PDTE - The Way Ahead
Sheila Harper (Advisor - contact:-
sheila@sheilaharper.co.uk)
The PDTE was set up with the intention of eventually providing for the exchange of ideas between members in all European countries. It was known that the goals of such an association would take time to come to fruition. To build up a base of high calibre members from a number of countries would take effort and committment on all their parts. Progress is being made.
The ideal of the organisation is to remain highly credible without becoming elitist, something the majority of our members have warmly welcomed.
Membership
It was intended to offer 3 levels of membership:- student, associate and full. But due to the lack of resources we are unable to offer the education necessary to support full students. However we are keen to have as full members those with only the highest standard of handling and knowledge in order that the group would be respected. Associate membership would form the bulk of the group and be offered access to the network of full members and the support of the PDTE organisation.(Indeed, it is now rare that anyone joins the PDTE on a full membership basis:- see Membership Criteria). Applicants for full membership are then required to demonstrate their level of expertise. It is essential that this be the case, and so ensuring that full members are truly considerate to the dogs in which they come in contact with, and to actively enforce this throughout the membership base.
It was felt that these exacting ideals would be in place to ensure that the way forward would be clear to all members. Progress is being made to establish high-calibre members in all countries so that the PDTE can be seen to maintain and apply a universal level of membership criteria in each country.
Networking
All members have the opportunity to offer hosting of an event in the name of the PDTE by written submission of ideas and subsequent acceptance. (see:- PDTE Events). We are working towards an Internet forum where members will be able to share ideas. Until this forum is set up, members have access to a members directory giving address, e-mail and phone contact. Associate members have access to full members' details if they feel they need help, and advice is willingly given wherever possible. Many associate members have already taken advantage of this availability.
Costs are considerably higher for the PDTE as its base is widespread, however we feel that fees requested are reasonable. PDTE now has its own newsletter (become a friend to the PDTE and subscribe see:- PDTE Newsletter). With numerous PDTE and member organised events throughout the year, in several countries, full and associate members have free access to many opportunities and the ability to give and share knowledge.
The group is intended to be about the gaining of knowledge from each other along with offering help and ideas where needed. This can only be done by members offering their expertise rather than joining with the thought of what they can get out of it. Therefore we would encourage members to offer any expertise they can with a view to helping the PDTE provide the kinds of opportunities wanted and needed to achieve its goals, to take dog training into the 21st century.