PADA-ICofA Personality Assessment Course

Course start: Thursday 5 February at 20:00 CET (UTC+1)

For full Certification you will need:

This Online course € 899

Practical part € 299

PADA-ICofA (Personality Assessment of Domestic Animals) is a standardized, science-based behavioural assessment developed to evaluate dogs’ innate personality traits and temperament. The method is grounded in ethology, behavioural biology, and contemporary research on animal emotion, stress, and human–animal interaction.

Scientific Advisory Board

The PADA‑ICofA assessment is guided by a Scientific Advisory Board of internationally recognised experts in canine behaviour, personality research, ethology, and animal-assisted services. Members include:

James A. Serpell, Kent Svartberg, Christine Olsen, Anna Zamansky, Melissa Winkle, Amy Binder.

The certification programme is developed by ethologists and professionals with extensive experience in canine behaviour, welfare, and applied assessment. It is designed to provide participants with both solid theoretical knowledge and practical competence in conducting reliable, welfare-oriented personality assessments.

Purpose of the Programme

The PADA-ICofA certification enables participants to:

Understand and evaluate canine personality using a structured and objective framework
Apply scientifically grounded behavioural assessment methods in practice
Contribute to improved welfare, appropriate placement, and informed decision-making for dogs in a wide range of contexts

Who the Programme Is For

The programme is suitable for participants with varying levels of experience who seek a serious, evidence-based understanding of dog behaviour, including:

Dog trainers and instructors
Behaviourists and animal welfare professionals
Veterinarians and veterinary staff
Professionals working with working dogs or animal-assisted services
Dedicated dog owners with a strong interest in canine behaviour and welfare

No prior academic background is required, but the course maintains a high professional standard throughout.

Begins with online meeting

The PADA-ICofA theory course begins with a cohort-based online start, where you join the programme together with the rest of the group. Starting at the same time creates a shared learning environment, strengthens engagement and motivation, and gives you the opportunity to take part in meaningful discussions throughout the course. This structure also helps you maintain steady progress and ensures you are well prepared for the practical course and for applying the PADA-ICofA framework in your professional work. The online meeting is recorded, so if you are unable to attend live, you will be able to watch it later at your convenience.

Thursday 5. February at 20:00 CET (UTC+1)

Certification Pathways

Participants may certify as one of the following roles:

Evaluator – qualified to assess, analyse, and document canine personality profiles
Leader – responsible for guiding handlers and dogs through the PADA-ICofA assessment
Technician – works directly with dogs during test execution and data collection

Each role is clearly defined within the assessment team to ensure consistency, reliability, and animal welfare.

Certification Structure and Requirements

Theoretical Course

Estimated workload: 150 hours
Fee: €899

The theoretical course provides the scientific and methodological foundation required for certification.

To obtain full certification and conduct PADA-ICofA assessments independently as part of a certified team, participants must also complete the practical component.

Practical Training (application required)

Practical training: approx. 100 hours
Supervised Zoom sessions: approx. 5 hours
Fee: €299

Theoretical Course Content

Animal rights and human responsibility
The dog–human relationship
Animal emotions: current scientific perspectives
Ethology and behavioural development in dogs
Stress biology
Oxytocin research in human–animal interaction
Animals in control: innovations in interspecies communication
Canine signals and communication
Behaviour, health, and welfare
Health checks and injury prevention
Personality in dogs and breed characteristics
The Big Five model and primary emotions
Scientific papers (available for download)

The PADA-ICofA Practical Course

The practical course is the applied component of the certification and can only be attended after successful completion of the theoretical course.

Over 2.5 intensive in-person days, participants work directly with dogs under the supervision of certified instructors.

The course focuses on:

Structured behavioural observation
Application of PADA-ICofA subtests
Objective scoring and interpretation of behavioural and emotional responses
Professional judgement and consistency in assessment

Participants receive detailed feedback, take part in supervised assessments, and engage in professional discussions on canine personality, welfare indicators, and suitability for different roles. Upon completion, participants will be well prepared to apply the PADA-ICofA methodology in professional and applied settings.

Read more about the specific requirements for certification as an Evaluator, Leader, or Technician.