25/11/2025
Big news in the service dog trainer industry.
I have only used rewards-based methods for many years. This is true for all the At Your Service Dog Training trainers. When we help people to train their own service dogs, we use only kind and humane methods, with dogs and humans alike. We want to empower both ends of the leash to be their best, without fear or force.
As a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), I actually signed a pledge over ten years ago that I would only promote humane training methods.
However, among programs that train service dogs and place them with people with disabilities, there is a long history of using aversive methods. Slowly, in recent years, in that industry there has been a move toward relying more on food rewards and event markers (like clickers) more and less on prong and choke chains.
I learned recently that one of the most influential organizations in the service dog program industry, ADI - Assistance Dogs International, had started to require their member programs to use LIMA (least intrusive minimally aversive) methods. That means, in essence, that positive methods must always be used first, and aversives only as a last resort. That was a BIG shift.
A few days ago, I got an email from KPA saying that the Joint Standards of Practice for a number of dog training organizations had been updated to now promote ONLY positive methods. On this list was ADI!
Hooray! I'm utterly delighted to see that this influential organization in the service dog program world has continued its shift to all-reward-based methods. ❤
Read the SJOP announcement below.
-Sharon
An Announcement from The Joint Standards of Practice
Strengthening Standards Through Collaboration
As part of our ongoing collaboration to strengthen the animal training and behavior profession, we’re excited to share updates to the Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP) and invite you to celebrate this progress with us.
Since its founding in 2018, the JSOP has united leading organizations in the animal training and behavior field to promote excellence through science-based, humane, and ethical practices. This coalition represents the first industry-wide effort to develop shared standards that foster professional collaboration and prioritize animal well-being.
Over time, the JSOP has been updated and expanded to reflect the field’s continued growth and commitment to professional integrity. The following organizations currently endorse the Joint Standards of Practice:
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
The Association for Professional Dog Training (APDT)
IAABC Foundation (IAABCF)
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
Grisha Stewart Academy
Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior
Understand Horses
Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA)
Together, these organizations have committed to a shared ethical framework that integrates the latest understanding of behavior, learning, and animal welfare. Recent updates ensure the document continues to align with advances in training practices, ethics, and the principles of animal well-being. Review the updated Joint Standards of Practice and Professional Code of Ethics here.
Looking ahead, the JSOP coalition will continue refining and strengthening these shared standards, while inviting additional organizations to join as signatories. Each new collaboration helps unify and elevate our profession, creating consistent, transparent expectations for animal behavior and training practitioners worldwide.
While individual organizations may maintain additional standards, the JSOP serves as a common foundation that enhances collective credibility, fosters public trust, and supports best practices across the industry.
A formal process for feedback is planned for the new year. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more cohesive professional community — one grounded in science, compassion, and collaboration.
Warm regards,
The JSOP Coalition
