A welcome from the Chairman

Following a thorough investigation into dog training and behavioural services in the UK, the Kennel Club launched the KCAI scheme as a pilot in March 2001.  The aim was to work with a large number of pro-active people, from a variety of backgrounds, to help with its development.  The Kennel Club wished to ensure that the Scheme would meet the needs of the dog owning public, and also benefit the membership and offer a worthwhile accreditation.

The initial membership actively contributed to the scheme in many different ways during the first three years, leading to the formal launch at Crufts in 2004.  This opened the doors for more members to benefit from the educational guidance programme, and also contribute to the continuing development of the scheme.  August 2005 saw the first two members successfully awarded accreditation, and a list of those who have subsequently gained accreditation appears on our website and in the Kennel Gazette.

We must emphasise that this is primarily a membership scheme aiming to unite all those who work, teaching others, in any aspect of dog training and canine behaviour, and are committed to providing the best service possible for the dog-owning public and training enthusiasts.  Designed also to promote further education, it is not a course, but it does set a syllabus for members to work through and compile a supporting portfolio.

The Scheme works by the allocation of points to reflect current levels of knowledge and experience, allowing members to self-assess and produce a professional profile.  For more experienced members, Accreditation is available through written, oral and practical assessment, provided that all of the criteria set by the scheme are satisfied.  All members are also required to show continuing professional development (CPD), updating information with their annual renewal. 

By registering for membership, you will receive all published information, whilst you read through the Reference Notes.  Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) forms will be sent out approximately two weeks later, having allowed time for you to gain an understanding of the complexities of scheme before receiving them. It is at this point your registration fee will be processed as non-returnable.  Membership will be granted following the return of your provisional profile, and you will receive a membership card, number and education guidance pack.

Please fill in the registration form carefully and clearly and return it with a cheque for the appropriate fee.  Please note that in registering, you commit to the scheme and all that it entails, therefore you will need to read and understand the requirements of the Scheme’s Code of Practice for Instructors before signing.

Thank you for your interest in the scheme.  We would be delighted if you would join and work with us in raising standards, making a difference for dogs.

Bill Hardaway

Chairman of the Accreditation Board

Scheme and Membership Details

The Aims:

1. to have a united membership body, that is committed to help others appreciate dogs in society.
2. to educate its members and, through them, the dog-owning public.
3. to set the standard of instructing and services for dog-owners.

The Objectives:

• to promote responsible dog ownership
• provide educational guidance for members
• to offer a personal and credible qualification
• to maintain a national register of qualified Instructors
• encourage continuing professional development and high standards of instructing
• help unite all aspects of training and behaviour
• provide a communication network for Instructors

NB. For the purposes of this scheme the term ‘Instructor’ shall apply to all those who instruct, teach, advise or counsel in any area of dog training and canine behaviour, or intend to in the future.

All Members are:

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

Members are acknowledged for their:

• practical instructing experience
• knowledge and range of training skills
• knowledge of care, welfare and safety
• understanding of dog / human psychology and behaviour
• expertise within individual canine activities

The Scheme works by converting all that a member knows or does into points.  Two scores are allocated to each topic, one to reflect their Level of Underpinning Knowledge [LUK] and the other to reflect their practical application of that knowledge, Justified by Experience Level [JEL].

Members with at least five years instructing experience and sufficient points across the scheme are eligible to apply for assessment for accreditation.

Accreditation is awarded following evaluation of the portfolio evidence and the successful completion of a full practical and oral assessment.

Accredited Instructors are entitled to use the initials KCAI, with their area(s) of accreditation appearing abbreviated in brackets.

The Scheme is flexible and uses an educational guidance programme to aid members as they progress.  The programme is divided into three main sections: A, B and C.

Section A aims to increase and enhance members practical application of theoretical knowledge.  It covers all aspects of dog ownership and emphasises the need to recognise personal limitations and network with other professionals (including veterinary and legal) in the best interest of the dog and its owner.

This section is not just concerned with the levels of underpinning knowledge (LUK); it also allocates points to justify experience levels (JEL). ie, the time spent gaining, discussing and just as importantly, applying that knowledge in a practical way.

Section A is divided into ten modules:

1. Welfare and Dogs in Society
2. Care and Needs of the Dog
3. Living with Dogs
4. Dog Behaviour
5. Training the Dog
6. Training the Handler
7. Problem Behaviour
8. Laws and Responsibilities
9. Professional Service
10. Project of Choice

All the above are required for accreditation; high levels of knowledge are not essential but members will be expected to be familiar with all modules.

Section B aims to encourage an appreciation of the range of skills in the world of dogs.  It divides all the dog-related activities into separate modules.  Members may claim points within any number of modules that have contributed to their personal knowledge and practical experience, claiming higher scores in their main activities due to their greater level of involvement and achievement.

Section B modules are divided into five elements:

1. Rules, Regulations and Responsibilities
2. Dog Skills
3. Assessing Skills
4. People Skills
5. Contribution

5 modules are required for ‘Accreditation’, including Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO) and modules to cover areas of instructing and handling.

Members may claim points for both the modules and for their Overall Instructing Experience.

Section C is divided into ten modules:

1. Qualities Required
2. Planning Sessions
3. Evaluation
4. Exercises
5. Teaching Methods
6. Progress
7. Problems
8. Managing Resources
9. Service Provision
10. Practical Project of Choice

Overall Instructing Experience:

1. Responsibilities
2. Range of Teaching Skills
3. Types and Temperament of Dogs
4. Contact Hours
5. Precision
6. Personal Development

Section C forms the basis of the practical assessment for accreditation.

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 must, on registering for membership, 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 / 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 and 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, recognise 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’ - printed and updated annually.

The Kennel Club Code of Ethics

Members have a 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 the owner, keeper or in temporary charge of a dog for any purpose, accept their responsibility 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.

• To apply, complete the registration form and return with the appropriate registration fee.
• Reference notes will be sent out for further information.
• Approximately two weeks later, Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) forms will follow, allowing you to complete your provisional scores and application for membership.

Membership will be granted at one of the following grades:

1. Members with less than three years instructing experience and / or less than 1000 claimed points will be allocated ‘Student Member’ status.
2. Members with over three years instructing experience and at least 1000 provisional points will be allocated ‘Member’ status.

Registration fee: £45 hobby; £60 business. 

(10% discount for Kennel Club registered / GC listed organisations).  Registration fee includes first year membership, initial self-assessment followed by an educational guidance pack, and regular newsletters.

Annual membership fee: £30 hobby; £45 business.

This first renewal fee will be due in the following March, calculated as a pro-rata payment of the above fee, to align all members to the March renewal date.

Renewal also requires CPD information.

Accreditation Assessment fee, £60 hobby; £90 business.

Payable with application for assessment when ready, includes portfolio assessment, plus a full oral and observational assessment of practical skills.

Please make cheques payable to  ‘The Kennel Club’

The Scheme is open for 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.  Participation on formal courses or membership of related organisations, where assessment of ‘instructing’ skills is a requirement, may be used as evidence.

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.

For further information visit the website

www.kcai.org.uk

or contact

Education and Training – KCAI Administration

Telephone: 0870 606 6750  ext. 305 or 277

or write to:  

KCAI Scheme
Education and Training
The Kennel Club
1-5 Clarges Street
Piccadilly
London W1J 8AB

KCAI Scheme welcome leaflet

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Accredited Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour (KCAI) 

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