About us

Proudly dedicated to humane and effective dog training since 1965.

What is NADOI?

The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors was founded in 1965 with a goal of promoting humane and effective dog training. That goal remains the same today, and we are reaching out to the dog training community to ask them to join us in promoting the idea that skills and experience are the hall- marks of a dog trainer who can be both humane and effective. NADOI does not discriminate against or endorse any particular training tool, method or philosophy.

NADOI's mission is to:

Promote humane, diverse and effective training methods and competent instruction
Provide continuing education and learning resources
Certify dog training instructors of the highest caliber

The Gold Standard for Dog Trainers

Code of Ethics

NADOI requires all members to tailor training to the needs of their clients, maintain trust and integrity, utilize humane methods, and continually seek to improve their skills.

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Continuing Education

NADOI requires that all members will actively seek to improve their knowledge through ongoing education and open exchange of ideas with peers.

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Mentoring

NADOI members are happy to share knowledge and experience with less- experienced trainers and often seek help from other members when needed.

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Position Statements

NADOI takes a stand on many important issues affecting our industry, including training equipment and methods, instructor licensing, and legislation.

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Leadership

Our leadership includes some of the most experienced and prestigious dog obedience instructors worldwide.

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Committees

NADOI encourages our members to help shape the future of our organization by getting involved in our various initiatives and committees.

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What our members say:

Why become an Associate?

Why become Certified?

NADOI seeks to cover all areas of dog training, not just obedience. I am very proud of my certification through NADOI.

Certified Member

I love the excellent exchange of information about training dogs. I have learned so much from this group of people.

Associate Member

I like the professionalism of NADOI.

Associate Member

NADOI members are always supportive and never judgmental. So many different styles and methods. Different tools all around.

Certified Member

I love the professionalism, camaraderie, wealth of information, realism, & welcoming atmosphere.

Certified Member

I love the excellent exchange of information about training dogs. I have learned so much from this group of people.

Associate Member

It is the very best resource for networking among talented, experienced dog trainers who embrace a wide range of training philosophies.

Certified Member

NADOI is built on principles and ideals, not ideology.

Associate Member

You have the opportunity to network with all types of dog professionals.

Associate Member

I love its commitment to professional standards, continuing education, and peer support. The tone and tenor of discussion within the group is always professional, collegial and respectful.

Certified Member

I deeply appreciate the high standards of NADOI. Only the best instructors have earned NADOI membership.

Certified Member

NADOI and its membership are about knowledge and legacy in the dog training world. I'm proud to be a part of it.

Certified Member

You have the opportunity to network with all types of dog professionals.

Associate Member

I liked reading about others who tackled some training problems. I like keeping up with training techniques.

Certified Member

NADOI encourages continuing education yet does not limit what can be done. LOVE the diversity.

Associate Member

The excellent exchange of information about training dogs. I have learned so much from this group of professionals.

Associate Member

I appreciate that NADOI is inclusive of all methods; they do not judge your methods, they evaluate your knowledge and methods, ensure that you are educated and experienced, and can communicate effectively to clients.

Certified Member

Members are always willing to help each other, and act as sounding boards, cheerleaders and motivators to improve our skills.

Certified Member

I like NADOI because they have stringent requirements in their testing and approvals of their members. You can be assured of finding an instructor who either can help you or can direct you to someone who can.

Certified Member

NADOI is a group of colleagues and peers who will share knowledge and help one another succeed. My career as a trainer and instructor could not have progressed as it did without that encouragement and help.

Certified Member