Growing demands for more industry-led accountability and regulation in the UK dog behaviour and training industry has led to the launch of a new body — the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter Group.
Currently consisting of seven signatory organisations, the group has made a commitment to deliver a positive, fresh vision for the future of the industry.
The organisations involved — COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers (CAPBT), Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), International Canine Behaviourists (ICB), INTODogs, Pet Professional Guild (PPG), UK College of Scent Dogs, and Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training (VSPDT) — believe that regulation of the training and behaviour industry is long overdue, and rather than wait until regulation is imposed from the outside, in a way that doesn’t reflect modern methodology and practices, and doesn’t work for either dogs or owners, it is up to the profession to self-regulate for the good of all.
The group will focus on ways to promote the best standards of welfare, professional conduct, and accountability, with all signatory organisations following a common set of codes held within a central charter, and an independent committee set up to ensure fair and transparent oversight of complaints and grievances.
An announcement will be made in early June about the charter itself, and what it means for professionals, the public, and the future of dog training and behaviour in the UK.
You can find out more at ukdogcharter.org