Why become a Member?

Demonstrate to your peers and professionals that you have achieved exemplary knowledge and practical skills as a Dog Training Instructor.

Be part of the largest assessed dog training instructors’ membership organisation in the UK.

Opportunity to be part of a nurturing network of supportive peers and access to low cost and/or free webinars which can count towards annual CPD.

APDT members undergo a rigorous assessment of both theoretical knowledge and practical and are committed to using kind, fair and effective training methods when teaching dogs and their owners.

All members work in accordance with a binding Code of Practice prohibiting the use of aversive or outdated training methods thus giving owners confidence that you will be practising to the highest standards.

To be invited to become a member of the APDT you must follow these steps;

There are three different options to demonstrate your Theoretical Knowledge and Understanding (K&U):
- Direct Assessment
- Pass an ABTC recognised course
- An existing ABTC-ATI with another organisation
Oral review
Practical skills assessment.

Benefits of becoming a Member

Fellow professionals know that you have been assessed, abide by a binding CoP which is backed up by a robust complaints' procedure.

A ‘people not profits’ ethos as the oldest non-profit dog trainer membership organisation in the UK.

Use of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers logo and membership number on website and stationery.

Access to our Good Companions Awards scheme promoting real dogs in the real world.

Newsletters keeping you up to date with APDT business and containing interesting articles, events, seminars and workshops.

Annual skills education workshops at the APDT dog camp, with opportunities to learn and network with fellow members.

Support network via dedicated groups.

Low cost and/or free webinars which can count towards annual CPD.

‘Members only’ area on website with resources for you and your business.

Opportunity to guide and contribute to the APDT in the years to come thus making a bigger difference to the industry.

The APDT Direct Assessment Route

Theory Assessment & Review of Knowledge & Understanding (K & U)

Knowledge and Understanding of the ABTC ATI criteria is assessed at level 4 (equivalent to HND/foundation degree).

The APDT written assessment is comprised of 11 questions for you to answer. When you receive your marked paper, it will contain feedback on your answers which will inform your online oral review

These questions assess against 30 criteria in these categories:

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

Additionally, you’ll need to submit supporting documents, including a lesson plan, risk assessment for a training venue, client registration forms, recent CPD history with one reflective account, and two original handouts for exercises.

Things to consider before applying for Direct Assessment to become a member.

Do I understand learning theory?

Do I understand and can adhere to the APDT Code of Practice?

Do I understand the necessity for ‘pre-course information’?

Can I create and adjust a class plan to allow for individual learning abilities, and varying abilities of the dogs/owners in a class?

Do I understand the need for different class layouts dependant on dogs and activities?

Do I understand the need for, and can use a variety of equipment during a class?

Do I understand and can apply what motivates dogs and owners?

Can I plan lesson time to ensure the smooth running of an interesting class?

Can I teach a range of skills in a variety of kind, fair and effective ways?

Can I explain and demonstrate exercises in a way that is clear and easily understood by all?

Can I adapt my lesson plan to consider individual needs of dogs and owners?

Can I relate to owners on a class and individual basis?

Can I recognise and respond to signs of stress in dogs and owners?

Can I troubleshoot individual issues without excluding the rest of the class?
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.

“🐶 APDT Assessments Presentation – How to become an APDT Member”

Practical Assessment & Review of your Practical Skills

The practical examination forms part of the assessment for Practical Skills as set out for the ABTC ATI criteria

Practical Skills are assessed as a live class with volunteers and their dogs, with an oral review to discuss the assessors observations immediately afterwards.

You will use the supporting documents submitted with your Theory Assessment to prepare and deliver a class of up to one hour. There is a list of 30 criteria that must be evidenced .

You are allocated 15 minutes to set up and meet your assigned handlers.
Using a variety of techniques, you will teach a ‘marker’, ‘down’, ‘leave’ (food or toy), and ‘loose lead walking’.
The dogs/handlers are volunteers, likely to be at varying levels of ability and age, and this must be considered when progressing the exercises.
You will be observed by two Assessors.
You are responsible for the safety and welfare of dogs and handlers.
If the assessors see anything that contravenes the APDT Code of Practice or they believe to be potentially dangerous, they will interrupt the class.
Once your class has finished, you will have a brief time to pack up your equipment before being called for the oral review.

Other Routes to Assessment for Membership

If you have passed an ABTC recognised course or are an existing ABTC-ATI with another organisation you will need to provide evidence of this together with the supporting documents detailed in the Theory tab above. You can then book and Oral review before being able to apply for a Practical skills assessment as detailed in the Practical Skills tab above.

Contact assessments@apdt.co.uk for further information.

Theory assessment and oral review: £125

Once paid your receipt will contain a link to your Theory questions along with instructions on how to complete/submit. You have twelve months from the date of purchase to submit your theory work for marking. You will also be invited to join our assessment support group.

Oral Review (if not using the Direct Assessment route): £50

Once paid your receipt will contain a link to the documents we require you to submit before scheduling the online oral review. You will also be invited to join our assessment support group.

Practical assessments: £275
Your individual link to book your Practical assessment will be issued once eligibility has been achieved.

Our Regulatory Body

The APDT, as both a Practitioner Organisation and an Assessing Organisation under the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC), assesses ATI Level 4 role criteria for Dog Training Instructors.

The ABTC's vision is “To promote humane practice in the training and behaviour therapy of animals and to lobby for improvements in animal welfare related to these activities.” As an organisation, they set and maintain standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal training instructor (among others). They represent the training and behaviour sector to the public and governments. They seek accreditation from UKAS (UK Accreditation Service) as the first step to formally regulating the dog training and behaviour industry.

APDT is a founder member of the ABTC and continues to help guide and assist in the updating and implementation of standards as new research guides the way. Together, we promote training skills and techniques based on up-to-date, researched methods that are in keeping with modern learning theory.

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

Tony Cruse

MAPDT 01121

Passionate about canine behaviour, fostering strong bonds between busy people & their pets through positive coaching.

Dog Trainer since

2011

APDT Member since

2012

Assessor since

2020

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

Barbara Ellis

MAPDT 01224

I live in Southampton with my husband, lovely teenagers, Sausage dog and Beagle.

Dog Trainer since

2002

APDT Member since

2014

Assessor since

2017

Website

None

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.

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

Carole Thornley

MAPDT 00542

I love training with positive reinforcement. I always want the dogs and their owners to enjoy.

Dog Trainer since

1994

APDT Member since

1999

Assessor since

2009

Website

None

Charis Vincent

MAPDT 01199

I an accredited CAB and ATI and has been running a busy Training and Behaviour centre in Wiltshire since 2013.

Dog Trainer since

2010

APDT Member since

2014

Assessor since

2017

Website

Charismatic Pets

Hannah Wright

MAPDT 01158

I'm passionate about ethical and effective dog training, and supportting others into careers in this industry.

Dog Trainer since

2004

APDT Member since

2012

Assessor since

2018

Website

Pet Behaviour Company

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

Results

You will receive the outcome of your Assessments and detailed feedback within two weeks of completion.

After your successful Practical Assessment, you will receive an offer of Membership, together with details of how to join, within two weeks. This offer expires after three months.

In the event you wish to appeal against any decisions made, here is the appeal procedure