The Scheme aims to:

1. form a united membership body, committed to help others appreciate dogs in society.

2. educate its members and, through them, the dog-owning public.

3. set standards of instructing and offer a personal and credible qualification.

Its objectives are therefore to:

• establish a national register of qualified Instructors
• provide educational guidance for members
• encourage and maintain high standards of instructing
• help unite all aspects of training and behaviour
• provide a communication network for Instructors
• promote responsible dog ownership

For the purposes of this scheme the term ‘Instructor’ shall apply to all members, who instruct, teach, advise or counsel in dog training and canine behaviour, and to all those hoping to do so in the future.

Public Confidence

All members are:

• subject to the Kennel Club Code of Practice for Instructors
• actively promoting dogs and responsible ownership
• committed to work in the best interest of canine welfare

Members are also acknowledged for their levels of:

• practical instructing experience
• knowledge and range of training skills
• knowledge of care, welfare and safety
• understanding of dog / human psychology and behaviour
• expertise in individual canine activities
• ‘Accreditation’ by credit points allocation, membership grades and awards

Points Accreditation

The Scheme works on converting all that a member knows or does into points, giving scores to reflect their understanding of each topic i.e. level of underpinning knowledge [LUK] and its practical application i.e. justifying experience level [JEL]. Claiming and gaining points encourages members to reach a high standard of professionalism.

New members undertake a self-assessment of ‘prior learning’, which gives a mutually beneficial profile – an initial overview with a provisional allocation of points. Members set their own levels and are in control of their own training plan and timescales. When ready, having accrued sufficient points, members will provide portfolio details to support their scores, and apply for ‘Accreditation’.

The Scheme is flexible and offers many options to aid members’ progress. It is divided into three sections (3 x 1000 pts) consisting of modules, which are further divided into elements. Each has a set allocation of points.

Section A - Applied knowledge of theories

This section aims to increase and enhance practical working knowledge, to ensure a broad base, with sufficient levels for the instructing / advising role(s) undertaken. It covers all aspects of dog ownership and teaching, including responsibilities, human and dog psychology and behaviour, welfare and safety. It emphasises networking with other professionals in the best interest of the individual dog and owner, recognising personal limitations of experience and advice (including veterinary and legal).

This section is not just about the levels of underpinning knowledge (LUK) or academic achievement; as it also allocates points to justify practical experience (JEL) i.e. the time spent gaining, discussing and, just as importantly, applying that knowledge. This overlaps with, and is complemented by both sections B and C.

Members are required to build a portfolio providing proof – details and ‘evidence’ – of their understanding, to balance the personal scores that they are claiming.

This section is divided into ten modules, each divided into ten elements, which vary in complexity:

1. canine welfare and training
2. canine care and needs
3. living with, and relationships with dogs
4. understanding dog behaviour
5. training the dog
6. training the handler
7. recognising and dealing with behaviour problems
8. laws and legal responsibilities
9. running a professional service
10. unit of choice, a short project of interest

Section B - Background experience

This section encourages a general appreciation of the range of skills in the world of dogs.  Each activity forms a personal module and members can claim for ALL their dog-related practical experience.  Some activity modules may complement section A - vet, nurse, groomer, walker, sitter, rescue / boarding kennel staff, breeding and breed activities, dog-ownership, temperament assessments, hobbies and interests etc. Other activities may complement section C skills showing the expertise to teach others -  companion dog training, specialist training for working and assistance dogs, behavioural advice and modification, sports and hobbies, fun activities and competitions etc.

There is no limit to the number of canine activity modules submitted, but scores exceeding the section maximum of 1000 will not be included in your Scheme total. Full ‘Accreditation’ generally requires 300 points in at least five modules. These must include responsible dog ownership; an instructing activity (70 pts) and one to demonstrate personal handling and dog training skills. [Specialists require 150 points in two modules – the ‘specialism‘ (80 pts) demonstrating both instructing and handling skills].

