PACTA Recap on 2024

This is my message to PACTA members and news subscribers. It was posted on the PACTA BC website and sent out via email today.

Happy New Year!

As we head into 2025, I would like to extend a huge thank you for supporting the Professional Animal Care & Training Association of BC. PACTA launched as a province-wide initiative in 2020 with big plans and enthusiasm, and we continue to chip away at projects that will serve to advance the wellbeing of animals. Here are some highlights from 2024.

The Peer Evaluated Animal Resource Library (PEARL) will launch in the next couple of months thanks to support from the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada and Thompson Rivers University’s Learning Technology and Innovation. The PEARL website is a free, public-facing collection of links to books, articles, handouts, videos, infographics, and other resources. Everyone is invited to submit resources for review. Each resource is rated by a team of PACTA Professional Members. PEARL’s purpose is to help the public discern quality information and advice. As we all know, this service is very much needed!

We’ve held several successful Learning Exchange Workshops (LEWs) in Kamloops. These events, formerly known as Training Exchange Workshops (TEWs), are facilitated by volunteers and the topics for each workshop emerge through participation. We’ve been fortunate to have the use of excellent venues: Kamloops BCSPCA Community Animal Centre and Beyond The Leash Training Centre.

Topics in 2024:

  • Preparing For Vet Visits
  • Setting Your Puppy Up For Success
  • Family Dynamic & Pets

Our hope is to encourage members around the province to host Learning Exchange Workshops, so we developed a LEW TOOLKIT which contains templates to jumpstart your planning and cases to spark ideas. The Kamloops Team would be happy to hop on a Zoom call to help you host a LEW in your community!

We continue with our 1-hour, facilitated Professional Member Roundtables focused on topics of interest. This usually involves digging into some cases, or gathering useful tips and resources to take away. There is no expectation that you come to roundtables with lots to say. Kicking back and listening is absolutely fine! This year we explored:

  • New and favourite resources
  • Abnormal repetitive behaviours
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Supporting clients
  • Training plans

We have many topic ideas in the hopper for 2025, so join as a Professional Member (new, easier process!) if you haven’t already and watch this space.

We hosted 3 online talks. These were well-attended and the recordings are available.

  • Amin Azadian – Dog Breed Differences: The Intricate Interplay Between the Genetic Background and Living Environment
  • Julie Naismith – Conquering Canine Separation Anxiety: An Introductory Workshop for Dog Professionals
  • Vicki McDonald and Robyn Andexser – Pets & Emergency Preparedness

And of course we hosted our regular Potato Chip Events. These events tend to focus on our PACTA community and projects, and how to advance our work together.

We’re buzzing with other event ideas and extend an invitation to you to become involved any way you can, even if it’s just helping to spread the word.

Finally, as many of you will know, over the past few years we have invested a great deal of research effort into regulation and licensing for dog trainers, and also designing an education pathway modelto ensure inclusive opportunities and recognition of prior learning. That is still our passion! The Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers is actively developing Professional Standards and National Curriculum and I have joined this group to help keep this important work moving forward.

It’s incredible what can happen when animal training and care enthusiasts gather together! Let’s continue to learn and grow in 2025!

Sylvia Currie
President, Professional Animal Care & Training Association of British Columbia
MA, BEd, CDBC

Consider getting involved in one of PACTA’s projects.
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Breakfast Club Article

The Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT) published an article about Breakfast Club! We appreciate the invitation to share our experiences and also the permission to share the article beyond the CAPDT member community.

Jennifer Berg, editor, was terrific to work with and I think she captured the essence of this regular Kamloops meet up very well. Last night Pat Cutler and I shared the article with the 100+ Breakfast Club members and it’s been fun to read their feedback.

Now that Jennifer has mentioned the forthcoming resources (and course) to help other trainers implement their own Breakfast Club it’s become a priority project!

I’ve been a member of CAPDT for many years and I continue to be impressed by the great work they are doing. If you have ideas for articles or content to contribute for the summer issue of CAPDT Forum, be sure to get in touch with Jennifer!

