05/09/2025
At the Association for Professional Dog Training International, we stand by and for dogs.
Since adopting our Standards of Practice in April 2022 (and reaffirming them in 2024 with the launch of APDT International), one core principle guides everything we do: No training or behavior scenario justifies the intentional use of aversive punishment.
This conviction is rooted in peer-reviewed science and is consistent with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position: tools designed or used with the intent of causing fear, pain, or startling (e-collars, prong/choke collars, bonkers, shaker-cans, leash corrections, harsh verbal reprimands, etc.) elevate stress, suppress learning, and increase the risk of aggression—outcomes that undermine the well-being of both dogs and the people who care for them.
As the largest association in the world for the dog training field, our community’s mission is to advance the profession through science, compassion, and education. We champion methods that safeguard welfare, build trust, and create lasting behavioral change. But a standard is only as strong as the community that lives it. APDT International is a global network of trainers, behavior professionals, veterinarians, animal care professionals, and dog lovers who believe progress happens when knowledge is shared, ideas are explored respectfully, and support flows in every direction. In support of this, all APDT International Members attest to practice within these standards and are held accountable by one of the most robust systems of ethics in the profession.
When we learn together, grow together, and hold space for one another’s perspectives, we elevate the profession and create a brighter future for every dog-human team. If there are differing ideas or opinions, we encourage a healthy, respectful and generative conversation so all may learn and grow as a result. APDT International is a hub for information and collaboration, and we accept that progress is born through challenges to ideas. These challenges should be explored without disrespect, harassment, and personal attacks, which can be significantly diminished as we value science over opinion and prioritize data over hearsay.
Let’s keep building this compassionate, science-driven community together — one conversation, one collaboration, and one success story at a time.
🔗 Explore our full Standards of Practice: https://apdt.com/standards-of-practice/
🔗ASVAB Statement:https://apdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf
🔗 Explore how you can engage with APDT International: https://apdt.com/engagement-benefits/
