How long has ASCT been in operation?

We established in 1994 and began accepting certifications in 1995.

I have heard that you conduct a lot of research.  How do you do that? Don't you need Doctorate degrees for that?

We have several research connections.  Firstly, we have relationships with several universities where we offer research grants for projects we feel may lend to our causes. Second, our organizational president Chris Aycock PhD is a comparative species neurobiologist who conducts research for several aspects both in and out of canine assitance and our research director, Raff Pandoff PhD (physical chemistry) conducts his own work, as well as, researches other documents that may assist us. Finally, we have members who are highly educated in various sciences and professions who all assist.  All certification board members must be highly qualified experts in their perspective fields: Our legal auditor, Victory Haden and U.S. certification director, Michael West, both hold a Juris Doctor Law, our international certification director, Alexandra Lund, holds a J.D. equivelant.   Our program director, Ron Ashie, holds a Master of Statistics and Master of Zoology (canidology).  

Does ASCT train Police dogs?

No. But our certified instructors and trainers do operate private training operations for their specific businesses and many are highly sought after. We do recommend trainers based on the needs and availabilities. 

I am a trainer/instructor. Can ASCT recommend me to agencies looking for training?

If you are ASCT certified we will gladly refer you to anyone seeking training and development meeting your certification.

Will ASCT testify for me in court?

Absolutely. We offer full legal services to those certified.

Is ASCT an association or vendor?

Neither. ASCT is an organization.

How does ASCT leadership operate?

We are operated under a certification board of four members. One such board member must be a non-associated legal expert. In ther words - an attorney to audit the system. Typically, we have the president, another Senior Master Instructor, two attorneys (one in liability audit for K9 teams - the other for auditing of the program). We also include a CPA to audit the financial basis of the organization but he does not sit on the board. All Senior Master Instructors are required to sit on the board.

Do you guys hold elections?

We do not elect leaders by way of election. Our founders discovered very early, through other organizations, that elections equates to politics and power struggle. Instead, we preserve the continuity of the organization and dedication to our overall equal opportunity goal by having the board audit the president each year. This is a strict policy where the board members review the overall balance of the organization and set specific guidelines for the president during the upcoming year. By our policy, if those guidelines are not met - the board MUST replace the president. Therefore this eliminates bias. If a new president is required - he or she interviews with ASCT certification board members.  

Does ASCT sponsor schools?

ASCT sponsors schools and clinics that are taught by certified specialty instructors or senior master instructors. 

Do handlers have to attend your basic schools or buy dogs from ASCT certified trainers in order to certify?

No. Anyone can certify by meeting the standards. We absolutely welcome anyone!

My trainer seems against ASCT.  I don't understand the reason he doesn't want me to certify. Any thoughts?

The K9 world is very competitive. Most trainers are very sensitive about a handler or client changing "teams" for fear of losing money, credibility, and having feelings of failure. Others are simply unwilling to allow handler's to learn anything they themselves do not teach. I cannot speak for everyone in ASCT but for myself, I do not have issues with handlers seeking training, holding multiple certifications, and learning to get better. I encourage it. The only requirement I have of a handler is honesty and the willingness to stand up and tell someone that what they may be instructing is wrong - if it is wrong. ASCT tries to instill that same philosophy to all of our trainers and instructors.