Conference 2025

APDT Awards 2025

The Susan Wilkins Achievement Award

The Susan Wilkins Achievement Award acknowledges the pivotal role of the late Susan Wilkins in establishing the APDT Australia as its founding member, newsletter editor and publicity officer.

After reading several books by Ian Dunbar in the early 1990s, Susan was greatly influenced by his training methods. She became particularly interested in the Association Ian had established in the USA, which she promptly joined in 1995.
Susan decided that a similar forum was needed where information could be shared among all trainers across Australia. Susan recognised that many trainers were missing out on significant educational opportunities. As a result, APDT Australia was founded in late 1997.

Susan wrote a history of APDT in 2004 and concluded by saying:

My great hope is that trainers actively share the information they gain from attending conferences/workshops or their experiences. Everyone can benefit, and it results in a kinder way to train through a thorough understanding of dogs, then APDT will achieve its objectives. – Susan Wilkins

The Susan Wilkins Achievement Award is one way for Susan’s ‘great hope’ to be realised.

The award recognises APDT Australia members who make significant contributions to the welfare of pet dogs and improve their lives.

Entry criteria

Applications should explain why the nominee should be considered for the award. For example:

• Operating ‘dog day’ educational events for schools or local councils.
• Working with council to improve local community dog services.
• Introducing positive reinforcement training to a dog training club.
• Establishing a leash-free area and offering education to dog owners.
• Furthering education for dog owners – providing free articles in local newspapers, hosting regular radio appearances, and distributing handouts at veterinary clinics and educational nights.
• Volunteering or working at a shelter as a trainer or walker or participating in initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of shelter dogs.

The Trainer of the Year Award

The Trainer Of The Year Award acknowledges an APDT Australia member who exemplifies the APDT spirit through their dedication to APDT Australia, its vision and mission, promoting positive reinforcement training and demonstrating a commitment to our association.

Entry criteria

Applications should explain why the nominee should be considered for the award. For example:

• Upholds the APDT Australia’s Vision and Mission Statements.
• Uses and promotes positive reinforcement training for dogs.
• Educates people who own or work with dogs in the use and benefits of positive reinforcement training.
• Commitment to enhancing the human-canine relationship for the mutual benefit of both species.

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