The Compass Program
Your guided path to professional dog training certification starts here.
A structured and science-focused independent study program designed to help aspiring dog trainers navigate the complexities of the CPDT-KA and IAABC exams with confidence.
hard to navigate.
The path to dog training certification is difficult to navigate.
You can attend a reputable Academy, which is spectacular for those that can swing the high price tag... but out-of-reach for many new trainers.
Or, you can develop an independent study, perfect for the highly organized, self-directed learner... but ridiculously overwhelming for just about everyone else.
We created the The Compass Program to offer a third way.
The CompassProgram provides curated curriculum, professional mentorship, community, and accountability for the "Know-How" of the CPDT-KA and IAABC exams—at a pace and price point that suits your journey.
Our DIY+ path to professional dog training certification is the first of its kind.
It’s not an $8,000 school, and it’s not a study guide generated by robots and algorithms. It's a structured, science-based program designed specifically for the independent learner who can succeed with a map, a mentor, and a community.
The DIY plateau is real—and it’s exhausting.
You’ve bought the textbooks, bookmarked the requirements, and tried to build a syllabus out of sticky notes and sheer willpower. But instead of feeling like a professional, you just feel like a person with an expensive hobby and a persistent case of imposter syndrome.
It gets worse when you actually start studying.
You spend three hours trying to wrap your brain around whatever the hell "negative reinforcement" actually is. You’re sitting there at 1:00 AM, staring at a four-quadrant chart of operant learning like it’s a magic eye poster, wondering why the science has to be quite this mystifying.
The "Rabbit Hole" isn't just confusing—it’s isolating.
It’s frustrating to care this deeply about the science, only to be surrounded by "vibes-based" advice and Alpha myths. Without a structured path or a mentor to guide you, it feels like shouting into a void—working twice as hard just to end up walking in circles in the dark.
Stop the scroll. Start your career.
You don’t need another 400-page textbook to gather dust, and you certainly don't need another misguided lecture from an influencer. You need a way to turn the noise into a professional signal, with a guide who can show you exactly where the shortcuts are—and where the cliffs are, too.
Introducing...
The Compass Program
The Compass Program is a structured, online, independent study program designed to bridge the gap between "passionate amateur" and "Certified Professional." Remain independent... but benefit from a curated curriculum, professional mentorship, gentle accountability, and a community of learners. Don't have $8,000 in academy tuition but still want to ace the CPDT-KA or IAABC-ADT exam? We got you.
Everything You Need to Reach the Summit
The Map
A Curated Curriculum
Stop wondering if you're studying the right things. This is a step-by-step, science-based "guided" program that focuses your energy on the exact ethology, learning theory, and husbandry concepts required to ace the CPDT-KA or IAABC exam.
JUNCTION Gatherings and WAYPOINT Sessions
Monthly Group Mentorship and Weekly Coworking
Don’t hike alone. Join our monthly "Junction" Gatherings (online or in-person) to troubleshoot the tough stuff, nerd out over the quadrants, and find your footing with a cohort of like-minded learners. Also join us weekly for co-working sessions (online or in-person).
1-on-1 vantage meetings
Personal Coaching and Mentorship
Every student has private access to my 25 years of dog training and entrepreneurship experience. We’ll use our 1-on-1 time to audit your specific progress, tackle "imposter syndrome" fog, or map out the business logistics for your future training practice.
SCOUTING
Strategy for Hands-On Learning
The 300-hour requirement can feel like a mountain of its own. You’ll receive our insider guide on how to find, vet, and secure ethical hands-on hours in your local community, ensuring that your practical experience is as science-based as your studies.
Meet Your Guide:
Kerry Ryan, CPDT-KA, LFDM-T
I’ve spent the last 25 years clearing a trail so you don’t have to.
As a science-based trainer and the founder of Dog Adventures Northwest, I’ve spent over two decades as an active member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers. I’ve seen the dog training industry evolve from coercive and aversive methods to a sophisticated, ethology-led craft.
I believe that the hardest part of becoming a professional dog trainer isn't just learning the science—it’s finding a sane, affordable, and accountable way to master it.
Think of me as your scout. I’ve already hiked the mountain of textbooks, navigated the quadrant-spirals, and figured out how to build a thriving, ethical business. I created this guided self-study program to give you the map I wish I’d had when I started: one that leads straight to the summit of your career.
Choose Your Price
Professional education that fits your life (and your budget).
We believe that high-level, science-based education should be accessible to everyone who has the heart and the hustle to do the work. Select the tier that best reflects your current financial reality.
The TRAILBLAZER
$
200/month
For those with stable income and the ability to "pay it forward." Your investment helps cover costs for others and ensures the Compass Program remains sustainable and accessible for every member of our community.
