CAPPDT

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB SITE @ www.cappdt.ca

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PET DOG TRAINERS?

In 1993, a very small group of dog trainers gathered to discuss the feasibility of forming an association that would give dog obedience trainers and instructors the opportunity of belonging to a cohesive group of like-minded people.

By mid-1994, an executive was in place, a constitution was drawn up, by-laws to facilitate the running of day-to-day business of the association were hammered out and a code of ethics for members was voted on and passed by the existing membership. By the end of 1997, the association boasted a membership of almost 300.

Members hail from coast to coast and the U.S. Our membership comes in many flavours, from the professional who makes his/her living in the world of dog training to the hobbyist who runs classes once a week to the trainer who trains his/her own dogs for CKC/AKC obedience competition to the trainer who works with companion animals and their families.

OUR MANDATE?

To further the concept of dog-friendly and humane training techniques and to provide a forum whereby professional pet dog trainers can be educated, exchange and generate ideas and network with other professionals.

HOW DO WE HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS?

Through educational opportunities and by increasing public awareness of dog-friendly and humane training techniques.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Anyone who agrees with our aims and objectives who is 19 years of age or older and is, or has been, actively involved in training dogs or training people to train their dogs or people who believe in humane methods of training dogs and promote those methods. To keep things simple there are three classes of membership with CAPPDT; professional (the active trainer), associate (people interested in dog training), and affiliate chapter. No person shall be eligible for, or continue to enjoy, membership who is convicted of inhumane acts toward animals. CAPPDT has a strict Code of Ethics and we expect every member to adhere to it. The code is a part of the association's Constitution and by-laws. This document is available from the association secretary and it will tell you all you want to know about the association's inner workings.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AND WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?

In the spring of 1996 we hosted the first of our Annual Conferences. Attracting participants from all parts of Canada and the U S, our first conference featured the likes of Gary Wilkes, Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, and Dr. Pamela Reid. In 1997 we were fortunate to have Dr. Bruce Fogle travel to us from London, England to be featured as our keynote speaker. Conference plans are always ongoing. The CAPPDT executive is committed to attracting speakers and workshop facilitators who are interesting, sometimes controversial, but always people who have something valuable to offer our members and participants.

WHO CAN COME TO CAPPDT CONFERENCES?

It is not necessary to be a CAPPDT member to take advantage of these educational opportunities. If you have a desire to hone your skills, please join us for a fun-filled, intensive weekend. Don't miss an opportunity to meet and interact with trainers from coast to coast!

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?

Contact our Administrative Assistant, Jan Morgan, for more information. You can reach Jan at 1-877-SIT-STAY. Our conference plans (dates, place, etc) will be announced in Dogs In Canada - the Upcoming Events section in the early winter of each year. Watch for it!!

HOW DO I JOIN CAPPDT?

An application form is available from our Administrative Assistant, Jan Morgan (1-877-SIT-STAY). Give her a call to get yours! You can also check out the Membership Application section on our home page. You can print out an application right off the net!

FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION PLEASE CHECK OUR NEW WEBSITE www.cappdt.ca <