Our Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

As a member of APDT Australia Inc. a member agrees to:

  • Perform services to the best of their ability within the guidelines of this Code of Ethics.
  • Employ only humane, dog-friendly techniques in the training of dogs.
  • Actively reject the use of harsh, physical, psychological, coercive and aversive methods in the training of dogs including the use of electric shock collars, pinch or prong collars.
  • Make the welfare of the dog of primary importance.
  • Be honest and trustworthy.
  • Treat all dogs with respect.
  • Do no harm.
  • Promote responsible dog ownership.
  • Actively pursue ongoing education in order to provide a service based upon sound scientific principles and current best practice.
  • Promote a positive human/canine relationship between owner and dog.
  • Work at developing and applying positive methods of dog training.
  • Provide a service of the highest standard within the limit of their skill, knowledge and ability.
  • Respect the confidentiality and privacy of clients.
  • Not advertise themselves as a member of APDT Australia Inc. without prior approval of the Association.
  • Not represent themselves as a spokesperson for APDT Australia Inc. without prior approval of the Association.

Every member must agree to follow the Code of Ethics. Any member who does not follow the Code of Ethics may be expelled from the Association.

Updates to codes of ethics and conduct

As a professional organisation, The Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia Inc. (APDT) is bound and guided by many essential documents. One of the most critical documents for APDT is our Constitution. Last updated in 2019 when APDT members voted to introduce membership levels (Accredited Professional, Professional, Associate, etc.) the Constitution is due for an update soon due to changes in legislation and the need for currency.

Beyond the constitution, the APDT has these guiding principles:

  • Mission Statement (To enhance the human-dog relationship through the education of trainers and the broader community by advocating positive reinforcement training methods),
  • Vision Statement (That all dogs are trained using force-free, positive reinforcement methods.)
  • Strategic Plan 2022–2025 (available on the website and scheduled for an update this year).

Lastly, the APDT has a Code of Ethics, found on our website and on the back cover of each Click! Magazine. As the landscape of dog training has evolved, and discussions around methods and tools have taken over social media and the global dog training community, the APDT Committee felt a need to update our Code of Ethics. An ethics subcommittee was formed in early 2024 and worked to develop revised Codes of Ethics and Conduct. After review and revision by the APDT Committee, we are pleased to present these documents to our members for review and comment.

The APDT Australia has revised its Codes of Ethics and Conduct to reflect changes in the dog training landscape. The ethics subcommittee formulated these documents, guided by the mission of enhancing human-dog relationships through the use of positive reinforcement methods. The APDT acknowledges that no code protects against bad actors, but the subcommittee felt the proposal is good compromise.

The new Codes of Ethics and Conduct avoid strict definitions and acronyms to prevent misuse and misinterpretation. They were developed by evaluating approaches from sister organisations and guidelines, such as LIMA and LIFE. We decided to avoid referencing them to prevent potential misinterpretation. Discussions around the “four quadrants” of learning theory were also deliberately excluded to avoid confusion and misrepresentation.

The updates aim to clarify expectations for APDT members and prevent practices against core beliefs. The APDT hopes these revisions will influence the broader dog training community and the public, steering them away from aversive methods.

The Ethics Subcommittee decided to tackle this complex subject from three angles:

  • Code of Ethics is the document that addresses how we should deal with dogs.
  • Code of Conduct pertains to broader business activities, including social media, advertising, and dispute resolution.
  • Position Papers are standalone documents to provide further clarification and explanation on a particular topic, clearly stating the APDT position on each topic (tools, methods, social media, APDT logos, etc.).

Our Mission and Vision statements informed the subcommittee. Our discussion boiled down to three main objectives of our ethics documents:

  • Reaffirming and clarifying the overarching tenet of “Do No Harm”
  • An unambiguous rejection of the use of aversives
  • Reaffirming the principle of “stay in your lane” by not accepting cases that exceed one’s skill set or competencies.

