MISSION STATEMENT
The APDT (Association of Pet
Dog Trainers),UK is a voluntary organisation established to improve the
welfare of dogs and the competence of dog owners through the promotion
of training skills and techniques based on up to date, researched,
methods that apply the principles of kindness fairness and effectiveness
and are in keeping with modern learning theory.
We provide education – via
pet dog training classes and one-to-one lessons – to the dog owning
public, promoting the use of Kind, Fair and Effective training.
We carry out this mission
through a system of membership accreditation;
Applicant assessment
Adherence to a Code of
Practice
Continuous professional
development
Dissemination of advice and
information learned from trainers/instructors/
The rejection of invasive, coercive or punitive equipment or methods, which can cause mental and physical trauma to dogs.
We will support and cooperate
with other organisations in any activity that will add to the body of
knowledge of canine training and behaviour, and will offer information
and courses to educate our members, subscribers and the general public.
The APDT UK training policies remain the same as they have always been.
We will keep up to date on positive, effective training techniques that are based on the application of learning principles.
We find it sad and incomprehensible that some trainers are still using harmful and damaging equipment, for instance, prong, choke and electric collars, along with training techniques such as alpha rolls, lead jerks, kicks and other punishing methods.
The practice of using aversive methods or equipment on fearful and aggressive dogs is detrimental and dangerous.
Ideas, especially those about “dominance”, are completely disconnected from the sciences of ethology and animal learning.
High profile dog trainers have a responsibility to all the people who watch their television programmes, read their books or watch their dvd’s. Their training techniques should reflect well researched non aversive methods that will help dog and owner develop an understanding of each other’s needs.
Dog owners should not be tricked into thinking that there is a ‘quick fix’ for every perceived dog behaviour problem.