Man in yellow jackets with dog sitting in front of him on the moors with hills behind them

Become a Member

Why become a member of the APDT?

Full Membership with the APDT C.I.C. provides professional recognition for dog training instructors who have demonstrated the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required through our assessment process.

Join the UK’s largest assessed membership organisation for dog training instructors and become part of a supportive professional community committed to kind, fair and effective training.

Members can connect with supportive peers and access low-cost and free webinars, many of which can contribute towards annual continuing professional development (CPD).

Benefits of becoming a Member

Full Membership offers professional recognition, continued learning, practical resources and opportunities to connect with and contribute to the APDT community.

Professional recognition

Demonstrate that your knowledge and practical skills have been assessed and that you agree to follow APDT’s Code of Practice, supported by an established complaints procedure.

Community and Support

Join the UK’s oldest non-profit membership organisation for dog training instructors and become part of a supportive, people-focused professional community.

Learning & Development

Access low-cost and free webinars and practical skills education, with opportunities to support your continuing professional development and connect with fellow members.

Resources & Opportunities

Access members-only resources to support you and your business, and use the APDT logo and your membership number in accordance with APDT’s membership requirements.

Contribute to APDT

Keep up to date through member communications and contribute your knowledge, experience and ideas to APDT’s future and its wider work within the dog training industry.

Man training dog wearing yellow jacket with hills in background

How to become a Full Member

APDT Full Members have demonstrated the Knowledge, Understanding and Practical Skills required of a dog training instructor. They are committed to using kind, fair and effective training methods when teaching dogs and supporting their owners.

All members agree to work in accordance with APDT’s binding Code of Practice, which prohibits the use of aversive or outdated training methods. APDT’s Code of Practice adheres to the ABTC Code of Practice, providing reassurance that members are committed to appropriate professional and ethical standards.

To be invited to become a Full Member of APDT, applicants must meet APDT’s Knowledge and Understanding and Practical Skills requirements.

There are three routes through which applicants may demonstrate the Knowledge and Understanding required of a dog training instructor:

APEL Assessment
Evidence of completing an ABTC-recognised course
Current ABTC-ATI registration through another organisation

The Full Membership process may also include:

Oral Review
Practical Skills Assessment

Your route to Full Membership

The route to Full Membership depends on how you have already demonstrated the Knowledge and Understanding required of an Animal Training Instructor.The pathway below shows APDT’s standard assessment journey. If you have completed an eligible ABTC-recognised course or are already assessed or registered as an ATI through another organisation, please see the alternative routes below.

Knowledge & Understanding

Complete APDT’s written theory assessment to demonstrate the Knowledge and Understanding required of a dog training instructor, followed by an online Oral Review to discuss your submission.

Practical Skills Assessment

Complete APDT’s Practical Skills Assessment to demonstrate the dog training and teaching skills required of a dog training instructor, followed by an Oral Review to discuss your practical assessment.

Assessment Outcome

Following completion of both assessment stages, you will receive your assessment outcome, together with feedback and information about any further actions or next steps required.

Full Membership

Applicants who successfully meet APDT’s assessment requirements will be invited to become Full Members and join a supportive professional community committed to kind, fair and effective training.

Have you already completed an ATI course or assessment?

If you have completed an accepted ATI assessment or are currently registered as an Animal Training Instructor through another ABTC Practitioner Organisation, you may be eligible for APDT’s membership review route. Please contact the assessment team before making a payment so that your eligibility and the requirements that apply to you can be confirmed.

Completed an eligible ABTC-recognised course?

If you have completed an eligible ABTC-recognised Animal Training Instructor course, you may already meet the required Knowledge and Understanding criteria. Please contact the APDT assessment team before making a payment so that your evidence can be reviewed and your next assessment stage confirmed.

Check your next step

Already assessed or registered as an ATI?

If you have completed an accepted ATI assessment or are currently registered through another ABTC Practitioner Organisation, you may be eligible for APDT’s membership review route. Please contact the APDT assessment team before making a payment so that your eligibility and any further requirements can be confirmed.

Check your next step

Preparing for your assessment

Find out whether you are ready to apply and what to expect from each stage of APDT’s assessment process.

Knowledge and Understanding Assessment and Review

APDT’s Assessment of Prior Experience and/or Learning (APEL) assesses the Knowledge and Understanding requirements within the ABTC Animal Training Instructor criteria at Level 4, equivalent to HND or foundation degree level.

