A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Enhancing Your APDT International Experience
Your board and staff are continuously working on new opportunities
I am halfway through my term as the 2025 Chair of the Association for Professional Dog Training International, and I’ m thrilled to share some exciting new updates that the board and staff have been working on these last few months. Our ultimate goal is always to uncover opportunities to enhance your experience and the value you receive as part of our global community.
2025 CONFERENCE IN RICHMOND, VA The 2025 APDT International Conference is coming to Richmond, Virginia. This beautiful town was named CNN ' s # 1 town to visit in 2024 because of its top-notch museums, dynamic neighborhoods, diverse food scene, and ready access to the surrounding wine country. Join us Nov. 5 – 7 for an exceptional event that offers unparalleled opportunities to expand your knowledge, build meaningful connections, and immerse yourself in industry-leading education.
This year, we’ re proud to offer a versatile conference format— attend virtually from the comfort of your home or join us in-person for maximum exposure to fresh ideas and collaboration opportunities. Don’ t miss our special pre-conference workshops on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Some are hosted in cooperation with the outstanding Richmond SPCA, providing you with hands-on experiences and direct access to some of the brightest minds in dog training.
Our conference showcases an unparalleled array of educational tracks, captivating live demonstrations, and thoughtfully curated networking events designed to foster enduring professional relationships. Check out our new VIP Night on the Town event on Thursday. Attendees will also have access to a premier expo hall featuring cutting-edge products and services from top vendors, each selected to help elevate and support your continued success as a professional dog trainer.
CHRONICLE OF THE DOG: ENTERING A NEW DIGITAL ERA This edition you’ re holding marks a significant milestone— the final printed version of the Chronicle of the Dog. Starting with our next issue, the Chronicle of the Dog is evolving into a fully digital publication. We recognize the emotional connection many of us have to the printed magazine; however, the sustainability and accessibility benefits of digital publishing are undeniably valuable. Going digital enables us to reach a broader international audience, offer fully searchable archives, enhance ease-of-use, and create dynamic content experiences. Moreover, shifting to a digital platform opens exciting new avenues for sponsorship and contributor opportunities, strengthening our fiscal health as an organization and enriching the value we deliver to our members.
Rest assured, the Chronicle of the Dog isn’ t going anywhere— it’ s simply stepping into an innovative new era. We’ re excited about the limitless possibilities this transition brings!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES— SHAPE THE FUTURE OF APDT INTERNATIONAL APDT International thrives because of passionate volunteers who generously dedicate their time and expertise. Right now, we’ re actively seeking committed professionals to contribute fresh perspectives to several committees, including Border Collies( volunteers) at conference, and both the Education and Membership committees. We encourage experienced and driven individuals who want to positively influence our organization and the industry to step forward. If you have new ideas, a desire to contribute to our future, and want to give back, we’ d love to hear from you. Visit our committees and workgroups page at apdt. com / committees-and-workgroups to learn more and apply.
EXPANDING MEMBER BENEFITS— INTRODUCING EZACCESS MD AND MORE We are committed to providing our members with practical resources and exceptional benefits. As a mom and business owner, I know how hard it can be to pay for and find time to get to medical appointments for myself and my family. That’ s why I’ m thrilled to highlight our newest benefit: EZAccess MD. This comprehensive telemedicine service provides 24 / 7 virtual and in-person healthcare access for one low monthly fee— available exclusively to APDT International members. From urgent care needs to routine wellness visits, EZAccess MD covers the types of appointments that often fall through the cracks for busy professionals. It’ s a game-changing resource designed with the realities of dog training professionals in mind. Learn more at apdt. com / telemedicine.
We’ re continuously looking to expand our benefits portfolio. If you have connections or ideas for additional member perks— such as retirement planning services, insurance, legal support, educational discounts, business resources, software discounts, or financing opportunities tailored to solopreneurs or small business owners like dog trainers— please reach out. Submit your suggestions via our“ Contact Us” form on the website or email our executive director directly. Your active involvement and innovative ideas drive APDT International forward. Together, we will continue to elevate professional dog training worldwide, ensuring that our members are empowered, equipped, and inspired.
Ines McNeil, B. S. Biology, CPDT-KA Chair, Association for Professional Dog Training International Founder, The Modern Dog Trainer
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2025 5