Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.)

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) new program will help you say, "My Dog Has C.L.A.S.S." Developed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) based on input from both dog owners and non-dog owners, shelter workers, and professional dog trainers, C.L.A.S.S. benefits pet owners, dogs, and everyone in the community!

Objectives of C.L.A.S.S.

The goals and objectives of the Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) program.

Student Information

Learn more about the C.L.A.S.S. program and download the Student Handbook. 

Students

C.L.A.S.S. is a three-level evaluation for students to demonstrate the real-life skills of their dogs, as well as a knowledge assessment of the students' understanding of basic dog handling and care. Join now >

C.L.A.S.S., through its evaluation, curriculum, and training resources, advocates the use of reward-based training. Positive, reward-based training minimizes the use of punishment and is fun for you and your dog!

Evaluators

C.L.A.S.S. Evaluators are Full and Professional Level APDT members; they are dog trainers who embody the link between students and the heart of C.L.A.S.S.—helping students and dogs grow together and reach their C.L.A.S.S. potential. Join now >

In a series of real-life activities through which an student accompanies his dog, C.L.A.S.S. Evaluators will assess a dog/student team's core training skills, with options to test advanced training skills. Locate an Evaluator

2013 APDT Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show

October 23-27, 2013
Spokane, WA

All meeting and events will be at the Spokane Convention Center.

Conference Home Page

Agenda

Schedule of events.

Registration

Register online for the conference.

Speakers

List of 2013 speakers.

APDT Speaker Guidelines
Because the APDT continually strives to be a source of quality education and provide the very best resources to our members as well as the dog training and behavior community, we are making significant changes to the delivery of educational content during our 2013 Conference. Our new changes are based on the most up-to-date methods and guidelines in quality, effective adult education, as well as based on what our attendees have asked for in their conference feedback. You can read the guidelines here

Travel and Hotel

Travel and hotel information.

Call for Posters

We are inviting submissions for poster presentation proposals from the academic and professional communities.

Get Ready for Spokane!

Visit site >

Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Educational Offerings

Whether you train puppy kindergarten, agility, search and rescue, competition, or work with aggression, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers is the premier educational organization for you! Whether you're the owner of a new dog or puppy, or if you're a serious canine enthusiast or competitor, APDT member trainers can help you gain the most from your companion dog. More about the APDT

Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show

Registration, speakers, highlights, travel deals, and more!

eLearning Courses

Upcoming live APDT eLearning courses and recordings from our archive. Learn various aspects of the dog training profession, including learning, behavior, health and nutrition, laws and regulations, business, and general industry topics by professionals from around the world.

Attend an eLearning Course	Present an eLearning Course	Education Sponsorship and Advertising	ELearning Platform Rental
Certificate Courses 90 min eLearning courses Requirements About APDT eLearning FREE eLearning courses	Interested in presenting an APDT eLearning course? Presenter application	Details on Educational Advertising Details on eLearning Sponsorship APDT eLearning Sponsors	Want to offer your own eLearning courses, but can't afford a high quality provider? Rent ours!

Handouts & Downloads

APDT has many great, ready-to-use resources that are perfect for anyone looking to learn more about dog training, for linking to your own website, for downloading to share with your colleagues and clients, and more.

• For Trainers. Feel free to link to or download these resources to share with your colleagues and clients.
• For Veterinary Professionals
• For Pet Owners

The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Publication

The quarterly The APDT Chronicle of the Dog keeps APDT members abreast of contemporary pet dog training techniques and provides a lively forum for discussion of dog training and behavior issues.

Member-Sponsored Educational Events

One of our membership benefits is the privilege of posting seminar/event information free of charge on this Web site.

Full list of Member-Sponsored Events

APDT eLearning

Participate live in an upcoming APDT eLearning course or view a past recording from our archive to learn various aspects of the dog training profession including learning, behavior, health and nutrition, laws and regulations, business, and general industry topics. Enjoy presentations by a wide variety of professionals from around the world.

Certificate Courses

90 Minute Webinars

FREE eLearning courses designed for non-trainers