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About the APDT

The APDT C.I.C (Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Community Interest Company) is managed by an elected Board of Directors who volunteer their time and expertise to oversee its operations. It is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

Specialised support teams comprised of members volunteer to work to help the Directors on particular projects.

An Office Manager, team of administrators and occasional paid contractors assist in the smooth running of day to day business matters.

About the APDT Boxer Dogs on beach

What is the purpose of the APDT C.I.C.?

Our purpose is described as Objects within the Articles of Association:

  • To supply and promote progressive, science and evidence-based training methods for the benefit of dogs, their owners, veterinary practices, rehoming centres, and other organisations.

  • To assess dog training instructors in their knowledge and skills in order to maintain the highest dog training standards.

  • To keep a register of assessed dog training instructors (our members/stakeholders) so that dog owners can find accredited APDT CIC instructors to help them train their dog.

  • To further the understanding of progressive science and evidence-based dog training methods, via the provision and access to educational courses

Denise holding English Setter puppy
Denise Armstrong

MAPDT 01215

Chair

Holds an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, is an Academy of Dog Trainers graduate and is forever adding to her list of studies and qualifications. Once worked for Liberty of London, was a pattern cutter for a designer wedding company and is now a retired Air Traffic Controller. Obsessed with puzzles of any kind and has a serious fabric hoarding habit supporting her need to sew 'anything'.

Lorraine Smith APDT Vice Chair
Lorraine Smith

MAPDT 01451

Vice Chair

Holds an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, working with dogs since 2015, and now is a Team Leader for Canine Partners' Puppy Department. Previously worked in agriculture with cattle, and virology research (co-authoring 43 papers). She is a committed bibliophile with her three German Shepherds being named after Arthurian legend characters and is all things Elvis mad.

Wendy on her grey horse Bea
Wendy Cummins

MAPDT 01414

Treasurer

Has over 30 years experience in veterinary care, dog training and behaviour. She is a member and treasurer of the BVBA, lectures widely to Veterinary staff and the public, with a special interest in promoting gold standard animal care. She loves horse riding, attending concerts and walking the North of England with her two dogs.

Chris Mancini on horseback
Chris Mancini

MAPDT 00515

Director of Education

With over 30 years' experience of training dogs, she holds a COAPE Diploma and apart from running her own dog training business in Cumbria is also a trainer for Dog Aid. She is always out and about taking stunning photos of her surrounding landscape and sunsets galore.

emma hendy.webp
Emma Hendy

MAPDT 01487

Director of Education - Members

Has a PhD in physiology, offers kind, fun dog training utilising her many qualifications in ACE, ProDog Trainer, Advanced Canine Hoopers UK Instructor, Advanced Parkour Instructor and Assessor, and instructor for Barn Hunt International UK. Her full time job is running the family farm, and teaches science in what free time is left after running around after her young family.