Note: This is a Virtual option
In-Person Mentoring Coming Soon!
Who is this for?
From the trainer just starting out to the seasoned trainer look no further APDT has a mentor for you! Trainers just starting out who are looking
for help to guide them through the process of becoming a trainer, how to structure classes, those that want to upskill, enhance your business
practices, or gain aptitude in effective communication skills with clients. To view common FAQ's or submit an interest form click here
Sample topics mentors can assist with:
- Assist those that want to become certified trainers get their certification- become knowledgeable in science-based, positive dog training.
- Need help understanding more about LIMA based training
- How to run productive group classes
- For the seasoned trainer – Upskill yourself, have a certain area you want to become more proficient in, or just gain new insight to the industry
- Business practices from protocols, effective communication with clients
- and much more…
Step One
Contact education@apdt.com with any questions you have. If you would like a 15 minute consultation call with a mentor please note that in your email.
Step Two
Once a student has paid, they will have access to complete a brief questionnaire. This will help staff match you up with mentor that meets your needs.
Step Three
The mentor will then reach out to the student to schedule an introduction call (15 minutes to get to know each other). From that point your mentor and you will develop a call schedule.
Timeframe:
Mentee will have 12 one-hour virtual calls (2 calls per month) with their mentor. Student will have six months to complete and no longer than one year from start date to complete.
12 CEUS: CCPDT, KPA , IACP
IAABC- 5
Current Mentors:
We also offer a Mini Mentor Program which can be found by clicking here
Marsha Penner, Ph.D, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, is a behavioral neuroscientist with a specialization in the neurobiology of learning and memory. She spent the last 10 years teaching at the University of Washington and at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where she has been recognized for excellence in undergraduate teaching. Her interest and research into how organisms learn and remember ultimately led her to the wonderful world of dog training, which she now does full-time.
Mandy Eakins, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP is a VSDTA Faculty Advisor, a certified CGC evaluator, and the owner and head trainer of Manners Matter Dog Training and Day Care. Along with these certifications and her passion for continued education, Mandy embodies skills that far surpass what education can teach.
Mandy sets herself apart from other dog trainers as she is willing to meet people where they are at, encourage a playful and engaging relationship between human and dog, as well as thoroughly communicate highly individualized training goals for each team she encounters. With a focus on modern dog training and using effective techniques without the requirement of correction collars, fear, or intimidation, Mandy has established a flourishing, fear-free business that is well-loved by both clients and their dogs. She has multiple years of veterinary technician experience, allowing her to approach dog training with a wealth of health and behavioral knowledge.
In addition to running her daycare and training business, Mandy also contributed to the Fear Free Resource Library through AAHA, spoke at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers 2021 Conference, and was co-developer for the APDT, CPDT Prep Course.
Mandy spends her free time caring for her cows, donkeys, goats and other animals at her small farm, which also includes hosting dog sport competitions during the summer months.
Megan Stanley, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, FFCP (TRAINER)
Megan Stanley has has over 20 years experience as a dog trainer and entrepreneur. She is the owner of Dogma Training, which consists of two canine behaviour & education centers in Calgary and an Academy for aspiring dog trainers and canine professionals. Dogma works with all breeds and behaviours and specializes in modifying complex behaviours. Through a wide range of programs, Dogma focuses on integrating dogs back in with their canine companions and helping dogs be successful in our families and busy human world. Megan provides education to dog owners and trainers through her business, online resources, and through speaking engagements. An active volunteer, Megan recently served 5 years on the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She currently serves on the board for The Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers and will be Chair in May 2023. She is also a Board Member of Licensing & Community Standards Appeals Board with the City of Calgary. She believes life is too short to not do what we love, so strives to inspire and encourage others to follow their dreams.
Additional Mentors are being added, check back soon!
Kris Hale CPDT-KA
Kris, provides personalized training to her clients and their dogs, in which positive reinforcement and enrichment are the foundation. As a former high school teacher with AP and IB Psychology teaching experience, she brings her instructional expertise and the science of psychology into her training when working with dogs and their people.
She has experience fostering and volunteering with shelters and rescues in metro Atlanta. She currently volunteers with Fulton Animal Shelter, which is part of the Lifeline Animal Project. She offers support to fosters, volunteers, and the behavior staff.
Her areas of expertise include working with rescued dogs; specifically shy, fearful, and anxious dogs as well as over excited adolescent dogs. She has extensive experience with leash reactivity.
She also enjoys working with puppies and socialization in order to help mitigate future behavior concerns, such as fear, resource guarding, and leash reactivity.
Kris believes that enrichment is an essential part of training. She is a Certified Dog Parkour Instructor with the IDPA. She incorporates parkour and other enrichment activities as part of individualized training plans. She teaches parkour group classes, enrichment webinars, and offers enrichment workshops in Metro Atlanta.
She values education, knowledge, and life-long learning. Kris has been on the APDT Education Committee since 2021 and currently serves as co-chair of the committee.
For more information on becoming an APDT member to receive discounts on educational offering click here
If you have any questions regarding this program reach out to education@apdt.com or call 1-800-PET-DOGS
Payment plans can be set up by contacting APDT at the above number
No refunds are provided for this program once purchased.