Association for Professional Dog Training International

25/04/2025

Have you met Matt Varney, APDT International Executive Director? He has an important message for you! We know it's Friday (TGIF!) but big things are happening for . Registration is on 🔥. Prices jump tomorrow! Come see us in Richmond, VA, and make sure to stop by the APDT Booth and meet Matt and our amazing APDT board. Go to apdtconference.com to get started!

25/04/2025

🚨 LAST CALL! 🚨
Are you attending APDT 2025 yet?

Don't miss your chance to lock in the VALUE rate and save 💵 on registration for the must-attend event for dog training professionals worldwide. Join us November 5–7 in Richmond, VA for three days of education, networking, and inspiration with 30+ speakers, learning labs, 40+ exhibitors, and more!

🎟️ Register NOW before rates go up: apdtconference.com

24/04/2025

Ready to tackle complex behavior cases with confidence and compassion?

Join our live webinar, Behavior Case Studies for the Real World, on July 1 (7–8 PM) to learn from Ferdie Yau and Bobbie Bhambree who will guide you through identifying priorities, selecting effective exercises, teaching essential skills, and adapting plans as you go.
Discover how these experienced trainers approached each case and executed the plan, all the way through to “graduation”. This webinar is perfect for trainers ready to elevate their approach to tackling complex cases with confidence and compassion.
Register here: https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/webinars/82106

23/04/2025

🚨Time is running out to save for APDT 2025! 🐾

Register by April 25 to lock in your in-person rate—after that, fees increase by $100 until July 15. Hope to see you in Richmond, VA, from November 5-7! Head over to apdtconference.com to secure your spot and save today!

22/04/2025

Attention APDT International members! We wanted to let you know that Business Insurers of the Carolinas offers the most affordable general liability rates to active APDT members! 🐾 With over 30 years of experience and coverage across all 50 states, they were the first to offer specialized liability insurance and bonding for professional dog trainers.

Through their commitment to education and risk management, Business Insurers of the Carolinas empowers pet care professionals to protect their businesses from the unexpected. For more information, give them a call at (800) 962-4611 or visit DogTrainerInsurance.com.

Thank you, Business Insurers of the Carolinas, for your commitment to the safety and growth of our community!

22/04/2025

Join Dr. Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB, for an in-depth look at dominance and dominance hierarchies in dogs in this APDT International Webinar. This on-demand webinar explores:

🐾What is Dominance? Definitions from the scientific literature
🐾Dominance Hierarchies: Their role and function in social species.
🐾Fact vs. Fiction: Research findings on dominance in wolves and domestic dogs, cutting through the rhetoric.

Dr. Spaulding brings over 20 years of expertise in dog training and behavior, with a PhD in biopsychology and a passion for applying scientific principles to animal behavior.

🎓 Earn 1.5 CEUs with CCPDT, KPA, IACP, IAABC, ABCDT-L2.

Watch anytime and elevate your understanding of canine behavior! Sign up here: https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/courses/63528

The APDT International Learning Platform is sponsored by ThunderWorks! Thank you to our sponsor.

21/04/2025

🌟 Mary Hunter – APDT 2025 Conference Speaker 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Mary Hunter, M.S., to the APDT 2025 International Conference! Mary is the founder of Behavior Explorer, where she offers educational programs focused on the science of behavior. With an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Chicago and a master’s in behavior analysis from the University of North Texas, Mary is a leading expert in shaping and reinforcement systems.

In her main session, Building Reinforcement Systems that Lead to Improved Communication and Accelerated Learning, Mary will explore why some dogs learn slowly and seem disengaged, even when trainers are using what should be effective reinforcers. The key is often missing: a reinforcement system. This interconnected chain of behaviors between the human and the dog is essential for effective learning. Mary will break down the elements of a reinforcement system and guide you through step-by-step procedures for designing and teaching new reinforcement systems to maximize the effectiveness of your training.

Her groundbreaking research, including the book PORTL: The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab (co-authored with Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz), explores better ways to teach people to train animals.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from a leader in the field of behavior analysis! Register today at apdtconference.com. Fees increase on April 25!

📅 Dates: November 5–7, 2025
📍 Location: Richmond, VA

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18/04/2025

🎥 Get a taste of Richmond’s riverfront energy, vibrant food scene, and storied streets in this video —then picture yourself here for APDT 2025!

🚨 There are ONLY 7 days left to lock in the best in-person rate. Register by April 25 and keep $100 in your pocket for VIP events, coffee runs, or that must‑have book from the exhibit hall.

📅 November 5‑7 | Richmond, VA
👩‍🏫 30+ expert speakers | Hands‑on learning labs | 40+ exhibitors & career‑boosting networking

Secure your spot before prices jump: apdtconference.com. See you on the James River!



https://youtu.be/8WOIRYYBO_U

If we told you exactly what makes visiting the Richmond Region awesome, we’d be selling it short. Instead, we’ll let this amazing region speak for itself. If...

17/04/2025

🎉 Big news! We’re thrilled to welcome ThunderWorks—makers of the beloved ThunderShirt®—as the official sponsor of the APDT International Learning Platform!

Founded on the simple idea that gentle pressure can calm anxious dogs, ThunderWorks has helped millions of pups feel safer during thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, and everyday stress. Their veterinarian‑recommended solutions, from ThunderShirt wraps to ThunderEase® pheromone diffusers and ThunderWunders® calming chews, perfectly align with our commitment to humane, science‑based dog care and education.

