Association of Pet Dog Trainers
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.
All members of the APDT have been assessed according to a strict code of practice and have agreed to abide by kind and fair principles of training. To this end the use of coercive or punitive techniques and equipment are not used.
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
