Following the overwhelming success of the Kennel Club Accredited Instructors Scheme (KCAI Scheme) Trainer of the Year Award since its introduction in 2014, the search has begun to find the 2017 winner.
The purpose of the KCAI Scheme is to provide dog owners with a wide and accessible choice of dog training instructors and behaviourists who have proven specialist knowledge, skills and experience.
The KCAI Trainer of the Year award sponsored by Hiscox UK (Kennel Club Trainer Insurance provider) recognises the outstanding talents of scheme members, who go that extra mile to make a positive difference to the behaviour of dogs and the lives of their owners.
Last year 35 KCAI trainers were nominated for the Trainer of the Year award, by a total of nearly 500 clients who passionately believed that the trainer they nominated truly made a difference for dogs.
Martha Brindley was awarded the title of 2016 KCAI Trainer of the Year this year at a ceremony at Crufts in March. On winning the award, Martha said: “It is just incredible. I love what I do and will always continue in my volunteering. Winning KCAI Trainer of the Year is just a dream – better than winning an Oscar!”
Nominations are now open to find the 2017 KCAI Trainer of the Year. In order to continue to celebrate the hard work and dedication of KCAI Scheme members, judges will be looking for nominees who have made a positive difference, not only to the lives of dogs and their owners, but also in their wider community.
Launching the award, Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko said:
“This is a fantastic competition that recognises KCAI Scheme members who go that extra mile to make a difference for dogs.
“Martha, along with all of this year’s finalists provide inspiration to fellow KCAI Scheme members and those instructors not yet involved with the scheme, in their approach and commitment to dog training instruction and behaviour. It is vital we recognise and support these efforts in order to jointly improve the standard of dog training as a whole.”
Dog owners are asked to nominate scheme members whom they believe have positively made a difference to the life of their dog and to them. A shortlist of up to five KCAI Scheme trainers will then be selected and entered into a public vote, where an overall winner will then be decided.
Finalists will be invited to a ceremony held at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts 2018 to celebrate their achievements and where the overall winner will be announced. The winner will receive the title of KCAI Trainer of the Year, and a £500 holiday voucher sponsored by Hiscox UK (providers of Kennel Club Clubs and Trainers Insurance).
Dog owners can nominate the KCAI Scheme member they think is deserving of the award online until 27th October 2017.
If you are a dog training instructor or behaviourist, please learn more about the KCAI Scheme.