Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS)
Advanced professional development and practical application in canine fitness and conditioning.
The Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS) is an advanced certification option for graduates of the Elite K9 Athlete Program who want to further develop their coaching, assessment, and program design skills through hands-on application and real-world case studies.
Who This Certification is Designed For
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Why Pursue the CCAS Certification
The CCAS certification was designed for individuals who want to move beyond foundational education and strengthen their practical application, coaching, and program design skills in canine fitness.
What This Certification Helps You Achieve:
Build confidence by applying canine fitness principles
Strengthen professional credibility
Expand practical coaching and assessment skills
Add value to existing services and client offerings
Learn how to better communicate and teach fitness concepts to dog owners and handlers
Integrate canine fitness into sport, working dog, and professional training programs
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT
What Makes This Certification Different
The CCAS certification emphasizes practical application, critical thinking, coaching, and program implementation rather than passive coursework alone.
Structural &
Gait Analysis
Video Critiques & Movement Assessments
Weekly Fitness
Program Design
Teaching & Coaching Demonstrations
Real Dog & Handler
Case Studies
Instructional Planning & Program Development
THE PRACTICUM
Practical Application & Case Studies
The CCAS practicum was designed to help participants bridge the gap between education and real-world implementation.
This process helps participants strengthen their observational, coaching, and program design skills while gaining practical experience applying canine fitness principles in real-world settings.
Modules 1–2
Pre-assessments and video critiques
Module 3
Structural and movement analysis
Modules 4–5
Weekly conditioning plans
Module 6
Teaching demonstrations
Module 7
Individualized program design
Module 8
Written reflections and coaching feedback
PARTNERSHIP
Professional Recognition & University Partnership
Our vision of partnering with higher educational institutions was realized in late 2020 through our partnership with Colorado State University Pueblo.
The curriculum and syllabi for our programs underwent an extensive review process involving canine professionals, program and training directors, and university faculty in order to receive approval from respected educational and canine organizations.
This level of recognition was made possible through a development team that combined decades of experience in program design and education with expertise in veterinary science, canine nutrition, and hands-on experience in the sport and working dog world.
As a result, the Elite K9 Athlete Program has been approved for CEUs through Colorado State University Pueblo and professional organizations including the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
We are also recognized for the work through organizations such as the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). Our expertise in canine fitness has been featured through regular contributions to Working Dog Magazine, Mushing Magazine, and USPCA’s Canine Courier magazine, as well as outlets including IACP’s The Canine Professional Journal and the HITS K-9 podcast.
THE COMMUNITY
A Growing Community of Canine Professionals
Continue expanding your professional knowledge and practical canine fitness skills alongside a growing community of canine professionals, trainers, sport competitors, and working dog handlers.
Before You Enroll
Complete the Elite K9 Athlete Program Before Enrolling
The Elite K9 Athlete Program builds the educational foundation required for the advanced practical work in the CCAS program.
Frequently Asked Questions
After successfully completing the Elite K9 Athlete Program and demonstrating understanding of what you learned, you will have the opportunity to apply to the Elite K9 Athlete Practicum. Upon acceptance into the Practicum, you will receive additional training and support as you complete a series of hands-on activities and case studies. Once you have successfully completed your Practicum experience, you will become a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS) and receive your diploma.
After you successfully complete the Elite K9 Athlete Program, you can apply to participate in a Practicum experience. During the Practicum, you will complete a series of hands-on activities and case studies so that you can deepen your confidence and skills when designing fitness programs. You will also receive additional online training, gain access to a library of resources, and receive monthly group coaching sessions to enhance your learning. You will discover how to design and implement fitness workshops and courses for various types of dog owners and handlers. You will also enhance your skills in marketing and selling programs to grow your business, club, or organization.
Yes! What you learn will apply to all dogs. Think of it this way... Could a sports trainer who works with Olympic athletes also create fitness programs for soccer moms? Of course!
There are limitations to what you can do with a puppy, but you can definitely start teaching foundation behaviors while they are young! It's better to teach them the right way from the beginning rather than try to reteach skills down the road. For some of the hands-on activities, you can also work with an older dog owned by a friend, colleague or family member.
The program is designed to go at your own pace. You will have 12-months access to the online video trainings and bi-weekly group coaching calls. After 12-months, you will be invited to join our Alumni Program. For a nominal monthly fee, you will have ongoing access to all the online content, resources, bi-weekly group coaching calls and more!
Yes! You receive CEUs, official transcripts, and a certificate of completion from Colorado State University, Pueblo upon completing the program. We are recognized by the International Association of Canine Professionals and Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers for CEUs. We also provide educational opportunities for members of the United State Police Canine Association.
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