Student membership

Join us as a Student Member for just £75!

How student membership works

Candidates may be accepted for student membership after they have enrolled on an approved academic course in a canine related subject, at Level 2 or above.

Student membership is available to those working toward ATI assessment and for candidates who want to progress to assessment for the CAB role but who do not yet meet all the CAB Knowledge and Understanding criteria, necessary to go forward for assessment of CAB performance criteria. 

To progress to Provisional CAB membership, student candidates will either need to evidence they have passed an ABTC recognised L6 qualification, or successfully completed the ABTC Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning Process (APEL).  TCBTS offer support for APEL Candidates, by way of Zoom sessions and a Facebook support group. For more information about APEL, please see the FAQs.

Curious bull breed dog symbolising the beginning of a rewarding journey into canine behaviour

“I'm absolutely thrilled to be a member of TCBTS”

“As an ABTC-ATI it was fantastic to find another organisation who follow the same science based ethical positive reinforcement-based training. There is a great community, with a wide range of experience. I cannot thank TCBTS enough - it’s well worth joining.”

TCBTS MEMBER

why join us?

As a TCBTS member, you’ll gain access to these exclusive benefits:

Supportive, Collaborative Network
Connect with other members for guidance and peer support.

get seen by Dog Owners and Vets
Be listed in our trusted directory, helping you to reach more clients.

Professional Recognition & Credibility
Stand out as a certified, ethical trainer or behaviourist.

Exclusive Discounts on CPD
Save on access to continued learning and professional development.

regular Members-Only Sessions
Benefit from case study discussions, business Q+As and events.

access to private community group
Make connections in our private members’ Facebook group.

Our Values

…and what they mean for you, as a member

Dog licking camera

collaborative

TCBTS fosters an inclusive environment where all members, regardless of their role, are valued equally. Members are encouraged to work together, to share their knowledge and skills. We also enjoy close, collaborative relationships with the wider ABTC member organisations, to achieve our common goals.

PROGRESSIVE

TCBTS supports its members in keeping up-to-date with science-led, ethical methods and is pushing for much-needed industry regulation. The organisation prides itself on its forward-thinking approach, assisting members in improving not only their professional skills but also in self-employment, through business support.

supportive

TCBTS offers a nurturing, friendly and approachable community, helping trainers and behaviourists grow both professionally and personally. Continuous professional development (CPD), case study discussions and business-related support foster members’ success while ensuring their wellbeing is prioritised.

“The team’s knowledge & experience shines through” 

“If you’re looking become a Clinical Animal Behaviour route then help is always on hand, with the added bonus of webinars - which are free for members! The monthly behaviour zoom (which members can join to discuss any cases they may need help with, or just discuss for others to learn from) is fantastic.”

TCBTS MEMBER

Frequently Asked Q’s

If your question is not answered here, please contact us.

  • APEL is a great opportunity for those seeking assessment for the role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) and who do not hold an ABTC recognised level 6 degree.  

    APEL (accreditation of prior experience and/ or learning) allows candidates to draw on transferable skills, knowledge accrued through practice, self-learning, and courses and study, not yet accredited by ABTC, to show you have the underpinning knowledge necessary for the CAB role. Using the APEL process, you can now collate and present evidence to show how you meet all the knowledge and understanding criteria, as outlined in the CAB standard here.

    Read about the APEL process and requirements here.

    APEL submissions are assessed centrally by specially trained ABTC Assessors, however application for APEL should be made through TCBTS, who will handle your application and submission.

    Prospective candidates are welcome to contact us for a chat about the APEL process, to see if the route is the right one for you at this point in your career.

  • The annual fee for student membership is £75.

  • For full membership at any level, we require recognised qualifications in dog training or behaviour. The ABTC keeps an up to date list of approved courses, which you can access here.

    You can join as a student member after you have enrolled on an approved academic course in a canine related subject, at Level 2 or above.

  • Our member benefits include access to our closed members Facebook group, access to online case study education sessions, regular discussion sessions held on Zoom, access to members only events and discounts for any webinar or event hosted by TCBTS.

  • Yes - all members of TCBTS and all ABTC registered practitioners have to conform to strict codes of practice to ensure the welfare of the animals we work with is maintained at all times.

    You can view the TCBTS Code of Practice (which embeds the ABTC Code of Practice) here.

  • Our membership year runs from 1st April to 31st March. If you join throughout the membership year, membership fees are pro rata until the next renewal date.

  • No, we are non-profit making.

  • The Animal Behaviour and Training Council is a registered charity that represents animal trainers, training instructors and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and legislative bodies. Find out more here: https://abtc.org.uk/

    You can find information about the different role standards and approved courses here: https://abtc.org.uk/practitioners-info/

Join Us TOdAY

Apply for student membership with TCBTS and help us to build a better future for dogs.