The trekker
$
150/month
For those working toward professional goals with a tighter monthly budget. This mid-point rate covers the direct costs of your participation, opportunities, and private mentorship sessions.
The Scout
$
75/month
For those currently navigating financial hardship or limited resources. This rate is designed to keep education accessible by lowering barriers, ensuring high-level science is a standard rather than a luxury.
The visIonary
$
0/month
This program is free for BIPOC trainers. Systemic barriers have no place in training. If you identify as a member of the BIPOC community, your tuition is covered. We are honored to have you on the journey.
The next step will be to schedule a free discovery call. Training is a partnership, and I want to make sure my philosophy is perfect fit for you. It’s a great chance to chat, ask questions, and ensure we’re the right team to help you reach your goals.
Each unit of the 12-unit program includes:
The Compass Program also offers mentorship and community through...
Vantage Meetings (1-on-1s)
Quarterly, scheduled with flexibility
This is our private 1-on-1 time—either online or in-person. We'll use these sessions to calibrate your progress. Whether we’re auditing your business plan, incubating a new project, or doing a deep-dive into a specific behavior case, this is your time to have my full 25 years of experience in your corner, focused entirely on you.
Junction Gatherings (Group Meet-Ups)
First Thursday of every month, 2pm-4pm PST at the Heist or online
We’ll reflect on topics together, deconstruct the science, celebrate wins, and support one another as a community of learners. This meet-up is optional, but encouraged. Come early to get lunch and chat with folks. Want to participate online? No problem.
Waypoint Sessions (Open Coworking)
Thursdays, 10am-2pm PST at the Heist or online
Need a nudge to stay on track? These optional co-working sessions are for the "hustle" part of the journey. We gather (online or in-person) to communally motivate learning, keep each other accountable, and drink good coffee.
You’re not just studying for a test; you’re joining a movement of ethical professionals.
This is a self-paced study program, so the answer depends on how much time you can put into it. You'll unlock each lesson as you move through the material. Expect to spend 6-10 months in this program.
Because the knowledge base is the same for both exams, don't worry about this just yet. I'll help you get things sorted once you get started.
The Compass Program is a comprehensive knowledge-based offering. It is designed to help you master the scientific theory, ethology, and professional standards required to ace the written portions of the major industry exams.
However, becoming a certified professional is a two-pillar process. While the Compass Program handles the Knowledge pillar in depth, you will be the driving force for the Experience pillar (with the added benefit of our professional guidance).
- CPDT-KA (CCPDT): Requires 300 hours of hands-on dog training experience within the last three years before you are eligible to sit for the exam.
- IAABC-ADT: Requires a minimum of 150 hours of experience in animal training and a demonstrated understanding of LIMA principles.
Our Role in Your Field Work: While this program does not provide your hands-on training hours, it does provide strategic mentorship in this area. In the group Junction Meetings and 1-on-1 Vantage Meetings, we'll discuss how to find local mentors, how to log your hours accurately, and how to apply the science you’re learning in the program to the dogs in front of you.
The Bottom Line: The Compass Program provides the intellectual engine that powers your future work in the field.
The Compass Program provides the scientific engine for both the CPDT-KA and IAABC-ADT exams, though each certifying body has its own unique requirements. In our work together, we can discuss which of these credentials best aligns with your specific career goals. (There's no need to decide now!) The Compass Program is designed so that no matter which path you choose, you will have the intellectual foundation to succeed. Here's a breakdown of the two exams.
CPDT-KA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers)
- The Exam: A 200-question, multiple-choice, proctored exam at a testing center. The CPDT-KA exam covers four domains: Instructional Skills, Ethology and Well-being, Learning Theory, and Professional Ethics. The exam is offered twice a year, typically in March and September. Test takers need to plan in advance for the CPDT exam, as the application deadline is usually two months before the testing window begins. The CPDT-KA exam fee is $400.
- The Requirements: You must independently document 300 hours of hands-on dog training experience within the last three years before you are eligible to sit for the exam.
- The Maintenance: To maintain the CPDT-KA status, members must pay $220 every three years, as well as submit a minimum of 36 continuing education credits during this timeframe.
IAABC-ADT (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)
- Exam: A rigorous, online knowledge assessment that focuses on the LIMA hierarchy (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) and behavior science. It includes case-study style questions. Test takers have 60 days to complete the assessment from home. The IAABC-ADT exam fee is $225.
- Requirements: Participants must document a minimum of 150 hours of experience in animal training and behavior, along with a demonstrated commitment to the IAABC Code of Ethics.
- Maintenance: To maintain the IAABC-ADT status, members must pay $150 every year, as well as submit a minimum of 36 continuing education credits every three years.
No. Legally, the dog training industry is entirely unregulated in the United States. This means there is no state or federal requirement to hold a license or certification to call yourself a dog trainer or to start a business.
However, there is a big difference between calling yourself a trainer by name and being a certified professional. While not a legal requirement, earning your CPDT-KA or IAABC-ADT credentials is encouraged in the industry for several reasons:
- Credibility and Trust: In an unregulated field, certification acts as a "seal of approval." It tells your clients that you have reached a verified level of expertise and have committed to a science-based, ethical standard of care.
- Scientific Foundation: Preparing for the exam ensures you have a deep, structured understanding of learning theory and ethology. This knowledge allows you to troubleshoot complex behaviors with precision rather than guesswork.
- Professional Community: Being certified connects you with a global network of professionals who are committed to the same high standards, including the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) effective behavior intervention policy.
- Future-Proofing: There is a growing movement toward formal regulation in the dog training industry. Proactively earning your certification ensures you are ahead of the curve if and when licensing requirements are introduced in your area.
Once your card is on file, tuition is automatically run on a monthly basis. You can join or depart the program at any time, with no cancellation fee. There is no contract. This program is month-to-month.
This is entirely your decision! I operate on an honor-based system because I believe you know your financial situation best. No proof of income or application is required—simply select the tier that feels right for your current circumstances. We are committed to making this program accessible, and trust our community to choose the level that reflects their needs.
Nope! This is entirely self-paced.
Nope! To get to each new unit, you'll need to complete the previous unit. But you can do so on your own time, with no repercussions for inactivity. This is not a certification program, so you cannot pass or fail.
Yup! Payment is month-to-month, with no fees or penalties for cancellation.
Terms and Conditions
1. Educational Nature of the Services
The Compass Program (the "Program") is an educational resource provided by Dog Adventures Northwest, LLC ("I," "we," "us," or "our"). The Program is designed to assist students in reviewing scientific literature and theories related to canine behavior. Enrollment in the Program does not constitute a professional certification, nor does it grant the right to use any professional titles until the student has successfully passed the independent exam administered by the CCPDT or the IAABC.
2. No Guarantee of Results
While we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date scientific information, we cannot guarantee:
- A passing score on the CPDT-KA, IAABC, or any other professional exam.
- Approval of your application by the CCPDT or IAABC.
- Specific behavioral outcomes for any animals you train.
- Any specific level of business success or income following the completion of the course.
3. Professional Responsibility & Safety
Dog training involves inherent risks. By using these materials, you acknowledge that:
- You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of the animals and humans in your care.
- The "Hands-on Practice" suggestions are for educational purposes only. You must use your professional judgment and adhere to LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles at all times.
- We are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses occurring during your independent training hours.
4. Intellectual Property
All course materials, including quiz questions, reflection prompts, and proprietary study guides, are the intellectual property of Dog Adventures Northwest, LLC.
- Permitted Use: You are granted one non-transferable license for personal, educational use.
- Prohibited Use: You may not record, share, resell, or redistribute these materials (including login credentials) to any third party.
5. Refund Policy
Due to the digital nature of this Program, all monthly tuition payments are final.
6. Third-Party Affiliation
Dog Adventures Northwest, LLC is an independent entity. Dog Adventures Northwest, LLC is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Any references to the CPDT-KA or IAABC-ADT exams are for descriptive and preparatory purposes only.
7. Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Dog Adventures Northwest,LLC, or its employees or contractors be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of your participation in this program.
Privacy Policy
At Dog Adventures Northwest, LLC, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal data you share with us. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information.
1. Information We Collect
- Personal Information: When you enroll in the Compass Program, we collect your name, email address, and billing information.
- Course Progress: We track your completion of modules, quiz scores, and community contributions to provide you with the best educational support.
- Technical Data: Like most websites, we collect basic data such as your IP address and browser type to ensure our site functions correctly on your device.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your data strictly to:
- Deliver program content and manage your account.
- Process your payments securely through our third-party processor (Stripe).
- Send you essential updates regarding the program or your certification window.
- Improve our curriculum based on aggregate quiz performance and feedback.
3. Information Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We only share data with trusted service providers who help us run our business (such as our website host and email service), and only to the extent necessary for them to perform their jobs.
4. Data Security
We use industry-standard security measures, including SSL encryption, to protect your data during transmission. While no system is 100% secure, we take all reasonable precautions to keep your information safe.
5. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you.
- Request that we correct or delete your personal information.
- Unsubscribe from non-essential marketing emails at any time.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. We will notify active students of any significant changes via email.
The Trail is open. The gear is packed. All that's left is for you to take the first step.
All photos on this site are of Dog Adventures Northwest dogs living their very best lives. All collars featured are satellite GPS trackers only. Our collars do not shock animals. Dog Adventures Northwest does not condone the use of any equipment that trains dogs through fear or intimidation.