KIND, FAIR, AND EFFECTIVE
A profile of the ground-breaking Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an organisation formed to help pet dog owners.
Continuing our series on the nine organisations that make up the founder members of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter — a group intent on bringing the behaviour and training professions together for the benefit of dogs and dog owners — we take a closer look at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
Of all the pet dog training organisations in the UK, the APDT is probably the best known. It has a long history, covers the whole country, and has hundreds of members, so many people who have searched for reward-based, enjoyable training classes for their dogs have probably ended up being taught by APDT members. The association’s original tagline of ‘kind, fair, and effective’ sums up perfectly how it works and what makes it so special but to find out more, we talked to current chair Jane Robinson.
QThe Association of Pet Dog Trainers has a long history, but how did it start?
JR: “Dog trainer and behaviourist John Fisher was the original founder and chief executive of the APDT, and it was his energy, humour, and drive that built the association. At a time when most people’s knowledge of dog training came from watching Barbara Woodhouse on the television, John knew that the average pet dog owner didn’t need obedience or competition style training — the only thing that was available at the time — they just needed a dog who was fun to live with, came when called, didn’t jump up at people, and didn’t pull on the lead.
“It was John’s vision that, 25 years ago, led to the formation of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. For the first time there was an organisation that was purpose-designed for pet dog owners, with thoroughly assessed members who they could trust when looking for a training class in their area. Sadly, John died in 1997, but to this day, we are proud to continue John’s vision where all potential members are stringently assessed and required to adhere to a strict code of practice.”
QWhy do you think John Fisher felt the APDT was so badly needed?
JR: “Although dog training still remains an unregulated industry, back in the 1990s it
was still very much based on ‘dominance’ and the use of punishment and force. In contrast, the APDT has always ensured that its members adhere to methods of training that are kind, fair, and effective, using only evidence and science-based methods.
“When the APDT started 25 years ago, it came as a surprise to many dog owners that you didn’t need to use force or coercion to train a pet dog and that using pain and punishment increased the likelihood of fear and undesirable behaviours. Thankfully, we are far more progressive as an industry now — as you can see from all the Charter group organisations.”
QWas that what attracted you personally to the APDT? JR: “I had been to a local training class with my puppy and the ‘trainers’ had advised throwing metal trays at the puppies to stop them barking at the sound of the doorbell. I can remember thinking: ‘Seriously, is that all you’ve got to offer?’ Dogs are sentient beings with feelings and emotions and I knew instinctively there had to be a kinder, more ethical way to train a dog.
“At the time, I was exploring the idea of becoming a pet dog trainer and was shocked that this method had been so nonchalantly advised by people who I had trusted to guide me through my puppy’s training at the most crucial stage of his development. Needless to say, I didn’t finish that training course with my puppy, but went online and found the APDT instructors’ course. It piqued my interest to become a dog trainer. I looked at other organisations, but there was no doubt that the APDT was the right fit for me.”
QWhat do you think makes the APDT different from other organisations?
JR: “I arrived at the instructors’ course with no previous dog training experience and when I got there, I nearly backed out… my background was in the arts and entertainment industry and I thought I would feel like a fish out of water. From the minute I signed in however, I was surrounded by a group of kind, helpful, and like-minded people from all backgrounds. Some were complete novices like me, some had years of experience with dogs. Nobody was judgmental or patronising, we were all there for the same reason — to learn about dogs. And learn about dogs we certainly did! That’s the ethos that runs through the APDT, whether you want to become a dog training instructor or you need to hire a dog training instructor, APDT members are kind, knowledgeable, and highly skilled trainers.”
QGoing to a dog training class can seem daunting and scary for owners. What can people expect when they turn up at an APDT training or puppy class?
JR: “Every dog and their owner is unique and all our trainers understand that and will be able to cater to those needs. They are problem solvers and understand dog training doesn’t fit into a ‘one size fits all’ category. Today’s classes are fun, relaxed, and relevant to living with pet dogs in the 21st century, no matter where you live, how you live, and what kind of dog you have.
“When thinking about what to train, every owner’s needs will be unique, however there are some foundation behaviours that most people will want their dogs to learn so classes will include: walking on a loose lead, coming back when you call, leaving and dropping things when asked to do so, and settling in the home and in public places.”
QHow have APDT trainers managed during the pandemic?
JR: “The pandemic was a testing time for the APDT, with in-person sessions and group classes cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, this has been an opportunity for our members to be creative and reassess their way of working, with the introduction and use of online technology. Using a combination of live instruction and ‘how to’ videos, APDT members have continued to train the nation’s puppies and dogs throughout the pandemic.
“In addition to members taking their training online, the APDT’s instructors’ courses moved online too. This way the APDT will be able to help more aspiring pet dog trainers, who may not be able to travel to an in-person course, to begin their instructor journey.”
QWhy did the APDT want to be involved in the Charter group?
JR: “The APDT has always led the way in positive, ethical training so is proud to be a founder member of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.
“In an industry that remains unregulated, the Charter gives assurance to the public, other professional bodies, and government agencies that signatories are committed to professional standards, with the welfare of the dog at heart. This reflects the progressive stand the APDT has taken for 25 years.”
QIf owners want to find an APDT class or trainer near them, how do they do that?
JR: “If you are looking for a dog training instructor, search on the ‘Find a dog trainer’ section of our website at www.apdt.co.uk/ find-a-trainer/”