Junior Membership
Here at the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), we believe that the next generation of pet professionals is at a point in their lives where we can help them to understand and implement those methods and ethics that will see the continuation of the force-free movement. To that end, we offer membership to children (8-12 years of age), teenagers (13-17 years of age) and young adults (18-20 years of age) as a way of helping them to learn about and understand pet care and give them insight into the possibility of working with animals in the future in a force-free, fear-free way.
When you join PPG as a Junior Member, you get:
- A PPG member badge
- A PPG membership certificate
- FREE registration with your dog in the Pet Dog Ambassador (PDA) program (Please note: Free registration does not include any required costs for attending group or private lessons to participate in the PDA program.)
- FREE Junior Member credentialing through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB)
- FREE e-book: A Kids’ Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog
- Listing in the Junior Member Directory on the PPG website
- Participation in the Annual Training Deed Challenge for your age category (The winner in each category receives a monetary prize!)
The Pet Professional Guild’s junior memberships are divided into three categories by age group:
- Provisional Junior Basic (8-12 age group)
- Provisional Junior Advanced (13-17 age group)
- Provisional Apprentice (18-20 age group)
At each level of membership, junior members are required to sign the force-free pledge below.
The PPG Junior Member Pledge
- The animal’s welfare is a priority in any task I choose to undertake.
- I must make decisions on behalf of the animal, based on the animal’s species, age, and physical and emotional capacity.
- I will protect the physical, emotional and environmental well-being of the animal.
- I must only use tools and equipment in a manner that reflects the no pain, no force, no fear mantra of the PPG. Tools will not be used in a way that is contrary to their design and intent, i.e. not used in a manner which would cause psychological or physical pain, harm or damage.
- I must always work within my personal capabilities and the guidelines set out by the PPG. I must communicate with other people in a respectful manner, even if I don’t agree with them.
- If I don’t know the answer, then I will ask someone else who has more expertise in the relevant area.
- I will always seek to do no harm.
- I will always strive to do good.
- I will be faithful to promises made.
Junior Credentialing Program
The free PPAB junior credentialing program is included with your PPG Junior Membership. All applicants must agree to the PPG’s Guiding Principles and Code of Ethical Conduct. Each credentialing level includes the following:
Provisional Junior Basic (8-12 years)
- Access to the Provisional Junior Basic Accreditation Program
- Upon successful completion of the program, the Junior Member receives:
- A certificate, badge and accreditation card
- A listing in the directory on the PPG website
Provisional Junior Advanced (13-17 years)
- Access to the Provisional Junior Advanced Accreditation Program
- Upon successful completion of the program, the Junior Member receives:
- A certificate, badge and accreditation card
- A listing in the directory on the PPG website
Provisional Apprentice (18-20 years)
- Access to the Provisional Apprentice Accreditation Program
- Upon successful completion of the program, the Junior Member receives:
- A certificate, badge and accreditation card
- A listing in the directory on the PPAB website
- An invitation to apply for the Annual Apprentice Scholarship. Applicants may apply for one the following programs:
- DogNostics Pet First Aid
- Doggone safe Learn to Speak Dog
- DogNostics Training Certificate – Apprentice Level
Complete information about the accreditation programs is provided in the study guides included with your paid PPG Junior Membership.
Join PPG as a Junior Member
Join PPG today and start your journey to becoming a junior accredited trainer!