Dog Training College, previously based at offices on Broadland Business Park in Norwich, advertises fully-accredited courses through the CPD Standards Office.
The company has now entered liquidation after losing more than £180,000 last year, claiming the brand has been purchased by a buyer who will fulfil all existing payments and courses.
But it has now emerged that the company’s accreditation ended in August, meaning courses for thousands of students will not be certified.
An email sent from the independent accreditors to a student, seen by this newspaper, said the company had been removed from its website directory and was not accredited.
It added that any CPD numbers or logos used during the period when it was accredited must no longer be used.
Dog Training College’s website still advertises accredited courses, stating in its FAQs that they remain ‘independently assessed by the CPD Standards Office’.
The college claims to have already helped 16,000 people become professional dog trainers through its over 100 courses.
A company executive told this newspaper that more than 20,000 people are still enrolled on courses, each paying up to £2,000.
Students say they are now unable to access the college’s online platform or contact the company to get their money back.
It is thought that all of the tutors left the company prior to it entering liquidation.
Leanne McWade, a former director of the business and qualified dog trainer who taught at the college for more than a decade, resigned in September.
“The company no longer aligns with my values or ethics,” she said in a statement posted on Facebook announcing her resignation.
Innovaze Ltd’s sole director is Ben Nichols.
The company said the brand has been sold and will be under new ownership in the new year, who will honour all existing contracts.
It said no student will be left out of pocket and that they all still have full access to its platforms and apps.