The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Since childhood, I have loved this time of the year. Growing up in Nebraska, the fall season meant an end to tornado worries, glorious fall colors, dressing up for Halloween, my birthday in November…then Thanksgiving and Christmas! The chill in the air signified the coming of all my favorite things.

Today I have even more to look forward to as summer takes its yearly vacation. This is the time of year that the Association of Pet Dog Trainers holds its annual conference. I have been to a lot of different conferences and there simply isn’t anything like this one.

So, what’s so great about the APDT conference? Well, it’s like a pilgrimage of all the world’s greatest minds in the world of dog training and behavior. A huge number of amazing presenters are available in one venue. Hour upon hour, day upon day you are immersed in education, networking and the special comfort of being with like-minded individuals.

This year, I will be going to Louisville, Kentucky to meet hundreds of other trainers from around the globe and learn from outstanding professionals like Dr. Ian Dunbar, Dr. Patricia McConnell, Dr. Grey Stafford, Dr. Sophia Yin, Suzanne Clothier, Colleen Pelar, TV trainer Victoria Stillwell and many more! Do you have any idea what it would cost in both time and money to see all of these speakers individually?

Here’s another great thing, you don’t have to be a professional dog trainer to attend. In fact, you don’t even have to be an APDT member to attend! Not only are there Veterinarians, Vet Techs, Animal Behaviorist and Shelter Staff at the conference, there are also average pet dog owners who have an interest in learning more about their beloved pet.

This year’s conference begins Wednesday, October 13th, so there’s not much time to get in on the fun and learning…but it could be done! Next year’s conference will be held in Oakland/San Francisco, CA from Oct 21 – 25. The 2010 conference will be in Atlanta, GA.

To find out more about the conferences and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, visit the website at www.apdt.com. But don’t let the name fool you! The APDT isn’t just for dog trainers! There is an entire section of the website just for pet owners, and you are welcome to join the Association even if you are not a trainer and have no intention of becoming one.

Now I have to go pack for my trip to Kentucky. I’m sure that I’ll have lots of new and exciting things to write about when I return!