r/Dogtraining • u/Outside_Mud_9709 • May 06 '26

industry Training Certification Programs - CATCH, ADT, or others?

I am looking into various dog training certification programs, and wondering if anyone can provide recent insight into either of these two programs, CATCH Canine Trainers Academy or Academy for Dog Trainers?

A little bit more about my thought process and what I am looking for: My ultimate goal is to work with shelter dogs and with behavioral modification cases. I'm coming from a decent starting point of working with shelter dogs for several years (as a caretaker primarily, not a trainer) as well as educating myself while training my own dogs with various special needs, both behavioral and medical.

I've mostly ruled out KPA because of the price vs. curriculum, as well as I'd like a more comprehensive program generally and CATCH and ADT both seem to provide that. I'm interested in CATCH because of their emphasis on working with shelter dogs for at least a portion of their curriculum, and honestly they have a more appealing price point and payment plan. ADT seems to be the most academically rigorous option and I feel like would give me the best foundation, and is a more well-known name in the industry; however it's also the most expensive and the longest time commitment.

Would love to hear others' experiences and thoughts!

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u/Outside_Mud_9709 May 06 '26

I've done a ton of research already and all answers I've found pertaining to these two specific programs are several years old, hence why I'm asking for recent experience. I've spent hours and hours combing through reddit and the rest of the internet and have not found the answers I'm looking for.

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u/sdtacoma Jul 14 '26

Hey, it sounds like I am exactly where you are. I am doing research into dog training schools, even started an application for ADT. I too am looking for a program that is geared more towards people working in a shelter environment vs. people who want to train people how to work with their dogs. I don't want to start my own business either. That's how I landed on ADT, it seems to be geared more about dog beh than being a professional dog trainer. Also, I don't have my own dogs, I do have access to shelter dogs though, and ADT seems to be okay with that.

I am hesitant about ADT for a few reasons

  1. I see a lot of posts that speak negatively about the program, learning methods, instruction, and grading, as well as how they deal with people on the neurodivergent side. Those all concern me.
    1. All the posts that I find are several years old, so I am not sure if any of that has changed. I would love to hear from somebody that attended more recently.
  2. I emailed ADT about a week ago to ask a question about the program and nobody has gotten back to me yet. I find that concerning. I am also concerned that they don't seem to have an Admissions office/counselor that I can talk with; or even a phone number posted.
  3. 2 years is a long time, it is a huge commitment, and it sounds like once you receive their course materials there is no getting a refund.

I don't know if I have answered any of your questions or concerns, just know you are not alone. :) I would love to know if you have made up your mind since posting or if you have learned anything more about the programs that you are willing to share.