Code of Ethics | Professional Conduct, Assurance, Proactivity + Standard of Care

1. Do no harm, emotionally or physically, to any dog/pet in care.

2. Build a loving, trusting bond that builds confidence and security in every dog/cat/pet in care. Advocate for your dogs.

3. Never compromise the bond by harsh demeanor, disrespect or abuse of any kind. Respect all dogs in your care, and their individual needs.

4. Always maintain awareness of every pet’s needs and assist diligently, humanely and professionally, as required.

5. Ensure the physical safety of dogs at every juncture. Put high caliber safety protocols in place and have a plan for every possible scenario. Eliminate risk.

6. Never hurt or abuse a dog that hurts one of yours.

7. Practice LIMA, R+ or FF training methods. Never punish (hit, kick, etc.) or use aversive tools with your dogs.

8. Educate Owners at every opportunity, to LIMA/R+/FF standards. Discourage their use of aversive tools wholly, resolutely and persuasively. Offer sound alternatives (training, if you know how to train, or refer to a trainer. Never improvise.).

9. Demonstrate skill and leadership: build and grow your LIMA/R+/FF knowledge and skillset through coursework, respected reading materials and working with LIMA/R+/FF Trainers. Be a resource for information and positive techniques to dogs and clients.

10. Be transparent and truthful about qualifications. Never represent yourself falsely.

11. Work within your specialty. Refer all cases outside your specialty to an appropriate specialist (ie: Trainer, Veterinarian).

12. Refer dogs with behavioural challenges to certified and credentialed R+ and FF Trainers only. They can be found on the ccpdt.org website, among others.

13. Escort wounded dogs to a veterinarian or VEC immediately.

14. Carry first aid implements on your person or in car.

15. Take Animal First Aid/CPR courses every 3 years.

16. Maintain client and vet contacts on your person, for reference in emergencies.

17. Always ensure dogs in care are thriving with the activities provided. If they are not, refer the pup to another who can meet that basic requirement.

18. Be aware of and comply with all applicable laws, bylaws, regulations, and ethical standards governing professional practices, treatment of animals (including cases of neglect or abuse), and reporting of dog bites or abuse in your region, when interacting with the public and when providing services.

19. Understand and protect yourself from liability. Be aware of law and negligence, and ensure that you are insured with coverage that assists your dogs, in the event of an emergency (ie: car accident). Be responsible, diligent and prepared, professionally.

20. Vigorously protect and safeguard client homes, contents, keys and all confidential information.

21. Involve yourself in the growth and improvement of our industry.

22. Respect your peers openly and visibly. If an issue arises, offer and/or accept help from another. Do not defame, slander or commit libel in any forum. Refer problematic cases to CDWA for investigation.

23. Do not solicit another’s clients.

24. Train your staff to high standard to prevent mistakes/liability and nurture the industry’s interests.

25. Prioritize and commit to the industry’s collective knowledge, aggregated wisdom, direction and improvement. Embrace productive change, especially as it relates to the humane treatment of animals.

AGREEMENT TO THIS CODE OF ETHICS ensures that dogs receive the highest standard of humane care, treatment and training—not only that needs are met, but that they thrive. Likewise, Owners will be in an advantageous position with quality practices and information under your leadership.