Learning Exchange Workshop

We’re coming up to our third Learning Exchange Workshop in Kamloops and I realised that I haven’t written anything about them!

These workshops are supported by the Professional Animal Care & Training Association of British Columbia (PACTA). As someone who has always been inspired by participatory workshops, I was eager to help bring this format to pet guardians and professionals in Kamloops.

A Learning Exchange Workshop (LEW) is a facilitated, theme-based social learning event where participants are encouraged and invited to share their knowledge and experiences. The 2-hour workshop is open to the public, affordable, and designed to engage people with all levels of experience and expertise. These small group discussions are focused on emergent questions and observations, and then brainstorming solutions. It’s a fantastic format, and has a history of success on Vancouver Island where they originated (then called Training Exchange Workshops and when PACTA was the Vancouver Island Animal Training Association).

The facilitator’s role is to foster a congenial and cooperative atmosphere of inquiry so everyone feels encouraged and invited to share. They do this by:

  • asking the audience to brainstorm
  • noting/organizing ideas, key points, and questions 
  • requesting clarification 
  • eliciting demonstrations when appropriate
  • soliciting all participants for solutions

Having more than one facilitator is ideal – perhaps one for each topic, or assigned to each phase (kick off, wrap up, etc.) or task (scribe, demo, etc.)  Three seems to be an ideal number.

To date we have organised two workshops in Kamloops.

  1. Troubleshooting Your Dog Walk – facilitated by Lindsay Curry, Pat Cutler, and Sylvia Currie.
    During this workshop we identified three categories that the conversations circled around: Equipment, Strategies, and Mindset. We managed to hit on just about all the possible topics in such a short time! We were very motivated to plan the next LEW!
  2. Preparing for Vet Visits – facilitated by Anne Flemming, Denise Hitt, and Pat Cutler. The discussions that day fell into four categories: Preparation when you have lots of time, day of appointment, supporting the human, suggestions from clinic staff. This time we followed up with a recap because there were so many local and online resources mentioned, and quite the list of tips.

The third LEW to be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 is about Family Dynamics & Pets. It will be facilitated by Tanya Epp, Steph Stegemann, and Anne Flemming. You may notice a trend here. A facilitator from an earlier session co-facilitates with new facilitators in the next session. Another piece of this is that the new facilitators were participants in past workshops, so they experienced first hand how the workshops are run. I’m excited about that developmental facilitation model! It feels like we’re building a true learning community.

At the closing of each workshop the participants generate more topic ideas. There is no shortage of excellent ideas so we plan to continue with this series of engaging and active learning. So far the participant feedback certainly motivates us to continue! It sure feels good to be back to in-person workshops. If you’re within driving distance of the Kamloops BC SPCA Community Room, please join us!


PACTA Education Committee Report

Professional Animal Care and Training Association of British Columbia

Education Committee Report Submitted in preparation for the Annual General Meeting on March 3, 2024

The Education Committee continues to work on projects aimed to support both professionals and the general public. We recently revisited our priorities:

We have made good progress on The Peer Evaluated Animal Resource Library (PEARL).
– Developed a process for resource submission and evaluation. 
– Designed a review rating system
– Received a $5,000 grant from Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada
– Completed design specifications for the PEARL website
– Received assistance from Thompson Rivers University for website design (co-op student)  and hosting
– Collaborated with the events committee to host an event where proceeds are channeled to the PEARL project

This database of reviewed resources is an important  service for creators of content (ideally also PACTA members), for aspiring animal care professionals (primary candidates for our Education Pathway program), and for the public (those  ultimately training and caring for animals).

The  Education Pathway pilot is still very much on our radar despite giving priority to PEARL. We have made good progress in researching and developing competencies, and designing the process for submitting and reviewing evidence. We have also documented specifications for the website. 

