Association of Pet Dog Trainers

MISSION STATEMENT

The APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers),UK is a voluntary organisation established to improve the welfare of dogs and the competence of dog owners through the promotion of training skills and techniques based on up to date, researched, methods that apply the principles of kindness fairness and effectiveness and are in keeping with modern learning theory.

We provide education – via pet dog training classes and one-to-one lessons – to the dog owning public, promoting the use of Kind, Fair and Effective training.

We carry out this mission through a system of membership accreditation;

• Applicant assessment
• Adherence to a Code of Practice;
• Continuous professional development;
• Dissemination of advice and information - learned from trainers/instructors/behaviourists/researchers/observers who are knowledgeable about dogs using courses, workshops, the internet, books and magazines
• The rejection of invasive, coercive or punitive equipment or methods, which can cause mental and physical trauma to dogs.

We will support and cooperate with other organisations in any activity that will add to the body of knowledge of canine training and behaviour, and will offer information and courses to educate our members, subscribers and the general public.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers was founded in 1995 by John Fisher to offer pet dog owners a guarantee of quality when looking for a puppy and dog training class in their area.

The APDT, UK are proud of the fact that they assess all members according to a strict criteria which ensures they have appropriate skills to teach dog training.  They are required to keep their education up to date, and adhere to a Code of Practice.  If any member is found to be in contravention of this Code then their membership is withdrawn.  There are  'APDT's' in other countries eg USA, Australia and Japan - members of these Associations do not undergo the APDT, UK's assessment and they have a different Code of Practice.  If you are not sure which APDT the instructor belongs to please check our website where all UK members are listed.

Please note that APDT members may offer services over and above the provision of pet dog training. The Association does not include these additional services during the assessment process and cannot attest to the quality of such services.

Only those trainers currently listed on the APDT website have been assessed and approved by the APDT.

The APDT UK training policies remain the same as they have always been.

We will keep up to date on positive, effective training techniques that are based on the application of learning principles.

We find it sad and incomprehensible that some trainers are still using harmful and damaging equipment, for instance, prong, choke and electric collars, along with training techniques such as alpha rolls, lead jerks, kicks and other punishing methods.

The practice of using aversive methods or equipment on fearful and aggressive dogs is detrimental and dangerous.

Ideas, especially those about “dominance”, are completely disconnected from the sciences of ethology and animal learning.

High profile dog trainers have a responsibility to all the people who watch their television programmes, read their books or watch their dvd’s. Their training techniques should reflect well researched non aversive methods that will help dog and owner develop an understanding of each other’s needs.

Dog owners should not be tricked into thinking that there is a ‘quick fix’ for every perceived dog behaviour problem.

• Locate your nearest APDT Dog Trainer
• Find information to help you find the right puppy, and what to look for when deciding on a training class
• Receive helpful advice on common training problems
• View and book courses for those who wish to further their education about dog training and behaviour
• Recommended reading list
• Become a subscriber
• Become a member
• View information on overseas membership