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What the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Is and How to Find a Member

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers connects dog owners with trainers who use science-based methods

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is a membership organization for dog trainers across North America. It sets standards for how trainers should work with dogs and owners, and it maintains a searchable directory of member trainers. If you are looking for a trainer in South Carolina, the APDT directory lets you filter by location and see which trainers have joined the organization and agreed to its code of conduct.

The APDT does not regulate trainers or issue licenses — dog training is not a licensed profession in South Carolina or most other states. What the APDT does is create a voluntary standard: members commit to using reward-based training methods, continuing their education, and treating dogs humanely. This gives you a way to narrow your search beyond just price or proximity.

The organization was founded in 1993 and now has thousands of members. It publishes research, hosts conferences, and offers continuing education courses for trainers who want to deepen their skills. For a dog owner, the main value is the directory and the assurance that a member trainer has made a public commitment to certain practices.

Key Takeaways

  • APDT membership means a trainer has agreed to use science-based, reward-focused methods and to continue learning throughout their career.
  • You can search the APDT directory by zip code or city to find member trainers near you in South Carolina.
  • APDT membership is voluntary — many good trainers are not members, and membership alone does not may provide quality, so you should still interview trainers and ask about their experience.
  • The organization does not license trainers or investigate complaints, so if you have a problem with a trainer's work, you would need to resolve it directly with them or through small claims court.

How to Search the APDT Directory

The APDT website has a searchable trainer directory at apdt.com. You enter your zip code or city name, and the site shows you member trainers in that area. Each trainer's profile includes their name, contact information, and sometimes a link to their own website or social media.

The directory does not include reviews or ratings from the APDT itself. You will see only that the trainer is a member and therefore has agreed to the organization's code of conduct. To learn more about a specific trainer's experience, methods, and pricing, you will need to contact them directly or visit their website.

If no APDT members appear in your immediate area, you may find trainers in nearby towns or cities. Some trainers offer in-home sessions or group classes, so distance may be less of a barrier than it first appears.

What APDT Membership Actually Means

APDT members agree to a code of conduct that prohibits harsh or painful training methods. The code requires trainers to use positive reinforcement — rewarding the behavior you want — rather than punishment or intimidation. Members also commit to continuing education, meaning they take courses and workshops to stay current with dog training science.

Membership does not mean a trainer has a specific certification or degree. The APDT does not issue its own credentials. Some member trainers hold certifications from other organizations, such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), but that is separate from APDT membership. When you contact a trainer, ask directly about their training background, how many years they have worked with dogs, and what specific methods they use.

The APDT also does not investigate complaints or discipline members. If you have a problem with a trainer's work, you cannot file a complaint with the APDT and expect them to take action. You would need to work it out with the trainer directly or pursue other remedies.

Finding Trainers Beyond the APDT Directory

Many skilled dog trainers in South Carolina are not APDT members. Some trainers choose not to join because of membership fees, while others may not be aware of the organization. APDT membership is one way to find trainers who have made a public commitment to certain standards, but it is not the only way.

When searching for a trainer outside the APDT directory, ask the same questions you would ask an APDT member: What methods do they use? How long have they been training? Can they provide references from past clients? Do they offer a trial session or money-back may provide if you are not satisfied? A trainer's willingness to answer these questions and show you their work is often more telling than membership in any organization.

You can also ask your veterinarian, local dog parks, or breed clubs for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals from people who have worked with a trainer can be just as valuable as organizational membership.

What to Ask a Trainer Before You Hire Them

Whether you find a trainer through the APDT or elsewhere, interview them before you commit. Ask how they would handle your specific dog's behavior — for example, if your dog pulls on the leash or reacts to other dogs. A good trainer will ask you questions about your dog and your goals, not just give you a generic answer.

Ask what methods they use and why. If a trainer says they use "balanced training" or "all methods," ask them to explain what that means. Trainers who use reward-based methods should be able to describe how they reward good behavior and what they do when a dog makes a mistake. If a trainer talks about "dominance," "pack theory," or "showing the dog who is boss," those are red flags — modern dog training science has moved away from those ideas.

Ask for references from clients with dogs similar to yours. A trainer who has worked with reactive dogs, puppies, or rescue dogs should be able to tell you about their experience. Ask about pricing, session length, and what happens if you are not seeing progress. Some trainers offer a free consultation, which is a good way to get a feel for how they work.

APDT Membership Costs and What It Covers

APDT membership is not free, and membership fees vary depending on the type of membership and whether you are renewing or joining for the first time. The organization's website lists current fees. Membership typically includes access to the member directory, discounts on conferences and educational materials, and the ability to use the APDT logo in your marketing.

For a dog owner, APDT membership does not cost you anything — you only pay if you join as a trainer. The value to you is that you can search the directory for free and know that member trainers have agreed to certain standards. Some trainers may charge more because they are APDT members, but membership alone should not be the reason you choose one trainer over another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an APDT member trainer better than a non-member trainer?

APDT membership means a trainer has agreed to use reward-based methods and to keep learning, which are good signs. But many excellent trainers are not members. The best way to judge a trainer is to ask about their methods, experience, and references — whether they are APDT members or not.

Can I file a complaint with the APDT if a trainer does poor work?

The APDT does not investigate complaints or discipline members. If you have a problem with a trainer's work, you would need to resolve it directly with the trainer, ask for a refund, or pursue other legal remedies. Before you hire any trainer, ask about their refund or satisfaction policy.

What is the difference between APDT membership and a dog training certification?

APDT membership is an organization you join; certification is a credential you earn by passing an exam. Some trainers have both, some have one or the other, and some have neither. Ask any trainer about their specific training background and credentials, not just their organizational memberships.

How do I know if a trainer uses reward-based methods?

Ask the trainer directly how they reward good behavior and what they do when a dog makes a mistake. A reward-based trainer will describe using treats, toys, praise, or other things the dog likes. If a trainer talks about corrections, dominance, or "showing the dog who is boss," they are not using modern reward-based methods.

Are there other dog trainer organizations in South Carolina I should know about?

Yes. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) issues certifications based on exam scores and experience. The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) is another membership organization. These are separate from APDT, and a trainer might belong to one, more than one, or none of them.