This project has many important and intertwined components, not the least of which is a well planned Mentorship Program. The Pathway embodies both self- and summative assessment, both of which are intended to identify gaps in knowledge, skills, and abilities, and not in any way to imply failure in the process. A network of support is essential to the success of this program.

We are actively planning educational opportunities for general membership. YOUR ideas are needed!

Submitted by Sylvia Currie
Chair, Education Committee

https://www.pactabc.ca/education_committee

Does your dog like to play with other dogs? How to tell!

For immediate release: September 10, 2023

Nanaimo, BC: PACTA BC announces the event, Are They Having Fun? Identifying Appropriate Dog-Dog Play. This interactive presentation showcases professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant Christina Young, BSc, CDBC, PCBC-A, KPA-CTP (www.Positive.Dog). Young will discuss what it looks like when dogs are enjoying play together, as well as how to recognize when they are not and what to do about it.

“An estimated 35% of Canadian households include dogs and dog parks are a growing amenity in many communities. Many dog guardians think their canine companions enjoy playing with other dogs, but don’t really know how to tell,” says Sylvia Currie, President of PACTA BC. “Intervening if interactions seem to be too rough can also be tricky. This presentation will teach how to read canine body language, provide guidelines on how to determine if intervention is necessary, and share ideas of qualities of a good playmate for your dog.”

Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC, as well as simultaneously live streamed on Zoom

Cost: $30 to attend in person or to attend via Zoom (includes a recording of the event for later viewing)

For more information or to register, please visit https://www.pactabc.ca/identifiying_appropriate_dog-dog_play. 

Spokespeople: Sylvia Currie 
hello@pactabc.ca

Please contact us for additional information or to book an interview time with the spokespeople available.

Established in 2020, PACTA BC (Professional Animal Care and Training Association of BC) promotes reward-based, humane animal care and training in British Columbia.

Introducing Calvin!

On November 25th I sent my sister, Julia, a link to a Facebook post by Eromit Labrador Retrievers in Quesnel about a dog named Calvin looking for a new home. By the time we talked about Calvin later that day I had pretty much made up my mind I wanted to be considered, so I fired off a description of my home, life, and priorities. In that, I was able to truthfully say I was 62 years old because this all happened the day before my birthday. One more day and I might have been way too old for an energetic Lab!

A few days later Erin Lynes responded to say “I think Calvin would thrive in the situation you’ve described”. I had been selected! Julia and I quickly made plans to take a road trip together to pick up Calvin.

I’ve been keeping a daily log since the moment I met Calvin. We’re already on Day 20! So far his new life has been all about settling in. Our immediate priority is simply to get to know Calvin.

Here are some snippets.

Photo by Erin Lynes.

Meeting Calvin! This is the only photo where it doesn’t look like I’m trying with all my might to hold him still.

Julia and I are both behaviour consultants, and spent a fair bit of the 5-hour drive from Quesnel planning for Calvin’s introduction to Maggie. What if this? What if that? That’s right, the experts at work! We cracked up when they finally met outside. It was such a non event! They became quick buds.

It didn’t take long for Calvin to settle in. After some whining on the drive to Kamloops Calvin’s new thought bubble became HEY, MY OWN COUCH! Plus Julia stayed for a few days so every moment was HEY! FUN!

Day 1 Calvin attempted one too many sideways licks on the kitchen counter. The humans put on their thinking caps and asked important questions like, do pizza boxes fit in the microwave?

In fact, Calvin is just a little too interested in anything kitchen related. We implemented a carrot station and he learned very quickly that’s the spot where good things happen. If I’m doing dinner prep I can now guarantee Calvin will be at the station, even with the dog door open and exciting things happening on our street! (And by that I mean whoa, car headlights!)

Then we changed the name to meatball station. Carrots were no longer quite his thing. Also, somewhere along the way Calvin’s middle name became Conrad, and his nickname became Corn Dog.

