Member's Create Our Code of Conduct Here

[Patryk Krawczyk]

Hello everyone I see everybody already made a lot of compares and after reading commends i only will add something from my rules of participation in classes. I raise the topic to also obtain certain behaviors from customers, and this already says a lot about our standards. There are some parts:

. Vaccinations and health:

a. All dogs participating in the training must be vaccinated in accordance with applicable regulations.

c. In case of any health problems, the participant is obliged to inform the instructor before starting classes.

d. It is forbidden to participate in classes with dogs suffering from infectious diseases (e.g. dog runny nose, conjunctivitis, etc.)

Punctuality:

Participants are obliged to participate in classes on time.

Any “dirt” left by dogs must be cleaned up immediately by owners, and it is forbidden to throw away bottles and other garbage on the training ground.

Any form of violence towards the dog is strictly prohibited.

Photographing and recording during classes is allowed only with the consent of all participants.

.Prohibition of consuming intoxicating substances:

a. Any use of narcotic substances by training participants is strictly prohibited.

b. Participants will be immediately excluded from classes if this rule is violated.

Childcare:

a. If accompanied by children, parents are fully responsible for their safety and behavior.

b. Children who are not training participants should remain under constant adult supervision.

Instructor Education:

a. Instructors are obliged to regularly improve their skills by participating in training and courses.

[Taylor Lenburg]

I like the inclusion and acknowledgment of children in your post. I think its a factor that is easy to overlook. Setting clear expectations for children participating in orobserving training would no doubt be helpful.

[Barbara Sobotka]

Me and Adrian Rykaczewski have been working together for a long time, based on the same principles. I took part in the creation of Adrian’s Code of conduct, so first I thought I’ll just sort out our points, because I still agree with all of them and I would add nothing. But I decided to think about all the rules in a different way and search not for rules, but their foundation – values that guide us. I found only 4, not 10 or more, but I think they are essential and include all the points we wrote down a few months ago.

1. Improvement

Not only dogs learn during training and not only in working directly with dogs we can improve as trainers. We, our clients, other trainers, even our teachers – we are all students whose only difference is the stage of learning. We still have a lot to learn and a lot of opportunities to do so, so have an open mind and still search for new, better ways, according to LIMA.

2. Respect

This point includes the respect for the law, for science, for truth, for the bond between dog and the owner, for canine nature and for human nature – we work with both species in fact. We should act in the right way to show respect and be respected. We should be aware of our own and others’ (people and dogs) needs, weaknesses and strengths, and the time needed to accomplish every single step. In order to safely, effectively and ethically solve any problem or help owner train a dog, we must respect all actual possibilities and limitations (for example not try to speed up the training process, use training hacks or slip over some steps, but in the same time try to solve a problem as soon as possible) and prepare a good training plan, without side effects. By ignoring some factors, we will not get the job done well. Our goal is to create not only good plans, but also doable ones, and for me, that also involves respect.

3. Courage

Courage means speaking the truth, even if it is inconvenient for us or others. We have to act responsible even if that means to refuse or break the work with the dog or redirect clients to other trainers. Courage is often necessary to change point of view, face the consequences of mistakes and start to search for new answers.

4. Love

If you don’t love this profession and the things that come with it, all the points above just won’t work.

Now IACP and APDT codes of ethics:

Both codes are based on the need to define clear rules – in IACP it is done chaotically in the form, so these rules aren’t so clearly shown as they should be, and in APDT the form imposes a certain order, which I like.

In my opinion, in a lot of cases the trainer is an advocate for the dog and must represent its interests, of course respecting the needs of his client and the relationship between the client and his dog. Training should make their living together better. However, both of these codes say nothing about this issue, focusing only on the relationship between the “human” sides of the work in this profession.

In both codes there is no guarantee of results, but also neither of them contains information about the expected results, the training plan and steps, approximate time needed, the most likely consequences of the actions taken, and possible alternatives.

In IACP my attention was particularly drawn to the point: “IACP members may not seek to deprive any canine professional of his or her ability to conduct his or her business by seeking to restrict or ban accepted and established tools of the trade, or by seeking to restrict or ban accepted and established techniques and practices within the industry through calls for boycotts, restrictions, bans, or other actions designed to interfere with free marketplace participation of a canine professional in his or her business. Accepted and established tools of the trade include, but are not limited to, leashes, harnesses, training collars, slip collars, prong collars, head halters, remote electronic collars, and electronic pet containment systems. Accepted and established techniques and practices include, but are not limited to, those techniques and practices described in published books, videos, and professional seminars. A personal preference shall be allowed in the individual member’s choice of methods, equipment and techniques within their own practice.” The first part is good, but in the second part there should be principles or rules for ethical using tools, according to LIMA. But in IACP code, everyone can use any “techniques and practices described in published books, videos, and professional seminars” without verifying the ethics of these techniques and practices and even without verifying the competences of authors of these “books, videos, and professional seminars”. So it seems that everyone can do anything with dogs, using any tool in any way they want.

