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.

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.

Every member must agree to follow the Codes of Ethics and Conduct. Any member who does not follow these codes may be expelled from the Association.