Shortly after Calvin arrived the temperature dropped to -25, then -30, then -35, then the thermometer maxed out. It was actually a blessing in disguise. It gave Calvin an opportunity to have some very deep sleeps. Potty breaks were brisk!

By coincidence, the colour of Calvin’s coat matches the collar Erin made for him. Somebody should tell him he doesn’t need to dress up for meatball station duty.

The carrot meatball station also became the scene of practical relaxation protocol. (Clients to whom I’ve emphasised the importance of never leaving the special mat on the floor after training can avert their eyes. That ugly towel hasn’t moved for 20 days!)

This protocol, combined with some serious decompression time, has made a notable difference. Calvin is less inclined to fly at the thing he wants in the moment.

However, it hasn’t stopped him from opening doors when he wants outside, or to get in the garage where there is a strong memory of bacon fat in the garbage can.

The humans are getting really good at locking doors!

The view from my office has sure improved since Calvin arrived. Our 13-year old Maggie spends more time indoors, not wanting to miss out on anything Calvin related. And Calvin takes his foot warming job pretty seriously, even though he has his own couch.

We’ve experimented with every long line in history. This heavy biothane line is definitely the ticket for deep snow and all the snag-magnet bushes.

We’re casually working on recalls, acknowledging check-ins, and establishing a passing vehicle routine. Other than that I’m content to just follow Calvin… within reason! Hey Corn Dog, that snow is way too deep!

What is a Happy Dog?

Dog enthusiasts in Kamloops are in for a treat! Pat Cutler and I, along with the helpful staff at BC SPCA, are organising an in-person gathering for an online PACTA BC event!

Dr. Sasha Propotopova is the NSERC/BC SPCA Industrial Research Chair in Animal Welfare. She will be presenting online, and we will be watching and discussing these important topics at the BC SPCA Kamloops Community Animal Centre.

Here is a full description:

We are often tasked with making decisions that aim to improve dogs’ lives in animal shelters, pet homes, and working conditions. But our anthropocentric view of the world may mask what is truly important to a dog. In this talk, Dr. Protopopova will review research into the natural history of dogs as well as their perception of their environment in order to get an understanding of the “umwelt,” or inner-life, of the dog. She will use this information to guide us in clarifying which decisions do, in fact, improve dogs’ lives in various contexts. She will discuss a range of topics from improving adoptions in the shelter to considering therapy dog welfare, with many surprising conclusions. At the end of the presentation, we will have an introductory new look at what it means to be a dog and how we, as professionals and dog lovers, can be more effective at helping dogs live good lives with us.

Head over to the PACTA BC events page to sign up. You are also welcome to attend the PACTA-BC Annual General Meeting from the BC SPCA Kamloops location as well. Kamloops and region registrants will be contacted by email with further details. Note the $15 event fee is waived for those who come to the AGM. A perk for those who read to the end! 🙂

PACTA BC Education Committee Report

In preparation for the PACTA BC 2022 AGM I put together a summary of the Education Committee’s progress. It was a busy first year for this group!

Professional Animal Care and Training Association of British Columbia
Education Committee Report

Submitted in preparation for the Annual General Meeting on October 30, 2022

As chair of the Education Committee for the past year I am happy to report that our enthusiastic and productive team continues to make excellent progress! We have used our distributed expertise to our advantage and are accomplishing our goals (and adding more). We meet regularly to discuss progress, identify emerging needs, and engage in intense collaborative writing sprints to create project support materials. 

The Education Committee’s priority this year was to design a process for practicing dog trainers and apprentices to gain provincial recognition for their knowledge and skills. This Education Pathway to licensing relies on collaboration and peer support and is a unique and flexible alternative to what currently exists in the dog training industry, namely examinations outside of Canada, and educational programs that are sometimes financially and geographically prohibitive. 

In a nutshell, applicants to become a licensed dog trainer in British Columbia will assemble a portfolio that provides evidence of skills, abilities, and knowledge. These individuals will be supported and guided by trained advisors and mentors, and their portfolios will be reviewed by trained assessors. There are many layers!