I was looking for a good code of ethics in Polish organizations to compare and I ended up with “Psychologist’s code of ethics” in Polish Psychological Association. I think it is really well written and quite accurately reflects the issues related to the profession of a dog trainer. For those interested: Kodeks etyczny psychologa – Polskie Towarzystwo Psychologiczne (PTP)

psych.org.pl

Kodeks etyczny psychologa

Kodeks etyczny psychologa

[Hailey Mott]

Comparing & Contrasting the IACP and APDT:

In reviewing the codes of conduct, each organization comes off as as credible, professional and advocates for humane practices; it’s really just a matter of where your values and training styles align with more. Between both, there is a lot of overlap in important areas:

1. Honesty
• Give clients honest feedback and opinions
• Avoid guaranteed statements and create realistic training plans
• Create transparency in your services (do not deceive your clients)
• Be honest about your skillset and credentials
• Adhere to the promised training plan and schedule
2. Respect
• Respect clients and how they manage, handle and care for their dogs
• Respect your clients in how you speak to and teach them
• Respect the public and local laws and spaces
• Respect the code of conduct that you serve
3. Inclusiveness
• Be respectful and inclusive to all clients, no matter the race, age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, religion, political beliefs, national origin, or sexual orientation
4. Competency
• Ensure that as a trainer you take on only clients that you have the skillset and expertise for
• Assess and recognize when it’s best to recommend another professional for the job
• Serve customers with proper time, care and attention
• Set your clients up for success
5. Empathy
• Listen and understand your client and their dog’s unique needs
• Adjust and create custom training plans accordingly
6. Professionalism
• Act professionally, as you are a reflection of the organization, the dog training industry and your own business
7. Continued education
• Continue to further your education — increase knowledge, skills and experience
• Stay current and remain open-minded/respectful to other training methods
8. Confidentiality
• Do not release documentation, advertising, client conversations, etc. without their consent
9. Humanity
• Use minimally aversive methods and humane practices
10. Follow your respective codes of conduct & report members who do not adhere

Overall, I found the APDT’s code of conduct to be easier to read through, more strict and detailed, with a variety of topics included. It’s clear that positive reinforcement practices are on the forefront. However, I believe that their mentions of LIMA can be a grey area and should be updated.

It states that trainers should minimize aversives and promote LIMA training. If you are not following this, there is a system for filing complaints and it is taken very seriously. This is great because it encourages safe practices, but due to the lack of details of what this entails, this could cause subjectivity when it comes to the choice of tools. More of an antidote/example to clarify: I’ve heard stories of APDT certified trainers who have had complaints filed against them for what they believed to be minimally aversive, but the trainer filing the complaint disagreed. To ensure objectivity and minimize biases within this organization, clarity is needed. Are they using Steven Lindsay’s LIMA or a modified version? Currently, their site has more information about filing a LIMA-based complaint against an APDT member than explaining how to follow it.

In comparison, the IACP’s code of conduct is more broad. My inference is that the broad nature is intentional; a way to give their trainers more flexibility on their methods, tools and training opinions (this could also be seen as positive or negative). The IACP seems business-forward. While their code of conduct feels less intimidating to me with more freedom, it also seems less written with care — or possibly generic — due to it’s short nature (versus the APDT’s). It could benefit from adding a few rules that the APDT has that I found valuable:

• Encourage trainers to document everything and have contracts
• Have liability insurance
• Be aware of and avoid conflicts of interest
• Give advice/rules related to branding, logos, advertising, copyrights, and more

These small admin and business-related details could save a trainer from a lawsuit.

Additionally, I loved the APDT’s focus on collaboration with their client’s vets/other related professionals and ensuring a holistic, cross-care approach. I believe that no matter the organization, this should be of importance.

[Hailey Mott]

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.

[Allie Dellosa]

I love how thoughtful and thorough this is. This sets very clear expectations for your process!

[Taylor Lenburg]

APDT vs IACP Code of Conduct

I think the most obvious difference between the two is the IACP’s prohibition of seeking to ban training tools. This would seemingly remove conflict between members of different training styles while also perhaps ‘signalling’ the type of dog trainers they intend to represent. The APDT code is very explicit in it’s emphasis on minimizing aversives and maximizing positive reinforcement. Training philosophy has become codified in expected conduct for the organization. I like that both sites have a whistleblower/ethics complaint section. They also both show very similar commitments to respectful communications, accurate advertisements, continuing education, and legal compliance.

