Ben ’ s goals as the 2023 chair “ include modernizing APDT services , continuing to increase the diversity of our membership , providing new tools to start and enhance dog trainers ' businesses while expanding on old ones , and creating a community-led safe space for trainers to learn more LIMA-compliant methods in their training ,” he said .
Ben has been training dogs professionally since 2010 , certified CPDT-KA since 2012 , and CDBC since 2018 . In December 2019 , he earned a bachelor ’ s degree in biology and psychology from the University of Albany in New York and followed those degrees with a master ’ s degree in biology , focusing on the influences of neurobiology on reinforcement learning and behavior . Ben is a professional premium member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and has served on the APDT ' s Education Committee , Membership Task Force , Legislative Task Force , and Ethics Committee , and as the liaison to the APDT Foundation Board .
Benjamin Bennink
Benjamin Bennink Becomes APDT Chair Beginning in January
Benjamin Bennink , CPDT-KA , CDBC , will assume the position as chair of the APDT Board of Directors on Jan . 1 . Ben was elected to a 1-year term in 2019 , and then was chosen to become an officer in 2021 , first as secretary / treasurer , then vice-chairman for 2022 and now as chairman for 2023 . Fanna Easter , CPDT-KA , KPA CTP , CSAT , CDBC , the current chair , will become immediate past president . Fanna joined the board in 2017 for her first 3-year term , becoming an officer in 2020 .
Joining Ben and Fanna as the 2023 APDT officers will be Heidi Meinzer , vice-chair , and Curtis Kelley , appointed to the board in 2022 , will be secretary / treasurer . Other directors include Sandy Modell , serving her second 3-year term that ends Dec . 31 , 2024 ; Heather Mishefske , elected in 2021 to a 3-year term ; and recently elected Erica Marshall and Ines McNeill , who will fill the vacancies left by APDT ’ s Immediate Past President Mark Forrest Patrick , who transitions off the board , and Inga From , whose 3-year term ends Dec . 31 , 2022 .
“ I ’ m excited about Ben Bennink as the 2023 Chair ; his attention to detail and ability to think outside the box will continue to grow APDT in the right direction ,” Fanna said . “ Erica and Ines will bring amazing leadership skills , problem solving abilities and forward thinking for many years to come . I ’ m excited about all the opportunities for APDT . But I will miss Mark . We were elected to the board at the same time , and he ’ s kept me giggling since our very first day so many years ago . I wish him the best .”
“ I believe that as the largest trade organization in the field of dog training , APDT has a tremendous influence over the shape of the industry , and I want to be part of that shaping process ,” Ben wrote on his nominating questionnaire in 2019 as to why he wanted to serve on the APDT Board . “ I am able to provide dedicated service to the Board and to the members the Board services , with detailed knowledge of learning theory and animal behavior , experience in the dog training industry , exceptional time management skills , and an understanding of teamwork , both as a follower and as a leader .”
APDT ’ s mission to advance “ excellence in the profession of dog training and behavior consulting ” involves providing education at every level to increase a member ’ s individual excellence , and then recognizing and giving a platform to those who achieve that excellence .
Ben believes his involvement with online message boards on dog training allows him an opportunity to tout the benefits of APDT membership , as well as clarifying the goal of the organization and dispelling myths , such as explaining the difference between allowing trainers who use a more aversive or compulsive style to join the organization and receive education verses supporting those practices as an organization .
Allowing aversive trainers to join APDT doesn ’ t mean APDT supports such methods , Ben explained . “ As an educational organization , you can ’ t reach people if you exclude them and it is our goal to move the needle toward humane best practices in every trainer , not just those who already aspire to that goal . We make it clear in our educational offerings and position statements what we believe those best practices are , and if examined it is difficult to make the case that we actively support aversive intervention .”
Photo : Benjamin Bennink The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Winter 2022 13