Our Annual General Meeting brought together 76 attendees from across the country for an evening filled with updates, progress, and excitement for the future of CAPDT. Members received a comprehensive recap of the work accomplished over the past year, including updates to the complaint process based directly on feedback shared at last year’s AGM. We […]
Annual General Meeting 2026 Read More »
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
The CVMA Supports Developing a National Certifying Body Read More »
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
Member Feature: Kelly Crawford DEIB Read More »
“Whether you are training a new puppy, or facing behaviour challenges with your older dog, I’ll guide you towards your goals while prioritizing both your education and your dog’s well-being. I hope to help you embrace the life-long journey of learning and an ever-growing connection with your beloved canine!” As a CPDT, CBATI, ‘Fear Free’
Member Feature: Donna Ashley Read More »
Over the years as a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT), I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth of this organization and its potential to drive the change so greatly needed in dog training across Canada. Like many members, I initially joined for practical benefits, such as discounts on essential services like dog training
Member Feature: Sylvia Currie Read More »
By Nanette Lai, MA, CPDT-KA This is a revised excerpt of the author’s blog post “It’s 2025. Do Not Do As The [Ancient] Romans Do” published January 20, 2025. The prong/pinch collar has been described as a medieval torture device. That’s inaccurate. Because the design occurred far earlier. A wall painting located in the Etruscan
Origin of the Prong Collar Read More »
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
A Dog’s Senior Years Read More »
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
Member Feature: Sylvia Koczerzuk Read More »
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
Beyond the Cookie: Establishing Boundaries Through Positive Reinforcement Training Read More »
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
Make Your Membership Count: The Power of Displaying the CAPDT Insignia Read More »