The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) recently completed its 20th annual conference and trade show, hosted in Hartford, Conn. October 15th to 18th. There, almost 900 training professionals and pet care specialists from 12 countries gathered to attend and participate in the educational and skill-building opportunities, for a combined total of over 75 assorted seminars, panel discussions, workshops, and even day-long certificate classes.
To commence the conference, the recipients of the prestigious APDT Scholarships and the Dogwise Shelter Scholarships were awarded and applauded for their contributions and bright futures. Don Hanson, CPDT-KA, CDBC, BFRAP, was next honored with the APDT Member of the Year Award; and Karen Pryor accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award via video, who was speaking at the Clicker Training Expo in London.
APDT Scholarship Recipients – Kate Fantoli CPDT-KA; Tena Parker, MS, CPDT-KA; Sara Reusche, CPDT-KA, CVT, ANWI Dogwise Shelter Scholarship Recipients – Stacy Cleaves; Ashley Horan; Abby Ganin-Toporek, CPDT-KA; Dot Baisley, MA, CPDT-KA The trade show portion of the event included 67 exhibitors, where pet product manufactures and professional service providers were on hand to introduce APDT members to their wares and services. Friday evening the Hartford community and neighboring animal advocates were invited to attend the APDT Foundation Auction and Reception, where they could bid on collected items to raise charitable funds to support the foundation’s mission to provide funding for canine behavior and training research. Again, on Saturday morning, they were encouraged to participate in the APDT non-competitive 5K Run/Walk along the river walk, and invited back to the join the organization and its professionals on the trade show floor following.
“The annual conference is a great opportunity for trainers from around the world to discuss the latest in canine information,” commented Mychelle Blake, APDT President and CEO. “We’re proud to play an instrumental role in helping our members grow their businesses, hone their professional skills and help our fellow community members and their canines.”
The APDT 2015 Conference and Trade Show will take place in Dallas from October 14 to October 17, 2015. Canine trainers interested in learning more about APDT’s extensive certification and continuing education programs are invited to visit www.APDT.com.
About APDT
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) is a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to improving their knowledge and skills through education. The APDT was founded in 1993 by Ian Dunbar, PhD, BVetMed, MRCVS. A renowned veterinarian, animal behaviorist, dog trainer and writer, Dr. Dunbar created the APDT as an inclusive forum for trainers to network with each other, provide educational opportunities, and grow the profession. The APDT strives to provide an industry standard of excellence for the dog training profession. Today with almost 6,000 members, it has grown to be the largest association of dog trainers in the world. Dallas, TX will host the APDT’s 21st Annual Conference and Trade Show October 14 – 17, 2015. For more information, visit www.APDT.com.
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Ashlee Gonigam
Matrix Partners
312-648-9972 x33
agonigam@matrix1.com