Created Code of Conduct

I found it interesting that neither code mentioned the word “safety” in it. This would seem the paramount concern for anyone working with or directing the instruction of animals with teeth. Other than that, I do not think my proposed code is particularly unique.

1) Safety – All trainers will prioritize the physical safety of themselves, their clients, and their client’s dogs at all times. Due consideration will be given to appropriate restraint, environment, and management equipment.

2) Respect – Clients and colleagues will be spoken to and about politely. There will be zero tolerance for discrimination with regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, or economic background. Sexual harassment is grounds for immediate removal. Dogs will be treated with respect. Unfounded force, intimidation, or impatience is prohibited.

3) Insurance – All members will be required to carry minimal essential liability insurance.

4) Transparency – The client will always be made aware of what will/has happened to train their dog in the event that they are not present. A complete account of expected training (methods, reasoning) must be made before training begins.

5) Conflict of Interest – Trainers will always act in the client’s best interest, and will not promote their own interests at the expense of their client’s.

6) Competence – Trainers will only take on training in areas they are competent in. Competence necessitates experience, knowledge of a pathway to success, and the confidence to execute training correctly.

7) Follow Through – Advertisements will be reasonably accurate and truthfully promote the trainer’s services and abilities. When a service is promised (with the obvious acknowledgement that an outcome can never be guaranteed), it will be provided or otherwise refunded.

8) Privacy – Client privacy will be protected. Personal information or information that could infer the identity of a client will not be shared publically.

9) Legal – The trainer will comply with all national, state, and local laws when training.

10) Bond – All training will always be guided by the intention to strengthen the relationship between handler and dog.

[Kenny Wallace]

I had some help from the wife because I’m basically brain dead writing anything like this but, we came up with something that would encourage more ethics and discourage certain things like taking other garbage information and fraudulent info related to dog training that’s tainted the industry, this code of conduct would also apply to staff and clients alike and i decided that ill have them agree to these as a list of terms due to the fact that i had recently dropped a client for unethical and abusive behavior behind closed doors without my knowledge. Any feedback is appreciated.

CODE-OF-CONDUCT.docx 18 KB Word Document - Click to view

Options

• Copy Download Link

[Jenni Shedarowich]

[Informal] compare and contrast of IACP and APDT Code of Conduct/Ethics

The IACP page is a much more general outline of standards compared to the APDT page (which has more than double the list size) but seems to cover all of the same nine basic principles that the APDT both defines and details more specifically and descriptively.

I feel the APDT version is more effective in addressing every possible point, leaving little to no room for grey areas or interpretation regarding exactly how they expect their members to behave and conduct themselves in the industry and the association to operate. I appreciate the in-depth thoroughness and concise language when I think particularly of new trainers and new members being made aware of what they may not know or have not yet considered to conduct ethical, transparent services especially from a business perspective in the dog industry. It is an excellent educational tool in and of itself, and if based on this code alone to judge which is the “better” organization to join, I would choose APDT.

Unfortunately, this promising outlook almost immediately breaks down when reading their Position Statements where they unilaterally condemn the use of specific, more “traditional” aversive tools and techniques in favor of other aversive tools that they claim allegedly do not cause fear, pain, or intimidation. The irony is their rebranded aversives (e.g. “gentler” because of material, not startling but “interrupting”, Nothing in Life is Free leadership that is more like a dictator for an owner as a general rule, etc) actually I find increases frustration in the dog, can increase behavior fall out from misuse and incorrect/unintended application of techniques, including Koeher techniques on a cloth collar which I have direct personal experience of the failure of these methods and the trachael damage they can do. Any poor results in my experience is blamed on the owner or trainer as less experienced…this is actually written in the APDT Standard as “Trainers who are unable to train a specific behavior or to a specific outcome without resorting to aversive techniques, may use APDT International’s resources to learn more or contact and work with trainers who can help.” which has since been rewritten to soften the passive-aggressive and belittling tone the document originally conveyed when I looked into joining the APDT in 2024 or so. This lends to a silently implied and covert smear campaign on trainers and methods using these tools and techniques that is falsely representative, unethical, and closes the door for a learning and collaborative field.

On the other hand the IACP does a beautiful job of communicating the importance of understanding and skill in all techniques, when and why to use one or the other, and the potential risks (which funny enough is an APDT ethics code item). The reverse could also be said, what are the risks of NOT employing certain techniques and the potential long term or short-term issues at a minimum from prolonging behavior, operating on unrealistic scenarios for training plan implementation to avoid stress, leading to higher anxiety, a stifled coddled animal and partnership with medication for otherwise natural canine behavior displays.

