Trainer Networking Groups - Listing of Groups
In order to help facilitate trainer education and professional growth, we are providing a listing of "trainer networking groups." Whether you're an experienced trainer or a "newbie," having a group of colleagues to bounce business ideas off of, discuss cases with, collaborate on community projects, or simply to enjoy the company of like-minded individuals, belonging to a trainer networking group can be an invaluable experience. If there's no group in your area, we have provided some helpful guidelines on how to form a group.
If you are a part of a trainer networking group and would like to have your group added to this listing, please send an email to groups@apdt.com for more information.
California
| Web site: |
www.northbayhumanedogtrainers.com |
| Region: |
Sonoma County |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
People have to apply to become members of the group. Any professional dog trainer is welcome to visit the group if interested in becoming a member. |
| Profile: |
|
| Location: |
Quarterly, with e-mail discussions in between. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Training cases, marketing, recent seminars |
| Contact: |
|
| Web site: |
www.southbayclickertrainingclub.com |
| Region: |
South Bay of Los Angeles County (this includes the cities of Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Hermosa Beach, San Pedro, and El Segundo) |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
Informal group of intermediate and advanced trainers who meet out in public to train our dogs together (doing group exercises) and then go have coffee so our dogs can practice their Starbucks skills (and we can form friendships with other dog-loving people with an interest in training). Part of our agenda is to inspirepeople who see us training (and having so much fun) to train their dogs as well. Our group is not intended to replace formal training classes, it’s more of a tune-up opportunity for those in the geographic area and combines the social element. It’s not a competition-oriented group. |
| Location: |
The group meets in Palos Verdes and Redondo Beach, usually on Saturday mornings or after work in the evening. Locations change in order to keep it interesting, and the info is communicated via our yahoogroup. |
| Contact: |
|
| Web site: |
www.southbaytrainers.com |
| Region: |
Northern California/San Francisco Bay Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
We are a group of trainers and other animal professionals interested in the pursuit of humane and positive training. To that end, we continually pursue ongoing educational opportunities each month to improve our skills and expand our knowledge. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the most current, scientific, animal-friendly and people-friendly techniques possible. Our mission is to provide our communities with alternative training methods to that of harsh, forceful, compulsive, painful and coercive techniques. To support like-minded professionals in their continuing educational development in mechanical skills, clinical interviewing, clicker training, behavioral analysis, behavioral genetics and more. To offer a safe-haven for positive and humane trainers and to form a supportive network. |
| Location: |
Once a month, usually the second Friday of each month. 6:00 p.m. social, 7:00 p.m. meeting. Location varies, generally in the South Bay area at a home, a community room, college, training facility, etc. |
| Contact: |
|
Southern California's Dog Trainers Forum
| Region: |
Southern California |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Contact: |
|
Colorado
Colorado Dog Trainers Network
| Region: |
Colorado |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Meetings are quarterly - visit website for dates. Location is Denver metro area, specific locations vary. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Training and business education (case studies, presentations, discussion topics, etc.), networking |
| Contact: |
|
District of Columbia
Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional, Positive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Mid-Atlantic - Greater Washington DC Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
MAAPPPT is a group of trainers committed to the use of positive, reward-based training methods. MAAPPPT trainers teach and motivate pets and their people through science-based training, utilizing the principles of learning theory. MAAPPPT trainers pledge to use non-aversive, pet-friendly methods without intimidation, force or coercion and do not use or condone the use of shock collars, choke, pinch or prong collars, leash correction, physical correction or harsh verbal correction. |
| Location: |
Meetings typically held on Fridays or Saturdays, every 4 months. - visit website for dates. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Pot-luck lunches, dog activities (i.e. hikes, Rally, My Dog Can Do That, Agility, etc), discussions on training and behavior, problem-solving, business marketing, book discussions and seminar recaps. |
