Purpose of the AAPDT:

To be an unbiased umbrella organisation for all professional dog trainers, in which trainers can:

• Network and establish contacts
• Learn about new techniques and information
• Be able to benchmark their business to an 'industry norm'
• Act as a liaison to local, state and federal government and animal welfare organisations in representing an industry view
• Represent the 'voice' of the industry through workshops and public relations activities to inform the public and other stakeholders at large

The AAPDT is a non-profit association, depending on membership and member support to maximise the opportunities for all stakeholders.

Vision of the AAPDT:

• To become the LEADING Australian voice for the dog training industry
• To become a source of reference and information for the industry and all stakeholders
• To reduce the number of unqualified dog trainers in the industry through better self-governance, accreditation and government legislation
• To establish a benchmark & quality assurance system (accreditation) for the industry

Mission of the AAPDT:

• To represent the professional dog training industry towards local and state government, animal welfare organisations and others involved with canine training of any sort to maximise exposure of a professional industry that benefits both dogs and handlers
• To represent its stakeholders in matters of relevance affecting the industry, or animal welfare
• To promote the benefits of professional dog training to all stakeholders
• To open the organisation to a wide stakeholder base, and include:
  • Accredited dog training schools
  • Accredited individual dog trainers/instructors (practicing)
  • Accredited trainers/instructors for dog training schools
  • Service Dog trainers (e.g. Guide Dog Trainers, Police Dog Trainers etc)
  • Associate category to be expanded
  • Affiliate Dog trainers category, incl. overseas contact
• To ensure that all stakeholders run their business professionally and ethically and uphold the welfare of the animals and handlers in highest regard
• To pass all members through a suitable review process that does not compromise standards
• To provide a conduit for information, and guidance, through the management c'tee
• To provide a conduit for promotion, easy access of contacts, and information that is objective, professional and relevant - making the AAPDT a source for Vets and Consumers alike
• To be a pro-active organisation maximising opportunities for improvement of the industry and stakeholders at all times.

Values of the AAPDT:

• Professional and ethical integrity in all business dealings
• To have the highest regards for animal interests & welfare
• Oppose unacceptable training methods at all times
• Oppose guard dog or protection dog training for any non qualified and licensed handler
• To represent the industry fairly and openly
• To promote professional dog training as a requirement for any dog owner / handler
• To promote a code of ethics throughout the industry, by which members abide and conduct their business.

The Objects of the AAPDT:

1. To promote the benefits of dog obedience training.
2. To encourage dog owners to undertake dog obedience training courses or to have their dogs professionally obedience trained.
3. To standardise and set minimum standards for obedience training.
4. To regulate and improve the dog training industry.
5. To exchange ideas and information among members.
6. To oppose all forms of harsh dog training methods.
7. To oppose attack dog training for members of the general public and to discourage attack training generally.
8. To assist any individual or association whose aims are similar to the AAPDT and to cooperate with animal welfare organisations.
9. To campaign for or against government legislation at all levels which may affect the well being of dogs, their owners or members of the AAPDT.

Code of Ethics of the AAPDT:

In addition to the above objects of the AAPDT, members agree to abide by the following Code of Ethics:

• Canine interests & welfare are paramount when dealing with dogs
• AAPDT members are accredited & ethical professional dog trainers
• Professional and ethical integrity is applied in all business dealings
• AAPDT members have appropriate public liability insurance cover
• AAPDT members conform to relevant legislation applicable to professional dog trainers
• AAPDT members support excellence in customer service
• AAPDT members support proper corporate and business governance
• AAPDT members are subject to peer quality control measures
• AAPDT members may apply different training methods and tools to achieve the best result in training handlers and dogs
• AAPDT members have an ongoing commitment to learning and improving their work to constantly strive to provide the best for dogs and handlers

Management Commitee:

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