Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT), we are dedicated to fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) within our community of professional dog trainers and enthusiasts. We encourage all members to actively engage in DEIB initiatives, whether by participating in training programs, providing feedback through surveys, or initiating discussions within their local communities. By taking collective action, we can create positive change and build a more inclusive and equitable dog training profession for everyone.

What is DEIB? DEIB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Diversity refers to the presence of differences among individuals, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and ability. Equity involves ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals, while inclusion focuses on creating environments where diverse individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully. Belonging emphasizes creating spaces where individuals feel a sense of acceptance, connection, and identity.

Why should we care? DEIB is not just a buzzword; it’s essential for building a strong, resilient, and successful community. When we embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we create environments where everyone can thrive, contribute their unique perspectives, and reach their full potential. By fostering DEIB within our association, we not only enrich the experiences of our members but also strengthen our profession as a whole.

Our DEIB objectives:

Diversity: We celebrate the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each member of our association brings. We recognize that our differences enrich our community and contribute to the vibrancy and innovation of the dog training profession in Canada.

Equity: We are committed to creating a fair and just environment where all members have equitable access to opportunities, resources, and support to excel in their professional endeavors. We strive to identify and address barriers that may prevent individuals from fully participating and thriving within our association.

Inclusion: We actively promote an inclusive culture where every member feels welcomed, valued, and respected. We foster an environment where diverse voices are heard, perspectives are considered, and collaboration is encouraged, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our shared mission.

Belonging: We believe in creating spaces where every member feels a sense of belonging, acceptance, and affirmation. We strive to cultivate a supportive community where individuals can express their true selves, share their passion for dog training, and forge meaningful connections with fellow members.

Strategies implemented to advance DEIB objectives

DEIB Training: We encourage members to voluntarily participate in training programs and resources aimed at enhancing their understanding of DEIB principles and practices. By engaging in these opportunities, members can deepen their knowledge, skills, and awareness, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable dog training profession.

DEIB Survey: We conduct surveys to gather data and feedback from our members and assess our progress in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive association. These surveys help us identify areas for improvement, prioritize initiatives, and ensure that our efforts align with the needs and experiences of our community.

The overarching view:

Moonshot Objective – Community Impact: Beyond our membership, we are committed to leveraging our platform and resources to promote DEIB in the wider dog training industry and society at large. We actively seek partnerships with organizations and initiatives that share our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world for humans and dogs alike.

Our Journey: We recognize that our journey is ongoing and we welcome feedback, dialogue, and collaboration as we strive to build a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming community for all members of CAPDT.

Together, we are dedicated to creating a dog training profession that reflects the diversity of our society, ensures equity and fairness for all members, fosters inclusivity and belonging, and empowers every individual to reach their full potential.