APDT- The Association of Pet Dog Trainers

APDT- The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (established in 1993 by Ian Dunbar, PhD, BVetMed, MRCVS, CPDT) is a professional organization of individual dog trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. The APDT offers individual pet dog trainers a respected and concerted voice in the dog world. We continue to promote professional trainers to the veterinary profession and to increase public awareness of dog friendly training techniques.”

• Vision – “All dogs are effectively trained through dog-friendly techniques and therefore are lifelong companions in a relationship based on mutual trust andrespect.”

• Mission – “Promoting caring relationships between dogs and people by educating trainers in canine behavior and emphasizing professionalism and reward-based training.”

The APDT offers an annual educational conference, publishes the recently awarded The APDT Chronicle of the Dog, and was the primary motivating force behind the creation of the CCPDT in 2001.

The APDT is working hard towards this shared goal of defining the profession, having recently taken a strong position in their new list of approved certifications that meet their criteria for professional membership (the list includes only the CPDT, CDBC, and CDTA designations). In addition, the APDT Education Task Force (ETF) has explored the profession of dog training and formulated recommendations to the APDT Board of Directors.The ETF has suggested regarding the role of the APDT as the potential oversight parent organization working with, informing and supporting the missions of groups such as the CCPDT and IAABC as they collectively work to professionalize the industry and create designations for pet dog trainers as well as those specialty fields within. These specialized credentials will enable trainers to continue to raise the bar for themselves in their own careers if they choose, and obtain recognition for those accomplishments which indicate their qualification to serve in more advanced and diversified applications.  The APDT also aims to continue to provide education and curriculum development for trainers and consultants, as well as market these organizations and credentials through public relations and advertising.