Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) Avis 

I cannot recommend PACT highly enough! The course itself is so flexible for people who have other commitments, but the course wasn’t a worry for me, as I’ve done a university degree, but the in person 2 day experience, that worried me. I didn’t know what to expect in Southampton, but they completely exceeded every expectation. From the moment I arrived, the team went above and beyond to make everything accessible and welcoming (I’m wheelchair bound). They ensured the venue was fully accessible, even arranging a disabled toilet for me, looked out for my partner (carer) so he felt included, checked on me after seizures, and made sure Oreo (my assistance dog) and I were cared for every step of the way. Even the weather didn’t stop them from making everything as smooth and supportive as possible.

What truly stood out was how they saw me not as someone with a disability, but as a dog trainer. That mindset completely changed my experience for me personally. By the end of the course, I felt confident enough to teach my first class, something I never imagined I could do. I have already been doing 1:1’s but the practical issues around teaching a class were huge, so I never got the confidence to venture out, until Steve took the time and spoke to me about the things I could implement for group classes, making me feel like it was possible. The students were so lovely, and the PACT team have created such a safe space, which is just beautiful. They gave me the guidance, tools, and reassurance I needed to feel capable and confident.

As an auDHD girly, my social battery usually runs out quickly, but with the PACT team, I felt like I could talk to them forever. They are my kind of people, authentic, inclusive, and just plain fun. Being around them made the experience not just educational, but joyful, inspiring, and life-changing.

PACT is more than a training organisation, they genuinely care about the people and dogs they work with. They create an environment where you feel valued, supported, and empowered but also there is no pressure to do anything you don’t want to do. I laughed, learned, and grew in ways I never expected, and I left the 2 day course feeling confident, proud, and inspired. I haven’t yet finished the course, but when I do, I’m going to be so proud to be a member of such a beautiful team, and a special organisation. I have never felt like I belonged anywhere, but now, I feel that I belong. Thank you.

If you’re thinking about becoming a dog trainer, PACT is the place to be. They don’t just teach skills, they change lives. They changed mine. I can’t wait to finish this course, so I can move on to the behavioural one!

I trained with PACT as an ATI. As someone with ADHD, deadlines can be difficult and finishing courses can be an issue. Thankfully PACT have a good level of understanding of neurodivergence and gently encouraged me to cross the finish line. They are endlessly patient, very approachable, and extremely good at what they do. Their approach and strong ethics is what drew me to them. I’m so glad I chose them to study with!

I had an amazing experience during my Canine Trainer Instructor course with PACT! I love the community spirit and the support that was given by everyone during the course. I am pround to a full member and excited about the future.

A few weeks before I learned I’d been awarded the CTIC Scholarship, I said goodbye and offered my biggest thank you to my beloved canine companion, Diesel, after nearly 13 years together.

PACT’s hybrid course arrived at exactly the right moment. It provided structure and guidance whilst also creating space for rebuilding, reflection and growth. Each element, from fieldwork to shadowing, became an opportunity to turn knowledge into practice and move closer to becoming the trainer and person I aspire to be.

The shadowing and coaching segments of PACT's CTIC course opened up some incredible opportunities. I am deeply grateful to Dogs Trust Harefield, Rachel Rodgers and Marilyn Gilchrist (The Canine School of Trailing) for their invaluable expertise, encouragement and the profound impact they have had on my development as a trainer.

To the PACT Team, thank you for recognising my potential, guiding with kindness and creating a community where learning feels human, joyful and full of heart. My biggest hug and thanks go to you all.

This journey has been transformative. It has reminded me that growth isn’t only about acquiring skills; it’s about deepening connection, compassion and joy.

My Diesel continues to appear in many ways, especially when I’m working with my canine clients and their guardians, making me smile, laugh and sometimes face-palm. His spirit feels woven into everything I do.

Pact complete puppy course! Excellent course which is split into 2 parts of 10 weeks each part, the content and lectures are brilliant , Steve explains everything clearly and in depth, Sets you up with working with puppies, puppy classes, great for any trainers wanting to enhance their puppy theory, training skills, supports you working with guardians and troubleshooting any potential issues while building rapor and trust, plus so much more, which is often missed in the world of dog training. This is my third PACT course and all have been excellent, a training company that are completely committed to their ethics and standards, student well being are priority and we are well looked after with monthly well being sessions and a brilliant community of like minded dog trainers and behaviourists.

I have completed both the ATI, Training and ABT Behaviour courses with PACT and it's great to have an industry recognized course :)

The team are wonderful, informative, supportive and knowledgeable:)

I can confidently say that PACT sets the gold standard for training and supporting canine professionals. Their approach is truly remarkable, built on a foundation of genuine love for dogs and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
If you're looking for an organization that not only trains highly competent dog trainers but also nurtures individuals who genuinely care for canines and their human companions, look no further.

PACT have made learning fun and supportive. I’m neurodivergent, work full time (not a dog trainer) and a Mum. It’s been difficult to juggle everything but the course content, the topics, the training videos, the in person training field days and the assessment make the course accessible for all.

I’d thoroughly recommend PACT to any wannabe dog trainer or existing training wanting an accredited qualification.

PACT are very knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive. I completed their Canine Instructor Course to gain my ATI and attend their brilliant conference every year. I always come away from the conference feeling enthusiastic and inspired.

I started PACT course back in Janury for ATI and I love it so much. Especially the flexibility around work as I am busy as is I don't feel extra pressure and nagging that I have to finish some stuff by deadline. Whole team at pact is really helpful and I loved both field days. I love what they are representing and I'll be proud to be part of it as a full mamber, hopefully soon enough. I highly recommend their free and not so free courses and webinars and so on. Huge knowledge there and amazing experience all together.

PACT are a brilliant organisiation for training trainers and behaviourists, and providing knowledge and learning for all dog people!
Highly recommend their CTI course, user friendly online content, in person practicals and a supportive backup from like minded people.

PACT were absolutely fantastic when I studied for my Animal Training Instructor qualification with them and I can’t recommend the course highly enough. It has also been a pleasure to remain part of their community since.

I’ve studied with PACT for both my ATI and my ABT qualifications and I honestly can’t recommend anyone better! The team are compassionate, highly knowledgable, helpful and so very fun to learn with. If you’re able to I definitely recommend attending both the online and in-person components, but even if you’re not able to the course material is so rich with knowledge that even a seasoned dog pro is likely to come away having learned something new.

As a neurodivergent student they supported me every step of the way. I found the course material and the way it’s structured to be the perfect balance of self study and flexibility combined with accountability and timelines to keep you on track.

If you’re looking for a sign to get started with them, let this be it - you won’t regret it!

PACT changed my life. I decided to become a Dog Trainer at the age of 35 and PACT couldn’t have done more to encourage, support and motivate me. Most importantly they gave me the confidence to do this as a career and I haven’t looked back since. Being a PACT member is like being part of a family. Highly recommend!