INTRODUCTION & REQUIREMENTS
In 1995 the VDH adopted a Training Directors' Certification Program. This program was intended to assist the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen with its newly enacted Dangerous Dog laws. The VDH, having numerous members knowledgeable of animal behavior, agreed to certify Training Directors at all levels and to provide classes for citizens owning dogs identified as dangerous under the new law. A citizen, after successful completion of a training course from a Certified Trainer Director would then be allowed to keep the dog.
It was hoped that this law would extend beyond the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen but few states followed suit. However, the DVG foresaw the importance of such a movement and adopted a similar program for all DVG member clubs. On March 3, 1995 the "Training Regulations for the DVG" were adopted by the General Membership with a grace period of two years. The program was to be fully implemented by all DVG member clubs by April 1, 1997.
LV/DVG AMERICA has since been allowed an extended grace period to develop a program that will be compatible with its vast geographical boundaries. This "Manual for Training Directors" is a result of this grace period and must be implemented by all LV/DVG AMERICA clubs by January 1, 1998.
As of January 1, 1998, at the next scheduled election of officers as defined in each LV/DVG AMERICA club, KG or LV by-laws, no member may hold office as a Training Director until they are recognized by LV/DVG AMERICA as a "Qualified Training Director Applicant" (QTDA). Each club within LV/DVG AMERICA will receive a copy of this manual. Any member wishing to seek office as Training Director at any level within the LV will have to satisfy two prerequisites:
Once a candidate has completed the test, it should be mailed along with proof of having attained one of the above mentioned titles to the LV/OFS. Currently these tests should be mailed to:
After successful completion, the LV/OFS will approve the candidate as a QTDA and send notice to the club, KG or LV where the candidate is seeking office. The LV/OFS will maintain a listing of all QTDA within the LV and publish the list two times each calendar year in the DVG AMERICA Magazine.
***Please note that all DVG clubs will have to select a Training Director from those meeting the above requirements at the next election as defined by Club By-Laws on or shortly after January 1, 1998.***
Click here to view TRAINING DIRECTOR MANUAL (part 2)
(Manual of First Aid For Dogs) in pdf format (443 K)
Click here to view TRAINING DIRECTOR CANDIDATE TEST in pdf format (38 K)