Association for Professional Dog Training International

Home
Association for Professional Dog Training International

This is the official page of The Association for Professional Dog Training International, www.apdt.com

With over 3700 members and partners in almost 40 countries, the Association for Professional Dog Training International is the largest dog training community world-wide. Rebranding in September of 2024, APDT International welcomes a wider base of participants in the larger training ecosphere and seeks to grow our already international network, into one that touches training everywhere around the w

orld. Through these expanded connections to other professionals and trainers around the globe, the Association for Professional Dog Training International will accelerate the learning and growth of our members as well as create space to better inform everyone who is passionate about dogs receiving the best training and care possible. In 2010, APDT declared January to be “National Train Your Dog Month.” This annual campaign will highlight the importance of training to the marketplace, potential clients and allies who also understand the value of access to training for all dogs. www.trainyourdogmonth.com

The APDT is always developing and delivering online educational opportunities. Offerings include on-demand webinars and multi-week online courses touching subjects across the training field. One of our most successful programs, the Canine Life and Social Skills program (C.L.A.S.S.) promotes the benefits of training for dog owners and for shelter dogs. www.mydoghasclass.com

APDT International’s Annual Conference offers a unique experience each year, drawing expert speakers from all over the world to share their knowledge of canine behavior and training. Manufacturers of dog products and services often use our trade show to launch new products, and you never know who you may run into at an in person APDT International event! Our award-winning quarterly magazine, Chronicle of the Dog offers exclusive access to some of the industry’s prominent experts as contributing authors. Each issue is a truly beautiful piece overflowing with insight into the state of the profession.

26/05/2026

When you’re unsure what to recommend, where do you go?

APDT’s resource library includes guidance on:
• Training tutorials
• Behavior topics
• Professional standards
• Welfare considerations
• and even more to come!

Built to support both professionals and the clients they serve.

Learn more here - https://apdt.com/resources/

What topic do you wish had clearer public education?

19/05/2026

Not sure whether to register for a working spot or audit?

Here is how to decide.
A working spot gives you the opportunity to actively participate with your dog, apply the exercises in real time, and receive direct coaching. Dogs must be crated when not working, and this option includes 5.5 CEUs through CCPDT.

An audit spot allows you to observe, take notes, and focus on learning the structure and application of the exercises without bringing a dog. This option includes 4 CEUs through CCPDT.

Both options provide valuable learning. The right choice depends on how you prefer to engage with the material.

Auditing Spot - https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/in_person_events/27600
Working Spot - https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/in_person_events/26041

15/05/2026

We are proud to recognize APDT members celebrating more than 20 and 30 years as part of our professional community.

These members represent decades of commitment to education, ethical training practices, professional growth, and the advancement of the dog training profession. Their continued support and involvement have helped shape APDT and the industry as a whole.

Please join us in celebrating these long-standing members:

Gail Martin • Mary Lee Lee Nitschk • Ian Dunbar • Wendy DeCarlo Young • Denise Nord • Allan Bauman • Emma Parsons • Nana Will • Steven Stratemeyer • Michele Siegel • Jeanne Gruenschlaeger • Nancy Suhr • Randy Zicht • Penelope Milne • Karen Henkel • Brenda Scidmore • Maureen Ross • Mary Burch • Marcia Welch • Daniel Tambourine • Mary Remer • Ellen Sam • Valerie Harville • Diana Smith • Carol Tenny • Amy DeBenedictis • Jennifer Shirley • Lindsay Kababik • Cheri Hagen • Drema Ellis • Lisa Schmick • Susan Goldsmith • Patricia Czaikowski • Dr. Rise VanFleet • Melissa Ruthenbeck-Chiaramonte • Lisa Bert • Tony Sala • Sara Scott • Laurie Burnam • Margaret Melse • Rachel Brostrom • Darlene Marie Koza • Cheri Anderson Beattie • Melanie Phillpot • Rebecca Hutchins • Diane Durphy • Jordan Rothman • Kat E. Albrecht • Marty Swindell • Kimberly Sykes • Corinne Dowling • Jane Page • Esther Ho • Tracy Hamilton • Brad Jones • Teresa Dyck • Almudena Cue Ortiz • Mary Molloy • Abby Bird • Iris J. Fryzel • Sarah Todd • Paula Carter • Jim O’Neill • Leah Gangelhoff • Melody Farrell • Carol Siegrist • Amanda Berk • Sumac Grant-Johnson • Terri Maher • Betty Shorter • Shanda Vance • Linda Quinton • Skye Anderson • Christine Strickland • Tasha Suda • Heidi Ramos • Mary Jo Carabello • Gale Meadow • Wendy Dek • Valerie Barry • Amy Weeks • Helen Bemis • Linda Heflin • Ann M. Marshall

