Separation Anxiety Certification Program (SACP)
The gold standard in separation anxiety education for dog professionals.
– Help Dogs Heal. Elevate Your Practice. Become a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer.
Why This Program?
Because dogs deserve better—and so do you.
“This was the BEST course I’ve ever signed up for.” — SACP Graduate
What Makes This Program Different?
We focus on you—the learner.
- Student-Centered: We personalize instruction to your needs, questions, and real-time growth.
- Collaborative Learning: You’ll join a community where your voice matters and your experiences are valued.
- Rigorous Standards: Admission is selective to ensure that all students come with a strong foundation and a shared commitment to learning.
- Safe to Stretch: You’ll have room to explore, ask, revise, and grow—without pressure to “get it perfect” the first time.
“I’ve never felt more supported in a course. The combination of structure, encouragement, and community was exactly what I needed.” — SACP Graduate
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:
- Interpret body language and behavioral thresholds with precision.
- Create and adapt personalized training plans for separation anxiety.
- Use strategic data collection to drive clear training decisions.
- Guide clients through complex, emotional behavior journeys.
- Collaborate effectively with veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists.
How You’ll Learn
The is a fully immersive, 15-week journey with:
- Over 150 hours of structured learning.
- Two live Zoom sessions per week.(Case studies, discussion groups, small-group breakout rooms)
- Twice-weekly homework assignments with individualized written feedback.
- Pre-recorded webinars to deepen learning between live sessions.
- Optional office hours several times a week.
- A midterm and final exam, both designed to reflect and reinforce what you've already learned.
“The feedback on assignments helped me hone my skills and really apply what I was learning. It never felt performative—it felt purposeful.” — SACP Graduate
The Details
At least 3 years working with clients and their dogs OR relevant professional experience, with a minimum of 6 months working complex behavior cases.
A solid knowledge of learning theory, both operant conditioning and classical conditioning.
For US applicants, the achievement of one or multiple organization and/or industry designations, such as: CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, ACDBC, VSPDT, VSA, PMCT, PCT-A, PCBC-A, CAAB, ACAAB, DACVB, DCBC, CTC, KPA-CTP.
For international professional dog trainers and behavior consultants, comparable credentials will be required and reviewed upon application submission.
The tuition price is $3,950 USD. Payment plans are available; see application form for details
The program is fully remote, spans 15 weeks, requires 10 hours a week, and includes live sessions, homework, recorded webinars, and optional office hours. You can do this alongside your work—it’s flexible but robust.
The program is led by Malena DeMartini, a globally recognized expert with over two decades of exclusive specialization in canine separation anxiety. Through her work—including two published books and the development of the CSAT model—she has helped shape a more compassionate and effective approach to this complex behavior issue.
Throughout the program, Malena is your primary instructor and guide. She brings a unique blend of science, experience, and deep empathy to her teaching, helping you not only understand the “what” of separation anxiety, but also the “how” and “why” behind each decision. Her goal is to support you in developing both skill and clarity, so you feel truly prepared to work with real cases.
You’ll also learn alongside a carefully selected group of Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSATs), who contribute to the program in meaningful ways. These experienced professionals bring diverse perspectives, practical insight, and a shared commitment to supporting your growth throughout the learning process.
Together, this creates a learning experience that is both grounding and expansive—one that supports you as you build your skills, deepen your understanding, and step more fully into your role in helping dogs and their guardians find comfort, safety, and a way forward.
– Ready to become a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer?
Still Have Questions?
You’ll complete hands-on assignments twice weekly with personalized feedback, plus a midterm and final exam. These aren’t meant to surprise you—they’re meant to show you how far you’ve come.
Yes. You’ll walk away with stronger skills in data collection, body language interpretation, client communication, and more—all essential for any kind of case.
We’re here for you. From open office hours to mentorship options and the most generous peer community you’ll ever meet, you are never alone in this journey.
Becoming a CSAT isn’t the end of your learning—it’s just the beginning.
As a CSAT, you’ll receive:
- CSAT-exclusive client support workbook
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Membership in a vibrant alumni network
- Access to a private, expert-led Facebook group
- Mentorship for your first cases, if desired
- Monthly CSAT meetings and recordings
You don’t have to specialize in separation anxiety to benefit from this program. But if you want to help more dogs, grow your skills, and feel truly equipped for complex behavior work, this program will change everything.
Whether you’re confident or still wondering, “Am I ready?”—we meet you where you are and help you grow from there.