About The Program

The Assessment Levels

Five Levels - Building on Each Skill

The PPG PDA levels are:

PDA – Level 1 (Puppy), PDA – Level 2, PDA – Level 3, PDA – Level 4, PDA – Level 5 (Championship)

Level 1 (Puppy) Dogs, like people, learn best when they are young. That is why we love to see puppies (four to nine months) reach their first pet dog training goal early. Qualified assessors assess puppies in class. This can be the class teacher (if PPG qualified to assess) or an assessor brought into class for the purpose of assessing the work done by participants.

Level 2 (any dog over the age of six months) builds on the work undertaken at Level 1. It is at a level where those who did not undertake Level 1 because they did not fit the age bracket can still have an easy entry into the program. This too is assessed in a class situation.

Levels 3 and Level 4 build further on the dogs’ and Guardians’ skills, knowledge and ability and culminate in assessments both in real life settings and in the class situation.

Level 5 (Championship) This level is where everything the dog and Guardian have learned is put to the test in real life settings. There are location options available to help assessors make real life training relevant to their clients. Assessors will be able to create scenarios that may be appropriate to their local surroundings provided they include all of the compulsory exercises and two from the selection of optional exercises.

The Benefits of The Program:

Improve the relationship between pet dogs and their guardians
Help guardians gain a better appreciation of force-free dog training and its applications to everyday living
Improve the knowledge of socially responsible pet guardians
Increase guardians’ knowledge and understanding of local laws in their locality
Equip dogs and guardians with the skills to be out in the wider community in settings such as cafes and outdoor eating areas, off leash areas, busy streets and beaches
Demonstrate to the public the advantages of a well-trained dog

Are You Eligible To Join?

Who Can Be Involved in The Program

1. Dog Guardians and Their Dogs

Guardians and their dogs who have been working with a PPG licensed instructor and/or assessor are able to undertake assessment on the condition that the instructor or assessor considers the team suitable candidates. Guardians who register for the program must be willing to declare their adherence to the PPG Guiding Principles, which can be found here.

Why pet dog Guardians should become involved

By training through all levels of this program both dog and family maintain and/or increase their skills, knowledge and abilities and Guardians can be guided by force-free trainers if/when behavioral problems arise.

2. Pet Dog Training Instructors

Any person who is a dog training or dog behavior consultant who abides by our Guiding Principles may apply to be an instructor. To be an Instructor/Assessor you must be a member of the Pet Professional Guild. The application form is here

Why pet dog training instructors should become involved

The program allows for a structured approach to both group and private lessons
Resource materials are available to PPG members who are instructors to assist with instigating the program
The program helps to build and retain clients
The program promotes PPG’s force-free methods that better develop lasting relationships between dogs and their Guardians

3. Shelters and Rescue Facilities

Licensed PDA Instructors who work with a shelter or rescue facility may instruct the program.

Why shelters/rescue facilities should become involved

The program will help develop dogs that people want to adopt and who are less likely to be returned to the shelter.
The program will help to enrich the lives of the shelter/rescue dogs while waiting for their forever homes.

4. Pet Dog Training Clubs

Members who meet the required eligibility criteria, who become PDA Instructors and who work/volunteer with a force-free dog training facility may instruct this program within the dog training facility. To assess the program the Assessor must be a PPG Member.

Dog clubs that offer this program can rightly be proud of the service offered to their local community.

PDA is a program developed by The Pet Professional Guild. Copyright 2018. Only Licensed Instructors and Assessors have permission to use this program and rights are granted under the license agreement.