The assessment consists of eight written tasks. You will receive feedback on your submission, which will help inform your subsequent online Oral Review.

The tasks assess 36 criteria across the following areas:

Dog Behaviour
Dog Health and Welfare
Dog Learning and Training
Dog Husbandry, Management and Welfare Legislation
Communication and Instruction

Can you answer “yes” to all of the following questions?

Knowledge and Understanding

Do I understand learning theory?
Do I understand and agree to follow the APDT Code of Practice?
Do I understand the importance of providing appropriate pre-course information?
Do I understand how class layouts may need to change depending on the dogs, activities and individual needs?
Do I understand the need for different types of equipment, and can I use them appropriately during a class?
Do I understand what motivates individual dogs and owners, and can I apply this appropriately?

Planning and teaching

Can I plan, create and adapt a class plan to accommodate different learning needs and the varying abilities of dogs and owners?

Can I teach a range of skills using a variety of kind, fair and effective methods?
Can I explain and demonstrate exercises clearly and in ways that are easily understood?
Can I adapt my lesson plan to meet the individual needs of dogs and owners?

Supporting dogs and owners

Can I communicate effectively with owners in both group and individual settings?

Can I recognise and respond appropriately to signs of stress in dogs and owners?
Can I help an individual dog-and-owner partnership without losing engagement with the rest of the class?

Practical Skills Assessment and Review

The Practical Skills Assessment evaluates the skills set out within the ABTC Animal Training Instructor criteria. Candidates are required to demonstrate 26 elements across the following areas:

Welfare and Legislation
Animal Learning and Training
Effective Communication
Personal Reflection and Development

Your Practical Skills will be assessed while you teach a live class with volunteer dog-and-owner partnerships. An Oral Review will take place immediately afterwards to discuss the assessors’ observations and your practical assessment.

Two assessors will observe your class. You will be responsible for supporting the safety and welfare of the dogs and handlers throughout the assessment.

If the assessors observe anything that may contravene the APDT or ABTC Codes of Practice, or that they consider potentially unsafe, they may intervene and stop or pause the relevant activity.

After your class has finished, you will be given time before being invited to attend your Oral Review.

APDT takes great pride in being an organisation that is welcoming and accessible to all individuals. We understand that each candidate may have unique needs or require additional support during the application process.

If you need assistance, we encourage you to read our D.E.I. policy and/or reach out to our office in advance to discuss your requirements. Additionally, our Assessors are available to help you before each session, so please don’t hesitate to approach them for assistance.

Your comfort and success are our priorities.

Results

You will receive your assessment outcome and detailed feedback within two weeks of completing the assessment process.

If you have successfully met the assessment requirements, you will receive an invitation to become a Full Member, together with information about how to join. Your invitation will remain valid for three months.

If you wish to appeal an assessment decision, please read our Assessment Appeals Procedure for information about the appeals process.

Theory Assessment (K&U)
Price£125.00

Not sure which route applies to you?

Contact the APDT assessment team before making a payment. We can review your previous education, assessment or registration and help confirm the appropriate next step.

Contact the assessment team

Membership Review for Existing ATIs - £50

This route is for applicants who have completed an accepted ATI assessment or are registered through another ABTC Practitioner Organisation and whose eligibility has been confirmed by APDT.

Contact the assessment team to check your eligibility

Practical Skills - £275

Eligible applicants will receive information about available assessment dates and locations when they are ready to progress to the Practical Skills Assessment.

Contact the assessment team to request your Booking link

Assessment fees and next steps

Assessment fees depend on the route and stages you are required to complete. Please review the information below and contact the APDT assessment team if you are unsure which option applies to you.

Knowledge and Understanding - £125

The fee includes APDT’s written Knowledge and Understanding assessment, feedback on your submission and the associated online Oral Review. Assessment documents and submission guidance will be provided following payment. You will have three months from the date of purchase to submit your completed assessment.

Start your assessment

APDT, ABTC and professional standards

APDT is both a Practitioner Organisation and an Assessing Organisation with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). APDT assesses applicants against the ABTC Animal Training Instructor (ATI) role standards, covering the Knowledge and Understanding and Practical Skills required of a dog training instructor.

APDT Full Members who meet the relevant requirements are eligible to apply for inclusion on the ABTC Animal Training Instructor Register, providing further recognition that they have been assessed against agreed professional standards.

As a founder member of ABTC, APDT continues to contribute to the development and implementation of standards that support kind, fair and effective, evidence-led approaches to animal training and welfare.