One other interesting thing to note that I think is telling at least of the industry landscape if not a broader underlying scope in the world is that the majority of information and points I thought I would find under Code of Ethics are housed under Standards of Practice on both sites. It seems folks, including myself, when navigating to an organization are immediately looking for Methods – what methods do they use? Are they positive? Do they condemn e-collars? Do they promote aversives? Many layman and scientific terms are used (or rather confused, in the media and public forum), for a propagandist approach instead of fair and humane use, and true education. Code of Conduct and Ethics has become an afterthought and closely connected now with not-so-common common sense.

At any rate, I am a member of IACP myself, which seems to be the last available professional organization to not discriminate based on equipment type and promotes skilled use and ability in ALL tools as a crucial component of a qualified professional.

EDIT: I really would just use and keep APDT’s honestly, but will post my top ten as a sub-reply here to myself.

[Jenni Shedarowich]

My Top 10/My Code of Ethics (much is reordered or combined pulled from APDT)

1. Shall provide professional assistance to persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, religion, political beliefs, national origin, or sexual orientation. Shall obtain informed consent from clients before videotaping, audio recording, or permitting third-party observation. Shall obtain signed waivers, contracts or agreements prior to the start of services. Shall not share confidential information that could reasonably lead to the identification of a client, or prospective client, research participant, or other person with whom they have a confidential relationship, unless they have obtained the prior written consent of the client, research participant, or other person with whom they have a confidential relationship. Shall clearly disclose and explain to clients all financial arrangements and fees related to professional services prior to entering into a professional relationship
2. Shall ensure and oversee the safety of clients, animals, and the public in implementing training and behavior programs, shall work to eliminate the use of aversive stimuli and maximize the effective use of positive reinforcement to modify animal behavior. and shall keep accurate and complete records of all clients, their animals, services provided, and the conclusion of the services provided. Shall maintain adequate professional liability insurance coverage. Shall maintain competence in training and behavior through continuing education in all training methods and not discriminate equipment or method based on tool, history, personal opinion or possible uses or potential for misuse by a nonprofessional.
3. Shall provide referring veterinarians with professional feedback on services provided and training and/or behavior plans to improve continuity of care and ensure the collaborative relationship between health and training and/or behavior professionals. Shall seek help and education when confronted with complex or difficult cases, and refrain from taking cases beyond their professional experience.
4. Shall provide truthful advertising and representation concerning their qualifications, certifications, experience, performance, and pricing of services. Shall refrain from providing guarantees regarding the specific outcome of training and behavior plans. Shall work within their professional education and individual expertise. Shall not represent themselves as providing specialized services unless they have the appropriate education, training, or experience. Shall correct, wherever possible, false, misleading, or inaccurate information and representations made by others concerning their qualifications, services, or products. Shall refrain from making misrepresentations regarding marketing and logos for which they are no longer eligible and remove logos and claims of certification when no longer maintained. Shall agree to use the most current logos and follow recommended usage of said marketing materials. Shall not commit business fraud, plagiarism, copyright infringement, misuse or misappropriation of logos or trademarks, theft of intellectual property, slander, or libel.
5. Shall not advise on problems outside their recognized professional education and certifications and shall not provide advice or recommendations in areas of veterinary medicine or family counseling unless licensed and qualified to do so. Shall accurately represent their competencies, education, training, and experience relevant to their practice of training and/or behavior modification. Shall not use titles that could mislead the public concerning the identity, responsibility, source, and status of those practicing under that name.
6. Shall exercise care when stating their professional recommendations and opinions through public statements. Shall be respectful of colleagues and other professionals and shall not condemn the character of their professional acts, nor engage in public commentary, including commentary in public presentations, written media or on websites, internet discussion forums, or social media, that is disrespectful, derisive or inflammatory. This includes cyberbullying, that is the use of electronic media for deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior against colleages.
7. Shall not engage in nor be convicted of cruelty, abuse, or neglect of animals or humans, crimes against humanity, or of violence against animals or humans. Shall not engage in gross misconduct directly related to the responsible party’s professional qualifications.
8. Shall cooperate at all times from the inception of an ethical complaint through the completion of all proceedings regarding that complaint.
9. Shall not threaten or retaliate against any parties or witnesses to a good faith ethics complaint in which the [name of the accounntable party] is involved, both during the course of the complaint and after the completion of all proceedings.
10. Strive to instruct and coach clients in tactful ways that they individually understand and resonate with, that is kind, warm teaching, patient instruction, respectful and empathetic, without teasing, judgement or belittlement, and not acted on in frustration. Seek to determine their learning style and adapt teaching styles and relatable examples and encouraging stories to maximize comprehension and motivation for compliance for outcome success. Learn about different teaching methods, human learning styles, communication methods and tools, factors in perceptions, and act in genuine authenticity with motivation from the heart only to help families through helping their dogs.