History

The PDTI course started its life at Harper Adams College in Shropshire and successfully run for the first time in 2006, with its own modernised approach, and a commitment to continually update and evolve to meet the demands of changing times.  Like many courses, it continues the traditions and basic format of the ‘Dog Trainers Instructors (DTI) Course’, which held its 50^th anniversary and final course in 2005.  The first took place in a public car park in Totness, Devon, and grew under the leadership of Norman and Rita Hills until 1986.  The DTI course continued, with others taking on the organisational and teaching roles, at Harlaxton College in Grantham, Caythorpe Agricultural College and Risholme College, Lincolnshire and for the final 4 years at Harper Adams College.  The DTI and similar courses, have been mentioned here to acknowledge our appreciation to all those who have provided training to hundreds of instructors over the last fifty years. 

 

Introduction

The PDTI Course aims to provide greater guidance for teaching people to teach dogs as companions, rather than the teaching of more traditional exercises leading to the competitive disciplines.  It targets the expanding market of Pet Dog Training Instructors who work with owners on practical day-to-day control aspects of ownership in modern society. 

 

Additionally, the course supports the Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour, and includes the Kennel Club Good Citizens Dog Scheme within its base exercises.

 

Course participants

The course is organised and run by its Director - Chris Bloomfield KCAI (Ob^ACD^A) MBIPDT.Adv.  Chris Browse acts in the role of Secretary and Treasurer.  An Assessing (guiding) Team consists of experienced Instructors of Instructors.  Qualified Instructors (suitable qualifications considered) are encouraged as Seniors, and Student Teams consist of eight-ten members.

 

The Course offers a week-long residential course, with a packed timetable of practical sessions, tutorials, lectures and discussion times.  It divides participants into mixed ability teams for practicals and into experience level groups for tutorials.  The PDTI Course is non-profit making – Assessors are volunteers paying their own costs and accommodation fees. 

 

The Course offers four certificate levels

These are based on the background of the student.  The stated levels below are set only as a guide, as expertise may vary considerably.  Students may discuss options and will be advised as the week progresses as to the most suitable certificate.  Background information will be collected on the enrolment form.

 

1.      PDTI Course - Introductory Certificate in Instructing

For those with NO or less than one year practical instructing (or assisting) experience.  It is designed to give confidence to, and guide those who wish to take on an instructing role.

2.      PDTI Course - Intermediate Certificate in Instructing

For those with limited, but independent, instructing experience.

3.      PDTI Course - Instructors Certificate

For those with more than 3 years instructing experience.

4.      PDTI Course - Certificate in Advanced Instructing Skills

For those with substantial instructing experience, who also hold the PDTI Instructors Certificate (equivalent experiences considered).

 

The STANDARDS to be applied to the above are defined below:

 

Introductory – able to safely assist with the teaching of most standard pet dog training exercises and can explain the purpose of each.

 

Intermediate – able to competently teach and justify all standard pet dog training exercises.  Can explain relevant guidelines, understands health and safety issues and knows own limitations for referral.

 

Instructor – able to competently run good pet dog-training sessions; able to plan, teach and co-ordinate a full series of exercises into an interesting session; can identify faults and integrate correction without disruption.  Confident in knowledge of rules, regulations and guidelines; can also give confident answers to underpinning training and behaviour questions.

 

Advanced – able to competently run pet dog-training sessions at all levels, critically identify, analyse, correct and advise on teaching exercises, training and general behaviour issues.  Impressive high levels of expertise, together with knowledge and experience covering a good range of canine pet, fun and competitive activities.