Learn more about ABTC

OUR Membership Assessors

Denise Armstrong

MAPDT 01215

I’m an avid fan of supporting new trainers and love that assessing allows me to be part of this process.

Dog Trainer since

2000

APDT Member since

2012

Assessor since

2019

Website

Red Dog Training

Jess Blount

MAPDT 01217

Dog Trainer since

2014

APDT Member since

2014

Assessor since

2017

Website

None

Roxy Davies

MAPDT 01498

I’m a passionate dog trainer & behaviourist, advocate for animal welfare & support others in building fulfilling careers.

Dog Trainer since

2006

APDT Member since

2021

Assessor since

2023

Website

My Dogs Club

Adam Daines

MAPDT 01220

I’m constantly striving to provide up-to-date, kind, effective dog training and behavioural solutions.

Dog Trainer since

2009

APDT Member since

2016

Assessor since

2021

Website

Avon Dog Services

Gary Mathlin

MAPDT 01398

Previous university lecturer, dog sports trainer, teaching 14 classes a week.

Dog Trainer since

2011

APDT Member since

2018

Assessor since

2022

Website

Gwent Dog Training

Joanne Hinds

MAPDT 01095

I’m a passionate dog trainer and behaviourist supporting owners and other trainers in the field.

Dog Trainer since

1998

APDT Member since

2011

Assessor since

2018

Website

Jo Hinds Dog Trainer and Behaviourist

Jenny Mee

MAPDT 01262

Previous lecturer and pet dog trainer, now training assistance dogs.

Dog Trainer since

2009

APDT Member since

2014

Assessor since

2019

Website

None

Susan O'Hare

MAPDT 01196

I run pet dog training classes alongside my career as a Registered Veterinary Nurse for a charity.

Dog Trainer since

2008

APDT Member since

2014

Assessor since

2023

Website

None

Margaret Pennington

MAPDT 00298

I am semi retired and just do pet classes and agility.

Dog Trainer since

1984

APDT Member since

1998

Assessor since

2020

Website

H B K Training

Helen Roberts

MAPDT 00285

My aim as an assessor is to help the candidate in any way I can.

Dog Trainer since

1994

APDT Member since

1997

Assessor since

2009

Website

Fast Track Dog Training

Jane Robinson

MAPDT 01194

I’m one of the former Chairs of the APDT and enjoy the rich variety of new members coming through.

Dog Trainer since

2010

APDT Member since

2014

Assessor since

2018

Website

Dog on the hill

Pam Rowley

MAPDT 00278

A dog groomer and trainer with a passion for rescue dogs and a love of working trials.

Dog Trainer since

1994

APDT Member since

2002

Assessor since

2018

Website

Best Friends Pets

Kaye Scott

MAPDT 00607

I am a dog trainer who loves helping guardians build an enriched relationship with their dogs.

Dog Trainer since

1994

APDT Member since

2002

Assessor since

2011

Website

Right Start Dogs

Michelle Taylor

MAPDT 00974

I am the former Head of Assessments and worked hard to ensure the process is kind, fair and effective.

Dog Trainer since

1995

APDT Member since

2006

Assessor since

2020

Website

None

Wendy Shuffle-Botham

MAPDT 00760

I'm passionate about educating dog owners and mentoring aspiring dog trainers for the past 10 years.

Dog Trainer since

2003

APDT Member since

2003

Assessor since

2022

Website

Moor Dog Training

Peneran Higgs

MAPDT 01062

I am a CAB working on vet referral throughout London, as well as a trainer with Puppy School.

Dog Trainer since

2007

APDT Member since

2007

Assessor since

2019

Website

Pet Shrink

Rachel Welch

MAPDT 01326

My day job is in Training and Development for a large dog charity, working with new dog trainers in the industry.

Dog Trainer since

2010

APDT Member since

2013

Assessor since

2023

Website

Happy Dog Happy Owner

Kerry Mills

MAPDT 1029

I strive to provide up to date kind training and have a keen interest in Puppy and Gundog training, pain and its link to behaviour.

Dog Trainer since

1997

APDT Member since

2007

Assessor since

2022

Website

Pet Behaviour Company

Kirsty MacQueen

MAPDT 1229

Passionate about human-dog relationships and the power of play, with a special interest in Animal Assisted Interventions.

Dog Trainer since

2009

APDT Member since

2012

Assessor since

2022

Website

Pet Behaviour Company