We are excited to begin highlighting many of these members and sharing more about their work, experience, and contributions to the profession.

Member spotlights coming soon.

How long have you been part of the dog training profession?

12/05/2026

Continuing education doesn’t always happen at a desk.

The APDT App makes it easier to:
• Access learning on the go
• Stay connected to resources
• Keep up with updates
Because real schedules aren’t always predictable.

https://apdt.com/apdt-app/

10/05/2026

What does APDT membership actually change for a professional?

It gives structure in a field that often lacks it.
• Clear standards
• Continuing education
• Credibility with clients
• Connection to other professionals

In an industry where anyone can call themselves a trainer, alignment matters.

Become a member here - https://apdt.com/engagement-benefits/

What helped you grow most early in your career?

06/05/2026

🚨 NEW EVENT DATE 🚨

Dogs experience the world first through their noses.

Scent work gives them a structured and meaningful way to use that ability while building confidence and strengthening their partnership with us.

Scent-Sational Sniffing: Building Confidence & Teamwork Through Nosework Games focuses on practical, real-world applications of nosework. Rather than preparing for competition, this seminar is designed to give trainers and dog owners simple, adaptable games that can be used at home or incorporated into everyday training.

These exercises support curiosity, resilience, and engagement, especially for dogs who may be environmentally sensitive or lacking confidence.

📍 Violet Crown Canine Academy, Austin TX
📅 June 14, 2026

Options Available:
• Working Spots (5.5 CEUs CCPDT)
• Audit Spots (4 CEUs CCPDT)

Auditing Spot - https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/in_person_events/27600
Working Spot - https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/in_person_events/26041

05/05/2026

Not all training approaches align with current behavioral science.

APDT’s approach to training methodologies is grounded in:
• How dogs learn (operant and classical conditioning)
• Humane, effective application of those principles
• A commitment to Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) practices

Training is not about preference. It’s about applying methods that are supported by science and prioritize welfare.

Understanding why a method works is just as important as knowing how to apply it.
https://apdt.com/training-methodologies/

What concept from learning theory do you find yourself explaining most often?

28/04/2026

This is what CANIS looks like.

40+ speakers. Five stages. One building.

Different disciplines, all bringing value to the same goal: better outcomes for the dogs in front of you.

Early Bird pricing ends May 1. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Register now ⬇
https://www.canisconference.com/register

Have questions? Drop them in the comments!

20/04/2026

What topic do you want to see more of from APDT?

• Behavior cases
• Training techniques
• Industry standards
• Business support
• Ethics discussions

Drop your answer below.

18/04/2026

Nosework is more than a sport.

For many dogs, it provides:
• A safe outlet for natural behavior
• Opportunities for problem-solving
• Reduced stress through controlled engagement
• Increased confidence in new environments

As highlighted in this upcoming in-person seminar with Kathryn Butts, CPDT-KA, thoughtful scent work can be especially impactful for environmentally sensitive or fearful dogs.

When we align training with natural behavior, outcomes improve.

Learn more at and sign up here⬇
Working Spot: https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/in_person_events/26041
Auditing Spot: https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/in_person_events/27600

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+18007383647

Website

http://www.apdt.com/, https://trainyourdogmonth.com/, https://www.apdtconference.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Association for Professional Dog Training International posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization?

Country:

City: