Certification Program

Certification Program

Leash Free Living staff receive ongoing training while at work. The LFL trainer certification program recognizes three distinct levels of training accomplishments.

LFL Certified Trainer

Leash Free Living Certified Dog Trainers have met the following requirements. Trainers should be proficient at all basic obedience tasks and able to train a wide variety of dogs using those skills under the guidance of an instructor or behaviorist.

• Completed classroom training on all Day Training topics. Training Topics, Operating Procedures, Dog Husbandry Topics (58 total topics).
• Proficient at all Day Training shifts and tasks.
• Can demonstrate training skills via written and performance exam. All Beginner Group Class Exercises, Novice Trick Dog, Written Skills Exam

Continuing Education Requirements

• Attend weekly staff training sessions and meetings.

LFL Certified Instructor

Leash Free Living Certified Instructors should be able to provide basic obedience instruction to owners in private and group settings, train a dog to off-leash reliability and address common behavioral problems.

• Completed the Certified Leash Free Living Trainer Program. 
• Completed classroom training on all Instructor topic. Training Topics, Operating Procedures, Dog Husbandry Topics (45 total topics)
• 100 hours of hand on dog training hours.
• Observed lessons and classes. 36 hours of adult private lessons, 18 hours of puppy lessons, 36 hours of Beginner Group Class, 12 hours of Elective Classes
• Write three case studies from observed lessons.
• Certified Canine Good Citizen Instructor
• Can demonstrate training skills with a dog they’ve trained. Earn Companion Dog Title or equivalent (3 demos in public), Canine Good Citizen Test, Long Place (15 minutes during class or lesson)

Continuing Education Requirements

• Observe lessons and classes. 2 adult private lessons/month, 2 group classes/month
• Attend weekly Instructor meetings.
• Read two books a year and present summary and feedback at instructor meeting.
• Write three case studies each year.

LFL Certified Behaviorist

Leash Free Living Certified Behaviorists should be able to teach advanced and elective classes and lessons to owners. Behaviorists should be able to develop and implement training programs for dogs with behavior problems, advanced obedience goals and special training requirements.

• Completed the Certified Leash Free Living Instructor Program. 
• Completed classroom training on all Instructor topic. Training Topics, Operating Procedures, Dog Husbandry Topics (45 total topics)
• 100 additional hours of hand on dog training hours.
• Observed lessons and classes. 48 hours of adult private lessons, 18 hours of 200 level class, 18 hours of 300 level class, 12 hours of E-Collar class, 10 hours of workshops
• Evaluate three dogs and create training programs for them (case study).
• Can demonstrate training skills with a dog they’ve trained. Earn Companion Dog Title or equivalent (3 demos in public) on additional dog, Earn Companion Dog Excellent Title or equivalent (3 demos in public), Long Place (30 minutes during class or lesson), Fetch and carry basket in public setting.

Continuing Education Requirements

• Observe lessons and classes. 1 adult private lesson/month, 1 group class/month
• Attend weekly Instructor meetings.
• Read two books a year and present summary and feedback at instructor meeting.
• Write three case studies each year.
• Attend one outside seminar or class each year.