Association of Pet Dog Trainers

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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 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
• APDT POSTER DOWNLOAD
• 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
• Student membership

  Student Membership of APDT, UK is open to people who have successfully completed the APDT, UK Pet Dog Training Instructor’s course.

  Student Members are required to do 30 hours of CPD per year, and to provide reviews of same to share with fellow Student Members.

  They must agree to abide by the APDT, UK Code of Practice and are subject to complaints procedure in the same way as full members.

  The fee is £25 per annum. This fee gives access to the APDT forum and a forum exclusively for Student Members for help, support and sharing information, as well as three copies of the APDT Magazine – Dog Trainer. They can also join the APDT Library (additional fee required) which operates a postal service.

  Please be aware that Student Members have to apply for full membership in the same way as any other applicant, ie via the assessment process.

• View information on overseas membership