Presented by Debra Millikan
The Pet Dog Ambassador Program (PDA) has been created by experienced Australian PPG members drawing from their knowledge of other pet dog assessment programs (both locally and internationally) and complimented by their vast, collective knowledge of training in the real world. Their knowledge of what is important to pet dog guardians and to trainers alike has helped formulate a program that allows instructors and assessors the autonomy to create scenarios that are client and location specific.
The PDA webinar outlines the aims and benefits of the Pet Dog Ambassador Program. Details will be given about how PPG members can become PDA Instructors and/or Assessors together with the simple way members' clients can become involved. The webinar will travel through each level of the PDA Program with video footage of some exercises from each level. An explanation of the assessment marker system will be given. Information about the Program's flexibility with regards to exercise modification for disability or location difficulties will be discussed. The webinar will conclude with time for members' questions to be answered.
Learning Objectives
- To inform members about the Pet Dog Ambassador Program, its aims and its benefits
- To ensure members know how they can get involved with the Program
- To ensure members know how their clients can get involved with the Program
- To ensure members feel comfortable about the assessment marking system
- To ensure members are aware of how to use the Program modification system if it is needed
- To answer any questions members might have about the Program
About The Presenter
Debra was born in Adelaide, South Australia, where she happily resides with her husband and her two wonderful canine teachers Mace the Bouvier des Flandres and the Roux the rescue Griffon Bruxellois. Deb's first dog, Scruffy, a Border Collie mix was part of her family before she was born and there have been very few months since that time that she has been without a dog.
Having spent 40 years training dogs, 13 years as an obedience judge and many years in formal canine studies, Deb has a passion for helping others to better understand dogs and how to train them. She established her own training centre in 1979, back in the days when aversive training was the only way known in Australia. She was ahead of her time in seeking out new and better ways of building relationships with dogs.Her travels in the UK and Europe enabled her to learn new techniques and and become part of the wonderful world of force-free training.
There was no going back to the old ways.
Although Deb is slowly relinquishing some of her practical dog training persuits, her interest in education remains. Her focus now is ensuring that as many dogs as possible come under the care and guidance of trainers who have been taught, tested and found competent in force-free training techniques. She has recently joined the faculty of DogNostics Career College.
Here are just some of Debra's many qualifications:
Professional Canine Behavior Consultant - Accredited (PCBC- A)
Diploma of Animal Behavior Science & Technology with Distinction
Diploma of Dog Training & Behavior Consulting with Distinction
Certified Animal Behavior Technologist (CABT)
Certificate IV in Dog Behaviour Training
