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.
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.
Access to our Good Companions Awards scheme promoting real dogs in the real world.
Use of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers logo and membership number on website and stationery.
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.
Low cost and/or free webinars which can count towards annual CPD.
Support network via dedicated groups.
‘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.
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All members work in accordance with a binding Code of Practice prohibiting the use of aversive or outdated training methods thus giving owners confidence that you will be practising to the highest standards.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.
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.
The APDT Direct Assessment Route
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”
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
Open to those who have completed Knowledge & Understanding having completed an ABTC approved ATI Course or having passed assessment with another ABTC ATI Organisation. 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. As locations and dates vary throughout the year, and are subject to change, we only share this information with candidates who have successfully passed their theory and are eligible to move forward. This ensures you receive the most accurate and up-to-date options available across the UK.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Memberships do not Auto Renew.
Minimum hours of CPD must be logged each year to be able to renew.
Full Membership [1400]
85
Valid for 12 months
Offer our Good Companion Awards
Use APDT Logo
Free CPD Lunch & Learns
Discounted Webinars
Newletters
Annual Dog Camp
Peer Support
Exclusive Resources
Exclusive Discounts
Retired Membership [1402]
30
Valid for 12 months
Stay in the loop Newletters
Continued access to Lunch & Learns
Discounted Webinars
Peer Support - FB Group & Bi-monthly support sessions
Annual Dog Camp
1401 Graduate Membership
30
Valid for 12 months
Access our CPD Library
Free CPD Lunch & Learns
Peer Support
Annual Dog Camp
Use the APDT Graduate Logo