To support and inform the Education Pathway project we also embarked on the following projects:

  1. Dog Trainer Survey – a first in a series of surveys to understand further the needs of animal care professionals and trainers, and their priorities for protecting animals and consumers.
  2. The Peer Evaluated Animal Resource Library (PEARL) – a database of reviewed resources, a service and resource for creators of content, for aspiring animal care professionals, and for the public.
  3. Mentorship Program – a service to support Education Pathway applicants. This will be an opportunity for current PACTA professional members and a much needed service for aspiring dog trainers.  
  4. Training programs for the various support roles required for implementation of the Education Pathway, namely program advisors, assessors, and mentors.

The first phase of the Education Pathway involved extensive research. This included an environmental scan of relevant qualifications and organizations, and learning from similar programs that are based on prior learning assessment, peer review, and mentorship. We gratefully acknowledge the work and guidance from the following organizations and programs:

  1. BC SPCA – AnimalKind 
  2. Simon Fraser University Co-op Program 
  3. Companion Animals New Zealand – accreditation program
  4. Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (UK) – accreditation of prior experience and learning program
  5. eCampusOntario – open competency toolkit

We are now in the process of mapping competencies, outlining roles and education programs to support this work, and creating visuals and documentation in preparation for a pilot launch. Using an iterative design approach, our plan is to recruit a small group by December to participate in the Education Pathway pilot. 

Our current work is focused on dog training. It will serve as a model for other animal care professionals such as groomers, dog walkers, daycare operators, cat trainers, and so on. One step at a time! 

Submitted by

Sylvia Currie

Chair, Education Committee

https://www.pactabc.ca/education_committee

What is a competency?

This is cross-posted to PACTA BC

 A competency is defined as a combination of knowledge, skills, and ability. Think of it as a unit involving all of these components concurrently. For example, you can have plenty of textbook knowledge, but if you have not had an opportunity to put that knowledge into practice, you will discover skill gaps. Likewise, you may successfully follow a training plan, but if you find yourself in a situation where the dog is not responding as hoped and you are unsure about how to modify the original plan, you have just discovered knowledge and ability gaps. 

There are two often-cited critical elements to competency-based learning:

  1.   They can be assessed.
  2.   They can be applied. 

I would add a third.

  1.   They should prompt individuals to engage in reflective practice. 

This is where the portfolio fits in. Assembling artefacts that represent your learning requires that you provide clear rationale for why and how a particular item relates to a stated competency. In that process, you will likely begin to pose self-reflective questions, for example:

  • Am I being thorough enough in the evidence I am providing?
  • Did I really learn what a particular course claims to teach?
  • Would I benefit from more reading, more practice, another course, having someone observe and provide feedback on my work, and so on? 

The PACTA BC Portfolio Pathway is based entirely on satisfying competencies that align with the dog training industry needs. These needs demand broad knowledge and understanding of the profession, as well as applications of specifics in a variety of settings or contexts. For example, implementing a series of puppy classes involves many competencies ranging from canine development to the administrative abilities to bring the project to fruition. 

Since competencies are created for the purpose of assessment (both self and external), they need to be carefully crafted. A dog training professional needs to have knowledge about dogs, skills in applying the knowledge of dogs to train them, and the ability to employ the knowledge and skills effectively. Together, the knowledge, skills, and ability make up a competency that can be assessed. 

Competencies are well understood in trades and other practice-based professions. There are many examples of programs, apprenticeships, and assessments that are guided by clear and robust competencies. The PACTA BC Education Committee is using established guidelines for reference to inform our work. 

Now back to the drawing board! The Education Committee is deep into the process of writing competencies for the Portfolio Pathway project. Our goal is to create clear and relevant competencies and provide flexibility in how applicants provide evidence to satisfy them.

Related  

https://www.pactabc.ca/regulation

https://www.pactabc.ca/portfolio_pathway
https://www.pactabc.ca/update_portfolio_pathway