Just as we understand that behavioral change in a dog requires patience, consistency, and thoughtful engagement, so too does change within a profession. We must lean into this moment with humility and curiosity, not with fear.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Embracing Evolution:
Transforming the Future of Dog Training and Pet Care
C hange is never easy. But evolution— real evolution— means growth, and growth often comes with discomfort. In our profession, we are in the midst of a transformation. The landscape of dog training, behavior support, and pet care more broadly is expanding rapidly, fueled by shifting societal values, economic growth in the pet sector, and the ever-deepening bond between people and their dogs.
Despite ongoing global marketplace instability and political uncertainty, the pet industry continues to defy odds. In 2023, worldwide pet industry sales hit $ 355 billion, growing at nearly 7 % year-over-year. The U. S. alone saw a surge in pet ownership, with 94 million households now living with at least one pet— an increase of 12 million households in a single year. These numbers are staggering, but they tell a story we in this field already know— animals are more central to our lives than ever before, and that bond is driving demand for ethical, effective, and science-informed care, including training and behavior services.
This is a moment of profound opportunity. But as with any inflection point, we are also feeling the growing pains. With the increasing demand for professional dog training, there is a corresponding need for our profession to enhance organization, communication, collaboration, and leadership capabilities. The days of working in isolation, of drawing hard lines between professions, or of limiting ourselves to small circles of peers are fading. The future of our profession is interdisciplinary, inclusive, and international.
At APDT International, we’ re embracing this evolution. We are reimagining what it means to be a professional organization in a world where trainers, behavior consultants, veterinarians, shelter staff, pet sitters, groomers, researchers, and pet guardians are all part of the same ecosystem. Our work touches each of these groups in some way, and the best outcomes for dogs— and their people— come when we acknowledge and embrace those intersections.
Chronicle of the Dog has long been a source of information, learning and insight for the profession. As we explore how we can expand the reach of the publication and its potential impact on the world around us, a change in format has presented an opportunity. While opportunity in change may not be immediately evident to some, we are very excited about the growth COTD can achieve going forward. The organization continues to learn how we can best serve our current audiences as well as engage in meaningful dialogue with others.
Not all evolution feels comfortable. As we strive for higher standards, increased transparency, and greater access to education,
we may bump up against resistance— sometimes from within our own community. That is not failure. That is friction. And friction is often a sign that movement is happening.
It is important in these times to remember that no one grows without challenge. Just as we understand that behavioral change in a dog requires patience, consistency, and thoughtful engagement, so too does change within a profession. We must lean into this moment with humility and curiosity, not with fear. We must continue to share facts, listen to new voices, and be willing to let go of practices that no longer serve us— or the dogs in our care.
Just as we understand that behavioral change in a dog requires patience, consistency, and thoughtful engagement, so too does change within a profession. We must lean into this moment with humility and curiosity, not with fear.
We are also being called upon to think more globally. As APDT International expands its reach and invites in new perspectives from around the world, we are not only building bridges— we are strengthening our foundation. Professional dog training is no longer a niche, regionalized effort. It is a global movement. And with that comes responsibility: to be stewards of quality, advocates for humane practices, and champions of lifelong learning.
Looking ahead, the forecast is clear: by 2030, the pet industry is expected to reach $ 500 billion globally. What will our profession look like by then? Who will we welcome into our community? How will we define excellence, credibility, and ethical care? The answers lie in the work we do now— how we mentor, how we build community, and how we respond to the inevitable changes that lie ahead.
At APDT International, we remain committed to guiding this profession forward with clarity, compassion, and purpose. We are not just reacting to change— we are shaping it.
Let’ s continue the work. Together.
Matt Varney Executive Director
6 Better Training Through Education