| Contact: |
|
Delaware
Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional, Positive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Mid-Atlantic - Greater Washington DC Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
MAAPPPT is a group of trainers committed to the use of positive, reward-based training methods. MAAPPPT trainers teach and motivate pets and their people through science-based training, utilizing the principles of learning theory. MAAPPPT trainers pledge to use non-aversive, pet-friendly methods without intimidation, force or coercion and do not use or condone the use of shock collars, choke, pinch or prong collars, leash correction, physical correction or harsh verbal correction. |
| Location: |
Meetings typically held on Fridays or Saturdays, every 4 months. - visit website for dates. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Pot-luck lunches, dog activities (i.e. hikes, Rally, My Dog Can Do That, Agility, etc), discussions on training and behavior, problem-solving, business marketing, book discussions and seminar recaps. |
| Contact: |
|
Alliance For Progressive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Southeastern Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Delaware County, ontgomery County, Chester County, Bucks County, and some parts of New Jersey) |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Last Thursday of every month at 11:00AM. Location: Houlihan's - Plymouth Meeting, PA |
| Discussion Topics: |
Training problems and issues, case studies, marketing, and demos. |
| Contact: |
|
Florida
Central Florida Trainers
| Region: |
Central Florida |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Contact: |
|
South Florida Trainers
| Region: |
South Florida area |
| Number of members: |
10+ |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Dog Trainers |
| Location: |
Meets
last Friday of every month from 11:30 -1:00 p.m. at the the Starbucks
in Davie (corner of Giffin and University Drive). 4751 S. University
Drive, Davie FL 33028. The outdoor patio is dog friendly should you like
to bring a well behaved dog. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Obedience training, behavior, management, how
to communicate effectively with our clients, community outreach and
education, business marketing ideas, book reviews, share information from
seminars we've attended, anything and everything related to becoming better
professionals! |
| Contact: |
|
| Web site: |
www.tbaft.com |
| Region: |
Tampa area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Contact: |
|
Georgia
| Web site: |
www.gadogtrainerforum.com |
| Region: |
Atlanta area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
The Georgia Trainer's Forum is open to people who make their living (either part- or full-time) as dog trainers. |
| Location: |
Location varies. |
| Contact: |
|
Dog Trainers of the Carolinas
| Region: |
Greenville, SC, Upstate South Carolina, SW North Carolina, NE Georgia |
| Number of members: |
15 |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Panera Bread, Greenridge Center, I85 and Woodruff Rd, Greenville SC |
| Discussion Topics: |
format for meetings, code of conduct, difficult clients |
| Contact: |
|
Indiana
| Web site: |
http://hoosiercaninetrainers.ning.com |
| Region: |
Central Indiana |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Our monthly discussion group is open to anyone interested in dog training as a hobby or profession. |
| Profile: |
The Hound Table is comprised of a local dog trainers interested in continued education, professional development and networking with other trainers. |
| Location: |
Meets first Friday of every month at 7:00PM. Location varies. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Topics include training, behavior, professional development, staff management, professional burn out, counseling clients and gaining "buy in",seminar over views, book reviews and more! |
| Contact: |
|
Kansas
| Web site: |
http://www.trainerswithheart.com |
| Region: |
Greater Kansas City Missouri and Kansas |
| Number of members: |
40+ |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
We have 2 levels of membership: Professional member - Be currently working as 1) a positive reinforcement 2) be apprenticing with a +R dog trainer with the intent of becoming a +R dog trainer or 3) have previously worked as a +R dog trainer. *Commit to continually learning and practicing to improve your knowledge and skills. *Attend one meeting, submit an application along with $25 membership dues and be voted into the alliance. Supporting member - Open to anyone who has an interest in +R dog training. *Attend one meeting, submit an application along with $15 membership dues and be voted into the alliance. *Membership dues $15 annually (veterinarians are exempt from annual dues). |
| Location: |
We meet at different places so those in outlying areas aren’t always driving too far. We meet the 3rd Monday of every other month with educational presentations at each meeting. |
