FIND A TRAINER

APDT Ireland Membership

The APDT Ireland has a rigorous and robust admission process. Dog training is unregulated in Ireland, meaning anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist. Our accreditation gives dog owners confidence that members are properly educated in science-based training and work in ways that are kind, effective, and supportive for both dogs and their owners.
Ask Us Any Questions!
Quick Trainer Search ↝
MunsterConnaughtLeinsterUlster

Join the Team

The Application Process

Professional membership of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland is only granted to applicants who meet strict assessment criteria. These standards ensure members have the knowledge, skill, and practical ability required to work as professional dog trainers in Ireland.

Student Membership

Student Membership of the APDT Ireland is for those working towards a professional career in dog training. It provides access to learning support, professional guidance, and the Association’s training community while you build your knowledge and experience.
Student Members are eligible to apply for Professional Membership assessment once they meet the required criteria. This pathway ensures future trainers develop to the Association’s recognised professional standard before qualifying as full members.

Professional Membership

The process begins with a written assessment testing theoretical knowledge, professional judgement, and general canine welfare. Successful candidates progress to a practical assessment, where they run a training class under observation to demonstrate real-world teaching skill, professionalism, and handling ability. This is followed by an interview to explore their decision-making, clarify elements of their written and practical work, and confirm they meet the Association’s professional standard. This pathway ensures that Professional Members are both academically grounded and practically competent.

Our Professional Member

Code of Practice

APDT Ireland has created the Code of Practice in accordance with our mission statement and State-applied legal requirements. The Code of Practice frames our ethos and objectives and will guide members to understand and adhere to a training approach incorporating kind, efficient and ethical dog training practices. Below is an abridged version of the APDT Ireland Code of Practice, to include the most salient elements of the Code of Practice. The full Constitution of the APDTI can be found by clicking HERE.
  • Provide an honest, professional service which at all times embraces humane, scientifically-sound training practices based on learning theory and understanding of canine behaviour, and excludes any pain-inducing, fear-inducing, or avoidance-based techniques.
  • Work within my own knowledge, experience and qualifications and to recognise when I should refer to the Association for advice.
  • Continue my own professional development and education by attending pertinent canine related seminars, conferences, workshops and pursuing other educational opportunities.
  • Respect clients’ wishes regarding treatment and training of their own dogs, and refrain from giving guarantees as to the result of any training programme.
  • Provide information and develop behaviour modification and training methodologies based on research and recognised, peer-reviewed scientific research.
  • Advise clients to seek suitable professional veterinary advice prior to or before the continuation of an ongoing training programme if an underlying medical condition is suspected.
  • Be professional, respecting the privacy of clients at all times, and hold any information provided by clients in confidence, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988 and Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003
  • Be respectful of other dog trainers and canine professionals and not falsely condemn their character or professional acts.
  • Ensure that class sizes are limited so that each client and dog gets appropriate attention and tuition and to utilise competent training assistants in each class when necessary.
  • Have public liability insurance, which is required for annual renewal of membership.
  • Not bring the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland into disrepute, or undermine public confidence in the organisation.
  • At all times act within the laws of the Republic of Ireland. Persons convicted of animal cruelty, or convicted of a serious criminal offence, are not accepted for membership. Existing members will have their membership terminated should they be convicted of either type of offence, or other offences deemed serious enough by the committee, during the term of their membership.
  • Be of good character.
  • Adhere to the Professional Code of Practice and to supply the Association with a signed statement to that effect.
  • Ensure that working assistants, who are non-members, adhere to the spirit of the Professional Code of Practice.
  • In addition, all members who engage in dog training classes or consultations which may bring them into contact with children or vulnerable adults, are strongly urged to obtain certified Garda Clearance due to the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016, if they have not already done so. This will become a requirement for membership in due course.
  • This is my commitment to the Association, my colleagues, my clients and their dogs. I agree to adhere to this code as long as I am a member of the Association and I understand that any infringement on the above code may result in termination of my membership.
BECOME A MEMBER