Amy Merrill

The CVMA Supports Developing a National Certifying Body

The CVMA Supports Developing a National Certifying Body

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has taken a strong and clear position on dog training in Canada. They support the development of a national certifying body to establish consistent standards for dog trainers—standards based on humane, evidence-based, reward-based methods. Source Why is this important? Currently in Canada, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer […]

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capdt member kelly crawford deib

Member Feature: Kelly Crawford DEIB

Welcoming Our New DEIB Committee Chair   The Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers is pleased to introduce Kelly Crawford (she/they) as the new Chair of the DEIB Committee (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging). Kelly brings a deep commitment to both animal welfare and community support, with a training philosophy centered on empowering pet guardians

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DOG TRAINING A Dog’s Senior Years

A Dog’s Senior Years

by Donna Hill, B.Sc. (Zool) B.Ed. ServiceDogTrainingInstitute.online Living with a senior dog is a journey filled with love, challenges, and profound moments, much like caring for an elderly parent or relative. As our canine companions age, they require special attention and care, which can significantly impact our daily lives and routines. Over the years we

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Sylvia Koczerzuk member feature

Member Feature: Sylvia Koczerzuk

As a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant, Trainer, Fear Free Professional, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Certified Dynamic Dog Practitioner, Victoria Stillwell Academy Advisor and the founder of Walkabout Canine Consulting in Kingsville, Ontario, I help dog guardians navigate either  1-2-1 , virtually or though online course/membership everything from reactivity to resource guarding and do so with

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Establishing Boundaries Through Positive Reinforcement Training

Beyond the Cookie: Establishing Boundaries Through Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement training, often humorously termed “cookie pushing”, is frequently misunderstood within the pet dog training community. Some may view it as overly permissive, lacking the discipline required to effectively train dogs. This perspective, however, is far from the truth. In reality, positive reinforcement is a method that establishes clear and firm boundaries through non-coercive

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Make Your Membership Count

Make Your Membership Count: The Power of Displaying the CAPDT Insignia

As a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT), you are part of a respected community that champions ethical, science-based, and humane dog training. Your membership is not just a professional credential—it’s a public declaration of your values, credibility, and commitment to excellence in the field of dog training and behaviour. Why

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