| Contact: |
|
Massachusetts
| Web site: |
http://www.meetup.com/MCPC-dog-trainers/ |
| Region: |
|
| Number of members: |
47 |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
Dog trainers come together to discuss what works in terms of both dog and business problems, solutions and directions. |
| Location: |
April 29 at 6:30pm at the NewtonMarriott |
| Contact: |
|
Maryland
Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional, Positive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Mid-Atlantic - Greater Washington DC Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
MAAPPPT is a group of trainers committed to the use of positive, reward-based training methods. MAAPPPT trainers teach and motivate pets and their people through science-based training, utilizing the principles of learning theory. MAAPPPT trainers pledge to use non-aversive, pet-friendly methods without intimidation, force or coercion and do not use or condone the use of shock collars, choke, pinch or prong collars, leash correction, physical correction or harsh verbal correction. |
| Location: |
Meetings typically held on Fridays or Saturdays, every 4 months. - visit website for dates. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Pot-luck lunches, dog activities (i.e. hikes, Rally, My Dog Can Do That, Agility, etc), discussions on training and behavior, problem-solving, business marketing, book discussions and seminar recaps. |
| Contact: |
|
Missouri
| Web site: |
http://www.trainerswithheart.com |
| Region: |
Greater Kansas City Missouri and Kansas |
| Number of members: |
40+ |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
We have 2 levels of membership: Professional member - Be currently working as 1) a positive reinforcement 2) be apprenticing with a +R dog trainer with the intent of becoming a +R dog trainer or 3) have previously worked as a +R dog trainer. *Commit to continually learning and practicing to improve your knowledge and skills. *Attend one meeting, submit an application along with $25 membership dues and be voted into the alliance. Supporting member - Open to anyone who has an interest in +R dog training. *Attend one meeting, submit an application along with $15 membership dues and be voted into the alliance. *Membership dues $15 annually (veterinarians are exempt from annual dues). |
| Location: |
We meet at different places so those in outlying areas aren’t always driving too far. We meet the 3rd Monday of every other month with educational presentations at each meeting. |
| Contact: |
|
North Carolina
Carolina's Trainer Forum
| Region: |
All of North and South Carolina |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
Yes |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Contact: |
|
Charleston Trainers Roundtable
| Region: |
Charleston, SC and surrounding counties |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Charleston County - restaurant location changes every meeting |
| Discussion Topics: |
Companion pet training focused with other pet care topics included |
| Contact: |
|
Dog Trainers of the Carolinas
| Region: |
Greenville, SC, Upstate South Carolina, SW North Carolina, NE Georgia |
| Number of members: |
15 |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Panera Bread, Greenridge Center, I85 and Woodruff Rd, Greenville SC |
| Discussion Topics: |
format for meetings, code of conduct, difficult clients |
| Contact: |
|
New Jersey
Alliance For Progressive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Southeastern Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Delaware County, ontgomery County, Chester County, Bucks County, and some parts of New Jersey) |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Last Thursday of every month at 11:00AM. Location: Houlihan's - Plymouth Meeting, PA |
| Discussion Topics: |
Training problems and issues, case studies, marketing, and demos. |
| Contact: |
|
Nevada
Las Vegas Trainers Group
| Region: |
Las Vegas and surrounding areas |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone who makes their living or who volunteers as a trainer |
| Contact: |
|
New York
| Web site: |
www.longislandpetprofessionals.com |
| Region: |
Long Island |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Be in the pet industry, whether you are a dog trainer, animal rescue or non profit, veterinarian, etc. Anything in the pet industry! |
| Location: |
Monthly - visit web site for dates. Various locations across Long Island. |
| Contact: |
|
| Web site: |
www.dapperdogtraining.com |
| Region: |
Group Location: Manhattan
Area Covered: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and LI City,
Staten Island |
| Number of members: |
Unlimited |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
For all those who have an interest in dogs, training dogs, talking dog, dog sitting, dog boarding, sharing ideas and anecdotes, and coffee. |
| Location: |
77 Worth St, Tribeca, NYC
Next Meeting Date/Time: Saturday November 6th, 3 PM.
