The Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland
to foster the human/canine bond through education and the promotion
of reward-based, dog-friendly training methods.
APDT Ireland has created the Code of Practice in accordance with our mission statement and State-applied legal requirements. The Code of Practice frames our ethos and objectives and will guide members to understand and adhere to a training approach incorporating kind, efficient and ethical dog training practices.
The Association’s code and practices are designed to give owners confidence that APDT Ireland accredited trainers have a scientifically based dog-training education which will enhance a caring, compassionate and rewarding learning experience for both themselves and their dogs. Below is an abridged version of the APDT Ireland Code of Practice, to include the most salient elements of the Code of Practice. The full code may be obtained at any time from our administrator at info@apdt.ie.
APDT Ireland Abridged Code of Practice
As a member of APDT Ireland, I shall:
- Provide an honest, professional service which at all times embraces humane, scientifically-sound training practices based on learning theory and understanding of canine behaviour, and excludes any pain-inducing, fear-inducing, or avoidance-based techniques.
- Work within my own knowledge, experience and qualifications and to recognise when I should refer to the Association for advice.
- Continue my own professional development and education by attending pertinent canine related seminars, conferences, workshops and pursuing other educational opportunities.
- Respect clients’ wishes regarding treatment and training of their own dogs, and refrain from giving guarantees as to the result of any training programme.
- Provide information and develop behaviour modification and training methodologies based on research and recognised, peer-reviewed scientific research.
- Advise clients to seek suitable professional veterinary advice prior to or before the continuation of an ongoing training programme if an underlying medical condition is suspected.
- Be professional, respecting the privacy of clients at all times, and hold any information provided by clients in confidence, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988 and Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003
- Be respectful of other dog trainers and canine professionals and not falsely condemn their character or professional acts.
- Ensure that class sizes are limited so that each client and dog gets appropriate attention and tuition and to utilise competent training assistants in each class when necessary.
- Have public liability insurance, which is required for annual renewal of membership.
- Not bring the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland into disrepute, or undermine public confidence in the organisation.
- At all times act within the laws of the Republic of Ireland. Persons convicted of animal cruelty, or convicted of a serious criminal offence, are not accepted for membership. Existing members will have their membership terminated should they be convicted of either type of offence, or other offences deemed serious enough by the committee, during the term of their membership.
- Be of good character.
- Adhere to the Professional Code of Practice and to supply the Association with a signed statement to that effect.
- Ensure that working assistants, who are non-members, adhere to the spirit of the Professional Code of Practice.
In addition, all members who engage in dog training classes or consultations which may bring them into contact with children or vulnerable adults, are strongly urged to obtain certified Garda Clearance due to the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016, if they have not already done so. This will become a requirement for membership in due course.
This is my commitment to the Association, my colleagues, my clients and their dogs.
I agree to adhere to this code as long as I am a member of the Association and I understand that any infringement on the above code may result in termination of my membership.
