading and sharing.
How to Use Your Digital Badge:
-
Learn about Your Badge – Visit verify.apdt.com to learn more.
-
Share It – Once received, you can download the badge and proudly display it on your digital platforms like LinkedIn, your resume, or email signature.
-
Verify It – Anyone viewing your badge can easily verify your achievement by clicking on it, ensuring its authenticity. Your badge not only celebrates your hard work but also helps build your professional reputation.
Why does this matter? Because ongoing education isn’t just about CEUs—it’s about staying at the forefront of science and innovation in dog training. By showcasing your dedication to lifelong learning, you can encourage others to pursue professional development in dog training too.
Pricing:
Member= $300.00
Animal Care Partner= $325.00
Learning Partner=$350.00
Non-Member=$399.00
This course is a 6 week hybrid on-line course that begins Monday, September 21, 2026 and ends October 26, 2026. Course content will be released at 1:00pm EST September 21, 2026
Course is capped at 24 students
Course content will be available to students until November 9th 2026
This is a hybrid course which contains on-demand materials such as recordings, readings and live calls. There are THREE live calls in this course. Live calls take place at 7:00 PM EST on the following dates: September 28th, October 12th and 26th. Live calls will be recorded and posted to the course.
Are you looking to become a dog behavior consultant? Join Sarah Filipiak, as she provides you with an overview of dog behavior consulting as a career path.
- Differences between dog training and dog behavior consulting.
- Fundamentals of dog behavior consulting
- Assessing and addressing behavior problems
- Intervention planning and implementation
For the full list of due dates, assignments and topics covered, see the course syllabus
Suggested Course Resources:
1. Just Listen By Mark Goulston click here
2. Design Thinking for Training and Development by Sharon Boller and Lauren
Fletcher click here
3. Susan Friedman from Behavior Works Click here
Grading: This is a pass/fail course, instructor may ask for clarification or re-dos of assignments.
Course Requirements:
This is a 6 week on-line course, each week a new content is released, and attendees have one week to read and complete assignments.
- Discussion board- Attendees are required to make two posts per week pertaining to the topic of the week.
- Each week there will be a written assignment that will need to be summited via your dashboard. Please submit in a PDF file or Word document. Students have till the following week to complete assignments.
- Added bonus-Three LIVE calls via Zoom (see syllabus for those dates and times). These calls will allow you to interact with your fellow classmates to network and ask the instructor questions.
*No prerequisites are required anyone is welcome to enroll in this course, no prior experience is required.
CEUS: CCPDT 20, KPA 21, IAABC 15
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, educator, and founder of Train Canine, where she develops advanced, practical training courses for professional dog trainers. With over two decades of experience in behavior consulting and more than a decade teaching and mentoring trainers, Sarah specializes in helping intermediate trainers move beyond “what to try next” and into clear, effective decision-making.
Her work focuses on building conceptual clarity–helping trainers understand why behavior happens and how to choose the most effective interventions–while strengthening the coaching and communication skills required to support real clients. Students leave her courses able to confidently assess cases, design training plans clients can follow, and navigate complex behavior challenges with a structured approach.
Sarah has taught for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and led mentorship programs through the IAABC Foundation, where she has helped guide aspiring consultants toward professional certification. She has also served as executive director, president, and board member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
In addition to her work in dog behavior, Sarah holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and journalism and brings a background in strategic communications. This combination informs her clear, highly structured teaching style and curriculum design, helping students translate complex concepts into practical application.
Complete this course and get a digital badge
What is a Digital Badge?
A digital badge is an official online credential that recognizes your accomplishment. It’s a visual representation of your skills and expertise, and you can share it on your social media profiles, email signatures, and professional networks to highlight your commitment to ongoing learning. You will have a specific profile page for ease of downloading and sharing.
How to Use Your Digital Badge:
-
Learn about Your Badge – Visit verify.apdt.com to learn more.
-
Share It – Once received, you can download the badge and proudly display it on your digital platforms like LinkedIn, your resume, or email signature.
-
Verify It – Anyone viewing your badge can easily verify your achievement by clicking on it, ensuring its authenticity. Your badge not only celebrates your hard work but also helps build your professional reputation.
Why does this matter? Because ongoing education isn’t just about CEUs—it’s about staying at the forefront of science and innovation in dog training. By showcasing your dedication to lifelong learning, you can encourage others to pursue professional development in dog training too.
Pricing:
Member= $300.00
Animal Care Partner= $325.00
Learning Partner=$350.00
Non-Member=$399.00
