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Hi all! Here’s my code of conduct. This is very tailored to me and my specific passions.
1. Lead with empathy and compassion
Towards the owner: Build trust with clients by being an active listener who has a deep understanding of their situation and their needs. Provide support and guidance outside of training sessions.
Towards the dog: Embrace the dog’s viewpoint of the world. Be patient and develop a genuine bond. Reward every win and exude positivity.
2. Foster safe spaces
Towards the owner: Encourage open, candid, collaborative communication and honest feedback. Respectfully take critiques. Speak humbly and approachably to clients.
Towards the dog: Above all, prioritize the happiness and wellbeing of the dog using humane practices. Consistently re-evaluate, analyze and make necessary changes to ensure the dog feels safe and advocated for.
Towards the owner & dog: Guide with confidence and a calm presence.
3. Operate with respectful professionalism
Towards the owner: Respect each owner’s unique beliefs, values and experiences as the dog parent. Speak with kindness and professionalism. Uphold all confidentiality agreements.
Towards the dog: Build mutual respect by respecting the dog’s feelings and boundaries. Train using LIMA-based practices while creating consistency and promoting positive interactions.
Towards other trainers: Never put down other trainers — publicly or privately — in a negative, unprofessional manner. Respectfully disagree and/or invite them to learn more about my point of view if they’re interested.
4. Be transparent and honest in…
My experience: Provide all clients with my certifications and background. Work only with dogs within my limits of knowledge, skills and abilities. If I do not have the skills necessary, I will offer recommendations and support in finding a trainer who does.
My training methods & business: Ensure clients understand my training methods and the dogs schedule, plan and goals. Openly share and display customer reviews. Encourage questions and answer honestly.
My communication style: Set expectations to clients upfront as to business hours, preferred communication style and communication turnaround time.
My administrative practices: Send clients all necessary paperwork upfront, such as pricing, financing and payment options, contracts, waivers, confidentiality agreements and process documents. Always communicate updates and changes.
5. Adapt and iterate
For the owner: Actively listen to feedback from the owner and adapt approach as needed. Tailor communication style to the method that works best for the dog owner. Be open to change and quickly iterate on what’s already been built.
For the dog: Tailor training methods to each dog’s individual needs, temperament, personality and learning speed. Identify what is and isn’t working and adapt accordingly.
6. Be accountable
To my actions – Personally and professionally
In my commitments to clients – Be on time and follow through with all training plans/goals
In my communications – Respond thoroughly and in a timely manner
7. Be objective
Remove personal biases in all situations. Remove myself from clients or situations if I am unable to do so.
8. Stay committed to continued education
Continue meeting certification and licensing requirements
Keep up with industry standards and seek out new, innovative techniques
Always look for ways to improve skill set
Network with and learn from other trainers
Mentor new trainers
Read, research, and value the science
Never stop asking questions
9. Value collaboration
Create a holistic, consistent approach to training by working with my client, their vet, behaviorist and/or any other relevant parties when applicable.
10. Give back
Provide pro bono training services, volunteer time or knowledge sharing with a rescue in need to help increase the chances of successful adoptions, while reducing return rates and promoting responsible dog ownership.
