The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors encourages dog obedience instructors to join our professional organization. Since our founding almost 40 years ago, our mission has been to aid both dog obedience instructors and dog owners by elevating the standards of our profession, and by providing continuing education for our members.

Also important is our mission to help new instructors and those just entering the profession. Because not all applicants will have the needed experience and time in the business that NADOI Endorsed membership demands, we offer a Provisional membership category. This Provisional membership is open to instructors who have at least two years experience teaching classes, assisting classes, or teaching private lessons, and can demonstrate their knowledge by passing the NADOI Provisional written exam.

Once you become a Provisional member, you have 3 years in which to fulfill the requirements for Endorsed membership. During that time you will have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor or mentors from within the NADOI membership ranks, network with NADOI members via our internet e-mail list, and attend our meetings and workshops. You will also receive our newsletter, NADOI News, and our magazine, FORWARD. Although Provisional members cannot vote, hold office, or advertise themselves as full members, the opportunities for professional growth are plentiful.

NADOI Provisional members are a diverse group. We have members from many states and even foreign countries. Our Provisional members are actively running their own businesses, working for training schools and shelters, or volunteering for obedience clubs. The Provisional membership allows them the time they need to become proficient in their jobs and get the experience required by NADOI Endorsed membership.

You may learn more about NADOI Provisional membership by visiting our web site at www.nadoi.org, or you may contact me personally. I will be delighted to talk with anyone who is interested. Let me tell you about the benefits of NADOI membership and how our Provisional category can help you!