|
| Contact: |
|
Oregon
| Web site: |
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PDX-Pos-Trainers/ |
| Region: |
Greater Portland Metro Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Quarterly - visit web site for dates. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Training topics, client issues, competition, and business-related topics. |
| Contact: |
|
Pennsylvania
Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional, Positive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Mid-Atlantic - Greater Washington DC Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
MAAPPPT is a group of trainers committed to the use of positive, reward-based training methods. MAAPPPT trainers teach and motivate pets and their people through science-based training, utilizing the principles of learning theory. MAAPPPT trainers pledge to use non-aversive, pet-friendly methods without intimidation, force or coercion and do not use or condone the use of shock collars, choke, pinch or prong collars, leash correction, physical correction or harsh verbal correction. |
| Location: |
Meetings typically held on Fridays or Saturdays, every 4 months. - visit website for dates. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Pot-luck lunches, dog activities (i.e. hikes, Rally, My Dog Can Do That, Agility, etc), discussions on training and behavior, problem-solving, business marketing, book discussions and seminar recaps. |
| Contact: |
|
Alliance For Progressive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Southeastern Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Delaware County, ontgomery County, Chester County, Bucks County, and some parts of New Jersey) |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Last Thursday of every month at 11:00AM. Location: Houlihan's - Plymouth Meeting, PA |
| Discussion Topics: |
Training problems and issues, case studies, marketing, and demos. |
| Contact: |
|
Northeastern Pennsylvania Training Group
| Region: |
Northeastern Pennsylvania |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
Yes |
| Open To: |
Open-minded intermediate and advanced professional trainers (part-time or full-time) who are willing to share their knowledge and have a sense of humor. |
| Profile: |
|
| Discussion Topics: |
Dog training and behavior, problem-solving, case studies, DVD and book discussions, marketing, community outreach, dog activities with our own dogs |
| Contact: |
|
South Carolina
Carolina's Trainer Forum
| Region: |
All of North and South Carolina |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
Yes |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Contact: |
|
Dog Trainers of the Carolinas
| Region: |
Greenville, SC, Upstate South Carolina, SW North Carolina, NE Georgia |
| Number of members: |
15 |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Location: |
Panera Bread, Greenridge Center, I85 and Woodruff Rd, Greenville SC |
| Discussion Topics: |
format for meetings, code of conduct, difficult clients |
| Contact: |
|
Tennessee
| Web site: |
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mid-tnpdtgroup |
| Region: |
Middle Tennessee - Area Covered: Middle Tennessee; cities and states beyond the Middle TN area. |
| Number of members: |
5 |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
R+ training ONLY allowed and discussed for trainers, breeders, vets, vet techs, rescue groups and anyone wanting to network with positive reinforcement trainers. |
| Location: |
TBD |
| Contact: |
|
Texas
Houston Clickers
| Region: |
Houston Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Contact: |
|
Virginia
Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional, Positive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Mid-Atlantic - Greater Washington DC Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
MAAPPPT is a group of trainers committed to the use of positive, reward-based training methods. MAAPPPT trainers teach and motivate pets and their people through science-based training, utilizing the principles of learning theory. MAAPPPT trainers pledge to use non-aversive, pet-friendly methods without intimidation, force or coercion and do not use or condone the use of shock collars, choke, pinch or prong collars, leash correction, physical correction or harsh verbal correction. |
| Location: |
Meetings typically held on Fridays or Saturdays, every 4 months. - visit website for dates. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Pot-luck lunches, dog activities (i.e. hikes, Rally, My Dog Can Do That, Agility, etc), discussions on training and behavior, problem-solving, business marketing, book discussions and seminar recaps. |
| Contact: |
|
Washington
| Web site: |
www.seattledogtraining.com |
| Region: |
Western Washington, particularly around Seattle |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Membership by referral only |
| Discussion Topics: |
Referrals, training ideas, local dog events, etc. |
| Contact: |
|
West Virginia
Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional, Positive Pet Trainers
| Region: |
Mid-Atlantic - Greater Washington DC Area |
| Number of members: |
No Limit |
| APDT Membership Req? |
No |
| Open To: |
Anyone |
| Profile: |
MAAPPPT is a group of trainers committed to the use of positive, reward-based training methods. MAAPPPT trainers teach and motivate pets and their people through science-based training, utilizing the principles of learning theory. MAAPPPT trainers pledge to use non-aversive, pet-friendly methods without intimidation, force or coercion and do not use or condone the use of shock collars, choke, pinch or prong collars, leash correction, physical correction or harsh verbal correction. |
| Location: |
Meetings typically held on Fridays or Saturdays, every 4 months. - visit website for dates. |
| Discussion Topics: |
Pot-luck lunches, dog activities (i.e. hikes, Rally, My Dog Can Do That, Agility, etc), discussions on training and behavior, problem-solving, business marketing, book discussions and seminar recaps. |
| Contact: |
|
Legal Notice: This listing is provided as a service to APDT members who wish to form networking groups with other members and local pet service providers. APDT does not endorse these members and networking groups, and makes no representations, warranties or guarantees as to, and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these groups. APDT expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of the use or performance of the services provided by these groups.