The Alliance for Professionalism in Dog Training was created to advance and elevate our profession, as well as to give a voice to dog trainers in the development, passage, and implementation of licensing legislation in the United States. As states begin to consider professional dog trainer licensure legislation, it is important legislators hear from members of our profession who live and work in the states and districts they are elected to serve.
APDT and CCPDT, the founders of the Alliance, continually develop resources to inform the dog training community about licensure, as well as educate members of state legislatures and their staffs about the availability of the model legislation and expertise of professional dog trainers.
TOWN HALL VIDEOS
The Alliance recorded a series of videos about the value of and process surrounding dog trainer licensure. The discussions are led by Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA, FFCP, Manager, Pet Services Dog Training Education at Petco, Certified Fear Free Animal Trainer, IAABC Supporting Member, and AKC CGC Evaluator. Darris guides conversation on licensure topics with Alliance leadership and counsel, including Heidi Meinzer, JD, CPDT-KSA, CNWI, APDT Secretary/Treasurer of APDT; Brad Phifer, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, Executive Director of CCPDT; and Julia Judish, Certification Law Advisor to the Alliance.
Town Hall Video Series Part 1: What is licensure and why does it matter?
The team discusses the benefits of licensure to dog training professionals and the public, as well as why now is the right time to share our knowledge with legislators.
Read a transcript of the video here.
Town Hall Video Series Part 2: Understanding State Legislation
In Part 2 of the Town Hall Series, leadership of the Alliance for Professionalism in Dog Training, including Heidi Meinzer of APDT and Brad Phifer of CCPDT, discuss the process for advancing dog trainer licensure in each state and how and when the community can get involved.
Read a transcript of the video here.
Town Hall Video Series Part 3: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (part 1)
In Part 3 of the Alliance for Professionalism in Dog Training’s Town Hall Video Series, leadership of APDT and CCPDT discuss answers to the dog training community’s most frequently asked questions about professional licensure and the model legislation.
Read a transcript of the video here.
Town Hall Video Series Part 4: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (part 2)
In Part 4 of this Town Hall Video Series from the Alliance for Professionalism in Dog Training, we continue our discussion of the dog training community’s most frequently asked questions.
Read a transcript of the video here.
Town Hall Video Series Part 5: About the Alliance and its Advocacy Efforts
In Part 5 of the Alliance for Professionalism in Dog Training’s Town Hall Video Series, we discuss the formation of the Alliance and background on advocacy initiatives.
Read a transcript of the video here.
MODEL LEGISLATION
The Alliance for Professionalism in Dog Training worked with licensure law experts and received input from dog training professionals to shape model legislation that can be adapted to meet the needs of each state and the dog owning public and their animals. The legislation will help guide states as they pass laws to ensure that all practicing dog trainers meet recognized standards of knowledge, skills, and experience and have formally committed to humane, evidence-based, and safe training practices.
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the model legislation and dog trainer licensure.