Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand Code of Ethics

 This Code of Ethics sets forth those guidelines that Full Members are required to follow in order to gain and maintain Full membership status:

Definitions:

“APDTNZ” – Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand Incorporated

“Full Member” – means a current financial member of the APDTNZ that has, on joining the APDTNZ, committed to complying with the current Code of Ethics

Responsibility to Clients

·       Full Members must:

o   make the long-term welfare of the dog of primary importance bearing in mind the needs of society.

o   only use humane, dog-friendly techniques in the training of dogs and shall develop and apply training programs in line with the APDTNZ’s mission of advocating non-aversive dog-friendly training.

o   promote a nurturing human-canine relationship between caregivers and dogs.

o   provide professional assistance to persons without discrimination based on race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, religion, political beliefs, national origin, or sexual orientation.

o   respect the right of clients to make decisions regarding their dog’s management, training, and care.

o   ensure and oversee the safety of clients, animals, and the public in implementing training and behaviour programs.

o   refrain from giving guarantees regarding the outcome of training because there is no sure way to guarantee the cooperation and performance of all parties involved and because the knowledge and measurement of animal behaviour is incomplete. This does not limit the Full Member from offering a guarantee of client satisfaction with the professional undertaking by the Full Member of the services provided.

Full Members should obtain signed (or electronically acknowledged) waivers, contracts, or agreements prior to the start of services.

 Confidentiality

·         Full Members must:

o   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 consent.

o   maintain records of all clients, their dogs, services provided, and the training plan when relevant.

o   obtain informed consent from clients before audio/video recording or permitting third-party observation.

Professional Competence and Integrity

·       Full Members must:

o   avoid the intentional use of aversive training methods and tools including the use of force, fear or intimidation when designing and implementing any training or behaviour modification plan or dealing with dogs in any other capacity.

o   continue professional development by reading relevant material, attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, and pursuing other education opportunities in order to provide a service based upon sound scientific principles and current best practice.

o   not advise on problems outside their recognised professional competencies and must not provide advice or recommendations in areas of veterinary medicine unless licensed to do so.

o   be aware of, and comply with, applicable laws regarding the reporting of dog bites and suspected animal abuse or neglect.

Responsibility to the Profession

·       Full Members must:

o   promote conscientious dog ownership and incorporate what it means to be a socially responsible dog owner into training programs.

o   be respectful of colleagues and other professionals and not falsely condemn the character of their professional acts.

o   maintain adequate professional liability insurance coverage if they are actively working with clients.

o   refer any suspected medical problems to a veterinarian before beginning or continuing a relationship. The relationship between dog trainers and vets must be cooperative for the benefit of dogs and their people.

·       Any Full Member who has a reasonable ground to believe that another APDTNZ Full Member is not following the code of ethics, is obligated to bring this issue to the attention of the APDTNZ Committee by emailing presidentapdtnz@gmail.com.

Advertising

·         Full Members must:

o   accurately represent their competencies, education, training, and experience that is relevant to their practice of training and behaviour modification.

o   not represent themselves as a spokesperson for APDTNZ Inc without prior approval of the Association.

·         Full Members may advertise themselves as a member of the APDTNZ and use the APDTNZ logo to identify their Full Member status within the APDTNZ.

Training Tools and Techniques

There can never be a definitive list of equipment and techniques that the APDTNZ does not endorse. However, the following are examples of the type of equipment, training methods or techniques which are not to be used by Full Members:

·         Pet corrector or any device that emits a hiss of air

·         Dog stop or any device that emits a loud or high-pitched sound, including ultrasound

·         Training discs or other objects (i.e. rattle cans/bottles/chains/keys/throw stick/chain) that create a loud noise when thrown or dropped

·         Any other device that creates a loud noise that is utilised with the intent of modifying behaviour

·         Any spray collar or device whether remotely, automatically or vocally triggered

·         Liquid sprays

·         Strong smelling substances – e.g., smelling salts/bite back

·         Any form of electronic stimulation training collar or device that applies an electric current to the dog

·         Any slip chain/lead or prong collars

·         Any other device that utilises pain to provide a stimulus to a dog

·         Any technique that use fear, force or intimidation

·         Pinching, Hitting or Biting (of dog)

·         “Alpha roll” or forced “submission”

·         Flooding

·         Any excessive handling that causes pain or discomfort