Code of Ethics

Professional Stance

It is the philosophy the Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association that we employ modern, humane scientifically proven training methods based on positive reinforcement and where appropriate negative punishment, which are the most effective and least harmful methods to use in dog behavioural training and most conducive to facilitating the human-animal bond.

The Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association believes that based on research, training methods employing positive punishment and negative reinforcement are less efficient, risk increased harm to the animal and are more likely to negatively impact on the human-animal bond.

The Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association without reservation does not condone or support the use of aversive training tools such as (but not limited to) correction collars, prong collars, electronic shock collars and electric fencing. The Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association also unreservedly rejects the use of aversive training methods such as loud, harsh yelling, leash jerking/corrections, stringing up, alpha-rolling, scruff-shaking, spraying the dog on any area of its body with fluid, throwing things at or near the animal, hitting the animal or in any other way creating fear, stress or pain in animals.

Preamble

The Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines and professional practices to which all members agree to abide and conduct themselves at all times. A Code of Ethics assures the public and other professional bodies that Delta Professional Trainers will act responsibly, ethically and professionally in all activities they undertake.

The Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association endorses and embraces the Delta Society Australia philosophy and Code of Ethics.

General Statements

1. Membership in the Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association represents a commitment to the Delta Society philosophy and its programs.
2. Membership in the Association represents a commitment to upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical practices both as described in this Code and, where this Code omits, as good faith and conscience should dictate.
3. As trainers, Members first priority is to do no harm and to promote the welfare of all dogs with which they have professional contact. Likewise, the quality of the relationship between client and dog should be the uppermost in the professional relationship. Members shall demonstrate the highest level of integrity in all their dealings, conducting themselves honestly, professionally and humanely and performing their services within the guidelines of this Code.
4. Members must actively seek to keep abreast with and employ current best practice in the fields of canine behaviour, learning theory and training methods. Members must endeavour to self-educate and educate their peers, remembering that further education can only benefit clients, their dogs and our membership.
5. Members of the Association must at all times promote honest, responsible and ethical training, breeding, selling and guardianship of dogs.
6. The Association will provide appropriate and clear avenues through which complaints may be lodged and resolved. This system will be available to both Members clients and Members and will enable the Association to appropriately and equitably resolve all issues and complaints raised.
7. This Code of Ethics will be reviewed when necessary. Submissions for changes to the Code may be made by any Member, in writing, to the committee which will be voted upon at an Annual General Meeting of the Association.

Training

1. Members will employ and promote only scientifically proven, humane techniques in the training of dogs and handlers.
2. Members will use and advocate methods that primarily focus on positive reinforcement and negative punishment.
3. Members shall terminate a professional training or consulting relationship in the event that a client intends to make use of aversive methods in contravention to the Member’s recommendations and cannot be convinced not to do so.
4. When designing training and behavioural programs, Members shall take into account the physical and psychological well being of the individual dogs and the needs of the clientele. Members shall strive to incorporate all aspects of responsible dog ownership into their training programs.
5. Members will conduct themselves with professionalism at all times and maintain Delta recommended best practice standards. Members shall at no time provide any clients with guarantees that training problems will be resolved, nor of any other specific training outcomes.
6. Members shall recognise their own professional limitations and where necessary refer clients to a more experienced or qualified trainer or a veterinary behaviourist.
7. Members shall never advise or comment on medical diagnoses given by other qualified professionals or dispense prescription medication unless qualified to do so.
8. Members shall not provide clients with a “diagnosis”, “prognosis” or “treatment” and shall not use these terms in any dealings with clients. Only a member who is a qualified Veterinarian may prescribe medication for a client’s dog.
9. Only a member who is a qualified Veterinarian may recommend euthanasia for any client’s dog.
10. Members shall respect client privacy and shall not disclose any information pertaining to the client and/or his/her dog without the client’s permission.
11. Members shall treat all clients and their dogs in a responsible and professional manner, regardless of owner’s ability or dog’s breed.
12. If a member observes a dog displaying potentially dangerous behaviour, they shall inform the client and take all reasonable actions necessary to provide the client with a short-term management strategy until they can see a veterinary behaviourist.
13. Members shall act within all local, state and federal laws at all times.

Business Practices

The Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association recommends that class sizes should be on a ratio of one accredited Instructor to 6 dogs or one accredited Instructor and one assistant to 8 dogs in all classes they conduct for dogs aged over 6 months. Delta Accredited instructors shall have no more than 6 puppies in a puppy class at any time. Members shall:

1. Keep accurate and complete records of all clients and their dogs for a minimum of 7 years.
2. Credit the work of others appropriately where publication or broadcast of such work is made.
3. Be prepared for classes and consultations following the most current Delta Professional Dog Trainers Association guidelines for best practice.
4. Never use any false or misleading statements in any advertising material or other communication with regard to qualifications, endorsements or past performances.
5. Refrain from offering commissions, rebates or kickbacks in return for referrals.
6. Be fair and honest in assessing the needs of both the client and dog and not extend the realistic estimate of time required or equipment needed for personal gain.
7. Ensure that all local, state and federal occupational health and safety laws and requirements are being met at all times.
8. Ensure that if they are a practicing instructor they hold a current First Aid certificate

Relationship with Association Members and Other Trainers

1. Members shall maintain a spirit of cooperation with other trainers and Association members. Members shall not criticise other trainers or Association members in public or to clients.
2. Members must not infringe upon another trainer’s signature mark, copyright, business name or slogan.
3. Members must not knowingly solicit other trainer’s clients, except where some arrangement of cooperation has been made.
4. Members shall refer to other Association members when they themselves are unable to provide a service.
5. Members shall promote, protect and further the interests of the Association and its members.
6. No Member shall represent him/herself as an official Association spokesperson without prior approval of the Committee.
7. No Member shall represent him/herself as an official spokesperson of the Delta Society Australia without prior approval from the Delta Society Australia Board.

Resolution of Ethical Issues

1. When a Member is unsure about whether a particular course of action would be in breach of this Code, that Member must consult the committee for guidance and advice.
2. If the demands of an organisation or client with which the Member is affiliated conflicts with this Code, Members must clarify their ethical responsibilities and either resolve the conflict or terminate the professional relationship.