Modules in this section are divided into five elements with an equal allocation of points:

1. understanding of rules, regulations and responsibilities
2. dog skills, personal handling and training
3. judging / assessing
4. people skills, adapting, teaching and advising
5. any wider practical contribution and support.

Obviously members are likely to gain higher combined scores in their main activities due to greater involvement. Modules will be databased at five levels: Advanced (90 pts) Specialism (70 pts) Listed (50 pts) Interest (30 pts) and Noted (29 pts or less).

Section C - Coaching (practical instructing)

This section covers the who, what, why and how of teaching, based on members’ own area(s) of expertise, although most aspects are common to all. Points are allocated to credit practical experience – instructing and advising - both within the ten modules listed (400 pts) and generally for their overall role (600 pts). Scoring for range and levels of responsibilities, skills, dogs, time, precision and qualifications. Section C forms the main practical assessment base for full, specialist or advanced ‘Accreditation’.

1. qualities of an Instructor, self evaluation
2. planning and running training sessions
3. assessment / evaluation of people / dogs
4. exercises taught, standards and levels
5. methods, range and ability to adapt
6. progress, tests, competitions and judging
7. training problems and corrective advice
8. managing resources and safety
9. provision of a good service
10. unit of choice, practical project of interest

Membership levels

New members will be expected to complete a self-assessment profile before being issued with their membership number and either ‘Student Member’ or ‘Non-accredited Member’ status. All members will be expected to be actively working towards or maintaining ‘Accreditation’.

Registration and Assessment Procedure

• Registration, by completion of form with appropriate fee.
• New members placed ‘on-hold’ in preparation for the next stage. Introductory reference notes issued.
• Self-assessment of prior learning profile is completed. Membership number and educational pack issued.
• The self-assessment form is designed to make it obvious to the member where expertise and knowledge meet the required standard and where additional work is necessary.
• The member is credited with points at their current level.
• Knowledge & experience are gained at the members’ own pace; no time limit is set.
• Members with less than three years instructing experience and / or less than 1000 provisional points will hold ‘Student’ status.
• Members with over three years instructing experience and at least 1000 provisional points will be eligible for ‘Non-accredited Member’ status.
• Full ‘Accreditation’ is dependant on the approval of 1650 points by portfolio submission and the successful outcome of the full oral and practical Kennel Club assessment.
• Specialist exemption is available to those who specialise in appropriate competitive / working activities at a high level.

• Advanced status needs higher points overall, with at least 90 points in their instructing activity and 900 pts in section C.

• Members are encouraged to ‘continue in their professional development (CPD), increasing knowledge and experience. An annual return will update points.
• All members of the scheme have agreed to be bound by the Kennel Club Code of Practice for Instructors and be subject to periodic reviews, scores confirmation and disciplinary procedures.

Membership and assessment fees

Registration fee

£45 hobby; £60 business (10% discount for Kennel Club registered / Good Citizen listed organisations).

Please make cheques payable to ‘The Kennel Club’. Registration fee includes first year membership, initial self-assessment, a complete education pack and regular newsletters.

Annual membership fee:

£30 hobby; £45 business.  This includes CPD points update.

Accreditation assessment fee:

£60 hobby; £90 business. To include assessment of portfolio and checking of evidence, plus a full oral and observational assessment of practical skills.

Code of Practice for Instructors

This Code is designed to set out the principles governing both business and training practices, to which all Accreditation Scheme Members shall, on applying for membership to the Scheme, agree to abide.

A. Business Practice

Members will be expected to:

• act with integrity, in a professional courteous manner befitting membership of their club, business, the Kennel Club and the Scheme.
• exercise professional judgment, skill and care to the best of their ability.
• respect confidentiality, personal rights and expectations of all.
• charge a fair price for the services provided and not unfairly exploit / mislead / offer levels or services not trained / qualified to deliver.
• not unfairly elicit trade or clientele to the detriment of others, and be diplomatic in discussions to avoid criticising or condemning advice given / methods used by other Clubs / Instructors, especially where those in question will not have the opportunity to justify their actions.
• ensure adequate awareness of legal and health and safety issues, including having appropriate insurance.
• only use designated letters of the Kennel Club when appropriately qualified to do so.

