The Guild of Dog Trainers Developments
This year was a momentous year for the Guild of Dog Trainers. Due to the idiosyncratic nature of our organisation it was possible to embrace the fast moving evolutionary aspects of modern society in relation to our professional status. The Guild responded swiftly and appropriately to the new challenges. Legislation has emerged which places a greater emphasis on the role of dog owners and their level of responsibility.
Dog Law – The Dangerous Dogs Act
This has a direct impact on the professional accountability of dog trainers. As a consequence the Guild has evaluated the training opportunities offered to ensure members have the skills, knowledge and experiences demanded by clients. The Guild undertook a rigorous critical analysis and review of the courses available.
Dog Training & Distance Learning Courses
Listening to the student voice, combined with an awareness of the increased professional demands, was crucial in tailoring existing course content to the specific demands of the current work place. As a consequence, the ratio of taught content is being adjusted to allow for a more practical experiential approach. On going monitoring will ensure that the correct balance is both achieved and maintained to best serve the industry. The revised courses will be available in 2016 and have been accredited by the PETBC.
GODT Crufts Annual Event
Crufts last year was a significant annual event in the calendar. Important because hosting our own stand for the second year in succession, provided a prestigious platform to showcase the work of the organisation, including its core values to an international audience. Thanks is extended to all members who gave up their valuable free time to support the event. Their generosity was instrumental in ensuring the success in the recruitment of new members and publicising the valuable contribution made to the dog training industry.
During the year there has been a consistent increase in membership applications. Dog trainers appreciate the benefits and support afforded by the Guild. The multi tier membership structure adopted, facilitates a system designed to provide a transparent quality control mechanism and uphold best practice.
GODT Web site facilities
Resources were invested in the construction of a new website which will now be updated every six months. Our technical company experts will be exploiting the very latest search engine optimisation, in a accelerating technological age, the aim is to achieve a top ranking in the google search engine. The web site remains an ongoing project.
GODT Television on youtube
A new addition is a link to Guild TV, where short educational films can be accessed easily. The decision to utilise social media as a publicity tool was based on stringent market research and will continue.
GODT Members
May I also take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all those loyal members who supported me through 2015. Restored to full health I look forward to developing more GODT on line features for the modern technological age.
GODT Practical Dog Training Clothing
I am particularly excited about the launch of a new range of clothing. The collection demonstrates that work wear can be practical, professional and fashionable. The Guilds logo on each item adds understated status. It sets the tone for the professional expertise expected of each trainer and Guild member.
As the Guild moves forward under my leadership, I would like to invite Guild members to become more involved with the organisation. The new pathways forged at a national and local level are vital in maintaining market leadership. The Guild is proud of its inclusive policy. Each member is valued for their unique contribution, as an organisation we learn from and support each other. If you would like more information on how to play a greater role in this dynamic organisation please contact me.
I will be on our Guild of Dog Trainers Stand at Crufts this year.
Sue Williams
Chair of Guild of Dog Trainers