Who is going to write the test? I used to train dogs for people. There are a zillion different methods out there, and many of them work. Who is the arbiter of which is correct? We dog people argue among ourselves all the time.
This is typical government silliness. And, I don't even think you really need a HS diploma or GED to be a wonderful dog trainer.
Of course, there seems to be a rash of pet related bills going on. PAWS for instance.
susie
My guess, Susie, is that the people in Trenton are only interetedin another revenue source. The even require interior decorators to have a special state license over there. Eventually, a garbage collector in New Jersey will need a special "Santiation Worker's Permit" issued by the state board of health and complete a special course in driving a garbage truck and picking up garbage cans - along with a fee to the state for the license of course.
Its getting as bad a France before the French Revolution over there. But even the French have more guts than the average New Jerseyite. They just paying Trenton whatever they ask for, and keep voting the same crooks back into office.
They get their homeowners rebate just before the election there and joyously go out and re-elect the crooks in office who were using the money the voter should have had in THEIR bank account, drwaing interest, in the first place.
New Jersey is The Twilight Zone of America.
You are quite right. I have trained dogs and my father was a dog trainer with international renoun. Every dog is different and some require dramatically different methods than others.
Another issue is the content tested by the board exam. Is it specific to simple obedience / pet quality type training? What about dog trainers for police forces or for entertainment venues? What about more advanced training like tracking, open, or utility? What about manwork? How would this affect dog clubs that have classes where they essentially teach you to train your dog?
What I'd be more worried about is the animal rights activists (one position required on the board) that will force positive reinforment techniques to the point where they become silly. It will be training the PETA way or no trianing at all. Prong collars and choke chains are prime examples of controversial training tools that do have a place if used properly.
I see a New Jersey with a lot fewer trained dogs and a lot more out of control ones.