B. Training Practice

Members will be expected to:

• be conversant with and promote the Kennel Club Canine Code and all aspects of responsible dog ownership.
• be able to work in the best interests of the individual dog and handler / owner(s).
• acknowledge, promote and use suitable and motivational methods.
• take every reasonable care to control activities which may cause injury or aggression to or by the dog.
• have an understanding of dog behaviour and mechanisms of learning.
• have an understanding of the human skills of learning, communication & counselling.
• be able to advise on the choice, maintenance and safe use of training equipment.
• be able to teach to the level of their experience, recognize their limitations and the consequences of advice given.
• be willing to keep up to date with relevant developments, improve their own skills and to expand their knowledge.

C. Complaints and grievances

• Complaints and grievances arising from non-adherence to this Code should be referred to the Kennel Club.
• The Kennel Club Rule A42 will apply. This rule covers complaints made in respect of conduct that is discreditable or prejudicial to the interests of the canine world.
• The Kennel Club will offer help and advice to members.

NB For full details of the ‘M’ Regulations, which cover the formalities of the Scheme, please refer to the Kennel Club Year Book which is printed and updated annually.

The Kennel Club Code of Ethics

Members are also reminded of their responsibility to abide by, and where appropriate, to guide others to appreciate the principles of the Kennel Club General Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics applies to everyone who has agreed to be subject to the jurisdiction of the Kennel Club. They, whether owner, keeper or in temporary charge of a dog for any purpose, accept their responsibilities under the Code. The Code of Ethics covers aspects of welfare, nuisance, control, hygiene and attention to veterinary care. It also covers aspects of providing accurate information on breed / individual dog characteristics, breeding, selling and homing of puppies / dogs.

Working with professional bodies

The Scheme is open to appropriate clubs, societies, institutes, organisations, colleges, associations and individuals to run or have their current courses and seminars integrated into the educational and practical aspects of the programme.

Course Providers will be required to give quality assurance to the Scheme and appropriate portfolio guidance to Scheme members. Membership of related organisations, where assessment of ‘instructing’ skills is a requirement, may be used to reference ‘Member’ status.

The Scheme has consulted with LANTRA (national sector skills training organisation for land-based activities) and QCA (Qualification and Curriculum Authority) on ways forward to support national recognition. This will be progressed when the Scheme is complete.

Acknowledgements

KCAI Scheme Accreditation Board directs the scheme.

Members of the Board 2007/8:  

• Bill Hardaway (Chairman)
• Paul Rawlings KCAI (WG*) (Vice Chairman)
• Kathryn Symns (Executive – Canine Activites)
• Robert Alleyne
• Annie Clayton KCAI (HM*CD)
• Annette Conn
• Barry Gilbert
• John McNeil KCAI (CD*Ob)
• Di Morgan
• Bob Sherwood
• Christine Woodall

Additional Working Party Members:  

• Chris Bloomfield KCAI (CD*Ob*)
• Dr Val Marrian
• Jacqui O’Brien
• Peter Sedgewick
• Angela White KCAI (CD*Ob*)

NB All the above were appointed as highly experienced in the fields they represent, and due to their active involvement with training and behaviour.

Acknowledgements

To Stan Ford, Robert Harlow, Peter Lewis KCAI (Beh*), Peter Meanwell, Alun Robinson and Anni Telford as past Working Party Members.

Further acknowledgements:

The 500 Founder Members for their patience and contribution to the development of the Scheme.

Finally to the hard work of Kennel Club Staff.

For further information contact:

Aby Wojcik, Education & Training Specialist

Tel: 0844 463 3980 ext 305

Email: accreditation.scheme@thekennelclub.org.uk

The Kennel Club, 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB