About the APDT
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers C.I.C. is a not-for-profit membership organisation committed to promoting kind, fair and effective dog training. Established in 1995, APDT supports dog owners, aspiring dog trainers and experienced professionals through education, assessed membership and the promotion of reward-based training.
APDT is overseen by an elected Board of Directors, who volunteer their time and expertise. The Office Administrator, the administration team and paid contractors support the organisation's day-to-day activities and the delivery of specific services and projects.
What is the purpose of the APDT C.I.C.?
As a Community Interest Company, the APDT exists to benefit the wider community by promoting kind, fair and effective dog training and supporting education for dog owners and those involved in dog training.
The organisation’s formal Objects are set out in its Articles of Association and include:
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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.
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To assess dog training instructors in their knowledge and skills in order to maintain the highest dog training standards.
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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.
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To further the understanding of progressive science and evidence-based dog training methods, via the provision and access to educational courses
You can read the APDT’s full Articles of Association below.
Denise Armstrong
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
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 Cummins
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
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.
Gary Mathlin
Director of Assessments
Gary is an experienced trainer, behaviour consultant, and former university lecturer with a passion for helping people and dogs build trust and understanding. He runs Gwent Dog Training in South Wales, where he teaches around 14 classes each week and offers one-to-one training, behavioural consultations, and workshops. Gary’s approach is grounded in positive, reward-based methods that focus on clear communication and strengthening the human–canine bond. His philosophy centres on mutual understanding as the foundation for a meaningful relationship between dogs and their caregivers.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The APDT is overseen by a Board of Directors elected from its membership. The Directors share collective responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and oversight of the organisation, working together to support APDT’s purpose and the interests of its members and the wider community.
APDT Directors are volunteers who contribute their time, knowledge and experience to the organisation
The APDT Team
APDT’s day-to-day activities and member services are supported by its Office Administrator, administration team and specialist contractors. Together, they help deliver the practical work required to support members, courses, events, communications and the organisation’s online services.
Vicky Strickland
Employee
Mon 1pm-4pm, Tue - Thu 10am-2pm
Office Administrator
Vicky is the face and voice of the APDT answering phone calls from the general public through to supporting and directing members when help is needed. She is a calm and reassuring presence who knows where to find answers when you don't.
Jodie Guildharry
Contractor
Variable hours
Education Administrator
Jodie looks after our students from the enquiry stage through their attendance and completion of their journey. She liaises and organises the Education team and works closely with the Assessments team to ensure students get the best experience along the way.
Rachel Cathorne
Contractor
Variable hours
Events Coordinator
Rachel looks after our attendance at public events working hard to ensure we are represented in person at the important events. She works to ensure we have volunteers on stand and where needed, demonstration handler partnerships at larger scale events such as Crufts.
Frequently asked questions
APDT Code of Practice
APDT UK members are required to follow the Association’s Code of Practice, which sets out the professional standards expected of them in their work with dogs, clients and the wider public.
The Code reflects APDT UK’s commitment to kind, fair and effective dog training. Members must not use, recommend, advertise or sell coercive or punitive training methods or equipment. They are also expected to act with integrity, protect the welfare of dogs and clients, communicate honestly and continue developing their professional knowledge and skills.
The complete Code includes APDT UK’s principles, professional practice requirements, member obligations and further guidance about equipment and training methods that are not permitted.
Looking for a trainer who has agreed to follow the APDT UK Code of Practice?
Appendix:
Equipment and training methods
The Code prohibits coercive or punitive training methods and equipment. As products and practices change over time, no list can be entirely definitive. The following examples provide further guidance on methods and equipment prohibited under the Code.
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Dog stop – emits a high-pitched sound
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Remote-controlled spray collars
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Automatically triggered spray collars
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Anti-bark collar – emits spray directed onto the dog's skin
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Loud noises, e.g. rattle cans, bottles, chains, Training discs, Pet corrector
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Strong-smelling or tasting substances, e.g. smelling salts/ bite back / Liquid sprays
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Pinching – ears/feet/toes, hitting, biting (of dog)
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‘Alpha roll’ or any manhandling that causes pain or discomfort
Policies and governing documents
Further information about APDT UK’s governance, policies and professional expectations is available in the following documents.