We believe that the proposed Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct achieve our goals while incorporating the previous Code of Ethics. Our aim is to make these documents clear and free of strict definitions, acronyms, and references to quadrants. The dog training ethics issue is complex, and we aim to prevent practices against our core beliefs. Our mission focuses on education and enhancing dog training standards. The revised codes clarify what we expect from our members and will steer our organisation in the right direction, influencing the wider dog training community to move away from aversives.

We welcome feedback on this document. Please send comments to treasurer@apdt.com.au or post on the APDT Members’ Facebook group. There is also an open invitation to join the Ethics Subcommittee for those passionate about further involvement.

Mark Ehrman
Treasurer and Ethics Subcommittee coordinator

Proposed Code of Ethics

Members of APDT Australia Inc. accept and are guided by the following values and beliefs:

  1. Members will prioritise the welfare of individual dogs and their families to develop and maintain the human-animal bond.
  2. Members’ work will be distinguished by a commitment to using methodologies that are accepted as current best practices according to peer-reviewed scientific research and that do no harm.
  3. Members will prioritise the development of effective communication between families and their dogs, which will be respectful, provide choice and clarity, and create mutually beneficial relationships.
  4. Members’ training and assessments will be underpinned by an understanding that a dog’s behaviour may be affected by their genetics, past learning experiences, physical and mental health conditions, and current environment.
  5. As dog trainers, we are committed to being role models in the community regarding our training methodology, the way we provide services, industry leadership, and advocacy for the safety and welfare of dogs.
  6. Members will be honest, trustworthy, accountable and respectful in all aspects of our work as dog trainers and will be careful not to misrepresent our ability to achieve behavioural goals.

Proposed Code of Conduct

Members of APDT are committed to the following standards of good conduct:

  1. Members will provide dog training services within the scope of our training, qualifications and competence and the guidelines of the Code of Ethics.
  2. Members will actively maintain knowledge of current best practices and training skills through formal education and/or self-education, seminars, professional reading, podcasts and other media, and other strategies, including memberships in relevant forums.
  3. Members will not use or support aversive methods in their training, such as physical punishment, verbal abuse, coercion or the use of aversive tools, including slip collars, prong collars, e-collars or any training tool or method that intentionally causes pain, fear, or startle response.
  4. Members will carefully assess each dog presented for training within the scope of their competencies and refer to specialist services, including animal behaviourists, veterinarians, and nutritionists, as required.
  5. Members will not offer guarantees of behaviour change.
  6. Members will comply with mandatory reporting requirements regarding the reporting of dog bites and suspected abuse or neglect.
  7. Members providing professional services are expected to use reliable, accountable, and fair business processes. This includes using appropriate waivers, contracts and agreements, dispute management processes, and insurance.
  8. Members will respect clients’ privacy and confidentiality and carefully maintain the security of their physical and digital records.
  9. Members will obtain informed consent from clients regarding any video recordings or photographs and the use or publication of such images.
  10. Members will accurately represent their qualifications, experience and membership of APDT and other organisations to clients and in any advertising to the community.
  11. Members will use the APDT logo appropriately according to APDT policy and will not present themselves as spokespersons for the organisation without prior approval.
  12. Members are expected to engage respectfully with other members and use the association’s conflict resolution processes for internal issues and disputes.
  13. Members are expected to engage respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders who are not members and avoid disrespectful or derogatory personal commentary in public forums, the media and social media.

Suggested Position Papers

  1. Aversive methods and tools
  2. Positive reinforcement methodology
  3. Information management requirements for dog trainers
  4. Social media policy
  5. Informed consent
  6. Guidelines for the use of APDT logos
  7. Emergency and temporary restraint
  8. Professional education
  9. Procedural Issues

If these two codes are adopted, they may become appendices to the APDT Constitution.

  • Section 13, 1b of the APDT Constitution would need to be amended to accommodate them by adding the words ‘and/or Code of Conduct’.
  • All members will be expected to sign up to the revised codes of ethics and conduct when they join or renew their membership and committee will take action against any violations seriously