Presidents Welcome Message
I want to thank you for visiting the website of the International Police Work Dog Association. I would like to briefly outline why we are proud of our organization, and encourage each of you to take a closer look.
IPWDA strives to develop the highest training standards in the industry. We have been helped in the endeavor by including working K-9 Teams from disciplines that other organizations don't bring into the fold. We also have a strong international flavor, with teams from all over the world. This working dog diversity strengthens the organization, as ideas are forwarded, challenged, and ultimately perfected.
I'm proud that many of our Master Trainers and Trainers network and travel the globe in search of the best way to train dogs. This experience has greatly helped our organization to stay on the cutting edge. You won't find a "competitive" atmosphere in IPWDA, where great information is held onto tightly by the leaders. You'll find an open exchange of information that greatly benefits the association’s members at our workshops.
In order to achieve the best trainers in the industry, the association only accepts applications for Trainer and Master Trainers at the National Seminars. This allows an open "vetting" that exposes our Trainer applicants to the organization's members and peers during the process. We've developed a comprehensive process that assures our members that we are getting the best and brightest to lead training events.
IPWDA holds both Executive Board and General Membership meetings annually. The elected Executive Board handles many of the operational issues of running an organization our size. However, we've made sure that the real power lies at the General Membership meeting. All changes to certification, accreditation, by-laws, and treasury must be voted on by the members prior to approval. This is an organization that truly puts the interests of its members first.
The Executive Board has been diligent in maintaining the highest standards. I take pride in stating that the elected Executive Board has done a great job in maintaining the integrity of the association.
IPWDA takes pride in the continued progress of our members, as they develop into better handlers with improving dogs. We encourage the participation of our members in achieving increasing success of both our organization, and of their Canine Teams.
EXCELLENCE in K-9 Policing is not only the goal of IPWDA, it should be the goal of our members! Please check back often to participate in and observe the progress of YOUR association.
Keep detecting and protecting,
Richard L. (Rick) McQueary
President