👇 Check out ThunderWorks’ short video below to see how the ThunderShirt works, then dive into our Learning Platform at pathlms.com/apdt - now powered by their generous support - to level up your knowledge and keep dogs everywhere calm, confident, and thriving.

Visit thundershirt.com/ to learn more!

16/04/2025

In this video, get a sneak peek at Michael Shikashio’s APDT 2025 session, “Love Bites: Dog Aggression Directed at Family or Friends.” You won’t want to miss this deep dive into effective aggression management! Join us in Richmond, VA, from November 5–7 to learn from over 30 expert speakers like Michael Shikashio. Register now—either in person or via livestream—at apdtconference.com

P.S. In-person fees increase on April 25 so secure spot and save!

16/04/2025

UPDATE: Due to a global outage of Zoom, we will be rescheduling today's live webinar at 4 PM EDT with EZAccessMD. We will make an announcement when it has been rescheduled.

Attention Full APDT Members! Don’t miss our FREE live webinar with EZAccessMD—happening TODAY at 4:00 PM EDT. Check your email for the Zoom link (we’ll send a reminder this afternoon). Join us to discover how this exclusive partnership can help you balance personal wellness, reduce rising healthcare costs, and keep your business running smoothly.

Webinar: APDT Partner Spotlight: Saving Time and Money (Your Two Most Precious Resources)
When: April 16
Time: 4:00 PM EDT

Learn more about this unique benefit and subscription access at https://apdt.com/telemedicine/

The APDT is the leading organization for professional dog trainers, providing resources, education, and certification worldwide.

14/04/2025

We’re thrilled to announce Sarah Babcock as a speaker at the 2025 APDT International Conference in Richmond, VA! A valedictorian graduate of Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers at the SF SPCA, Sarah went on to devote her career to animal welfare through her work at the Richmond SPCA. With a wealth of knowledge in animal behavior and training—including years of graduate work in psychology and neuroscience—she’ll be sharing insights that benefit everyone from shelter staff to seasoned trainers.

Don’t miss her sessions:

🐾Enrichment in Richmond: Keeping Shelter Dogs and Cats Safe, Sane, and Thriving
🐾Workshop: The Magical World of Tricks

Join us November 5–7, 2025 for innovative sessions, hands-on learning labs, and plenty of networking with fellow training professionals. Secure your spot today at apdtconference.com!

11/04/2025

Attention dog training community! In-person registration fees for APDT 2025 increase by $100 on April 25. Don’t miss your chance to save on this must-attend event, happening November 5–7 (Workshops on November 4) in Richmond, VA. Secure your spot today and get ready for 30+ speakers, 3 learning labs, 40+ exhibitors, special events, and more.

Visit apdtconference.com for details and to register before the fee increase! See you then!

The APDT Conference is the premier conference for professional dog trainers.

11/04/2025

Happy National Pet Day! Today, we celebrate the joy and unconditional love pets bring into our lives. As champions for humane, science-based training, we believe every dog—and every pet—deserves a loving family committed to their well-being, comfort, and respectful care. Join us in honoring our four-legged friends by giving them the best: responsible ownership, positive training, and lots of love!

10/04/2025

Have You Signed Up for the Ultimate Dog Trainers' Book Club Yet?

Our next read is here!📘Starting May 12, we’re diving into The Education of Will: Healing a Dog, Facing My Fears, Reclaiming My Life by Patricia B. McConnell—a powerful, personal story that weaves together behavioral science, emotional healing, and the human-animal bond.

This is your chance to explore another side of dog training—one that blends heart, science, and real-life transformation. Whether you read every book or just pop in for a discussion or two, you’re welcome in the club.

Haven’t signed up yet? This is a free, members-only benefit, and it’s a great way to connect with fellow trainers and grow together. Learn more about membership: https://apdt.com/engagement-benefits/

Let’s keep learning, sharing, and strengthening our community—one book at a time.

Get started: https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/courses/81573

09/04/2025

Elevate your dog training program with this APDT International webinar, “Adding Enrichment to Your Training Program”! Join certified trainer Kris Hale, CPDT-KA, as she demonstrates practical ways to incorporate fun, mentally stimulating activities into classes, individualized training plans, and behavior modification strategies. From shy rescues to overexcited adolescents, Kris explains how enrichment boosts every dog’s well-being. Plus, you’ll earn 1 CEU (CCPDT, IAABC, KPA, IACP). Discover the power of enrichment for your clients, fosters, and shelter community. Watch today and see the difference enrichment can make!

Learn more: https://www.pathlms.com/apdt/courses/55019

Save on education by joining APDT International today: https://apdt.com/engagement-benefits/

08/04/2025

🐾The Spring 2025 issue of APDT International's Chronicle of the Dog is here! Members, log into your account at apdt.com or the APDT app to dive into this issue of exclusive articles, training insights, and industry news. 📖✨

08/04/2025

The border collie is leading the way to the 2025 APDT International Conference which will be bigger and better than ever! Register by April 25 to lock in your in-person rate—after that, fees increase by $100 until July 15. Hope to see you in Richmond, VA, from November 5-7! Head over to apdtconference.com to secure your spot and save today!