The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2020 | Page 19

ASSOCIATION NEWS | APDT AUSTRALIA
years ago when the association began.
It has served us well, but it is now time
to create a logo more presentative of the
professional association that we have
become. At the same time, the committee
is redesigning the APDT Australia
website. A web designer is creating a new
look and feel for the APDT. The new
website will have greater functionality,
smoother membership process and a great
reduction in administration hours for
the membership secretary. The website
redesign is dependent on the outcome of
the new logo, as the logo will affect the
colors used in the design. This work will
continue in 2020.
The committee has also worked on a
new membership structure to replace the
current 2-level structure. There was a lot
of discussion about the proposal prior to
its approval by vote. It was great to see so
many members involved in that discussion.
The new membership structure comes
into effect once the new APDT website
is operational. It will mean our members
and the public can be confident that our
Trainers Directory is full of trainers who
are recognised for their qualifications and
verified as being force-free professional
dog trainers. The Trainers Directory is
going back to core business so will only
contain professional dog trainers.
The changes will also mean that only dog
trainers, volunteer instructors and Honorary
Life members will have voting rights.
The future looks bright for APDT
Australia, we have worked hard to build
our association and keep it relevant
for our members. APDT Australia is
excited to have closer ties to other APDT
associations around the world and we
look forward to continued collaboration
and information sharing. APDT
Australia and Professional Pet Guild
Australia cancelled its dog training
educational conference Nov. 12-15 in
Mantra Bell City, Preston, Victoria
until 2021. Speakers thus far include Pat
Miller, Veronica Boutelle and Karolina
Westlund, Ph.D., an animal behaviourist
from Sweden.
Louise Ginman PCT-A is a Delta
Accredited and Professional Canine Trainer
– Accredited Dog Behavioural Trainer who
runs a dog training business ‘Positive Dogs’
in Sydney, Australia. She has served on
APDT Australia committee since 2008 and
been President since 2012. Louise also serves
on the PPG Australia committee.
Louise has several qualifications including
a Bachelor of Science Degree and
Certificate IV in Companion Animal
Services. Louise has over 30 years’
experience with both domestic and exotic
species in both a training and husbandry/
management capacity. Louise worked as
a veterinary nurse, dog and cat groomer
and animal attendant in a busy and large
practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
for several years before moving to Taronga
Zoo in 1994 to work on the Carnivore
Unit where she is the Unit Supervisor.
Her role is varied and covers duties such
as carnivore husbandry and management,
animal training and enrichment, diets and
nutrition, staff training and supervision,
media work, conference presentations and
other forms of public speaking, research,
education and conservation work.
Louise’s involvement with dogs and
dog behaviour spans over 30 years. She
currently is guardian of a Shetland
Sheepdog and Siberian Husky and competes
at both agility, Rally O and obedience.
Louise is author of ‘The art of introducing
dogs. A guide to conducting dog to dog
introductions’ (Balboa Press, 2013). Dogs
have always been Louise’s passion and she
continues today to educate people about
living in harmony with their dog through
her writing and pet dog training courses.
WE’RE
GOING
VIRTUAL!
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic,
the APDT has decided to cancel the APDT’s
in-person Annual Conference and Trade
Show originally scheduled for October 21-24
in Cincinnati, Ohio. We recognize
canceling the world’s largest gathering
of professional dog trainers impacts
many of you and your education needs.
However, we have made the decision to
move the conference to an online virtual
platform, which will take place October
21-22. Members will receive information
about cost and format ASAP. We’re
excited to offer this option to keep you
healthy and safe at home while you
continue your education.
Check for updates at
apdt.com/apdt-conference-2020
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2020 17