Preferred educational provider status
A set of criteria has been created to support the Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour (KCAI).
The criteria will name Preferred Education Providers (PEPs) for members of KCAI, enabling them to identify the most high quality, worthwhile educational courses and seminars.
Members are encouraged to use these PEPs for any training that they undertake, because they best support the scheme's framework.
The measure has been put in place since many of the scheme's members felt it was difficult to find the best education providers for them, due to the large number available and amount of jargon involved.
Paul Rawlings, KCAI chairman, said: "We are being asked increasingly often to advise whether or not a course supports the scheme, not least because many organisations and individuals are claiming to be allied to the scheme."
Mr Rawlings explained that the new criteria will help KCAI differentiate the most relevant education organisations from those offering something of less value to its members.
"PEP status will give clear guidance to scheme members and we believe it will be a reliable indicator of quality to prospective students."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
