Code of Professional Ethics
Amended July 10, 2018
The Professional Code of Ethics was created to
set forth guidelines for members. Any members is
subject to termination of membership, revocation of
certification, and/or other disciplinary actions if they:
(a) are convicted of a felony that involves violence
against people or animals (b) engage in conduct
which could lead to conviction of a felony, or a mis-
demeanor, related to their qualifications or functions;
(c) engage in cruelty, abuse, or neglect of animals
or humans, crimes against humanity or of violence
against animals or humans; (d) fail to cooperate with
the organization at any point from the inception of
an ethical complaint through the completion of all
proceedings regarding that complaint. Any member,
or member applicant, who wishes to appeal the
termination may do so in accordance with the com-
plaints process.
Principle I: Responsibility to Clients
1.1 Trainers/behavior consultants provide profession-
al assistance to persons without discrimination on
the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic sta-
tus, disability, gender, health status, religion, political
beliefs, national origin, or sexual orientation.
1.2 Trainers/behavior consultants are aware of, and
comply with, applicable laws regarding the reporting
of animal bites and suspected abuse or neglect.
1.3 Trainers/behavior consultants respect the right of
clients to make decisions regarding their pet’s man-
agement, training and care. Trainers/behavior consul-
tants are responsible for helping clients understand
the potential consequences of those decisions.
1.4 Trainers/behavior consultants obtain informed
consent from clients before videotaping, audio
recording, or permitting third-party observation.
1.5 Trainers/behavior consultants obtain signed
waivers, contracts, or agreements prior to the start
of services.
1.6 Trainers/behavior consultants ensure and oversee
the safety of clients, animals, and the public in imple-
menting training and behavior programs.
Principle II: Confidentiality
2.1 Trainers/behavior consultants do not share
confidential information that could reasonably lead
to the identification of a client, or prospective client,
research participant, or other person with whom they
have a confidential relationship, unless they have ob-
tained the prior written consent of the client, research
participant, or other person with whom they have a
confidential relationship.
2.2 Trainers/behavior consultants keep accurate
and complete records of all clients, their animals,
services provided, and the conclusion of the services
provided.
2.3 Trainers/behavior consultants provide referring
veterinarians with professional feedback on services
provided and training or behavior plans to improve
continuity of care and ensure the collaborative rela-
tionship between health and behavior professionals.
Principle III: Professional Competence and
Integrity
3.1 Trainers/behavior consultants work to minimize
the use of aversive stimuli and maximize the effective
use of positive reinforcement to modify animal
behavior through a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive
(LIMA) based approach.
3.2 Trainers/behavior consultants maintain compe-
tence in training and behavior through continuing
education.
3.3 Trainers/behavior consultants maintain adequate
knowledge of, and adhere to, applicable laws, ethics,
and professional standards.
3.4 Trainers/behavior consultants provide truthful
advertising and representation concerning their
qualifications, certifications, experience, performance
and pricing of services.
3.5 Trainers/behavior consultants refrain from pro-
viding guarantees regarding the specific outcome of
training and behavior plans.
3.6 Trainers/behavior consultants provide full disclo-
sure of potential conflicts of interest to clients and
other professionals
3.7 Trainers/behavior consultants work within their
professional education and individual expertise.
3.8 Trainers/behavior consultants seek help and
education when confronted with complex or difficult
cases, and refrain from taking cases beyond their
professional experience.
3.9 Trainers/behavior consultants do not advise on
problems outside the recognized professional edu-
cation and certifications, and do not provide advice
or recommendations in areas of veterinary medicine
or family counseling unless licensed and qualified to
do so.
3.10 Trainers/behavior consultants do not permit em-
ployees, subcontractors or supervisees to perform
or to hold themselves out as competent to perform
professional services beyond their training, level of
experience, and competence based on certification
and education.
3.11 Trainers/behavior consultants exercise care
when stating their professional recommendations
and opinions through public statements.
Principle IV: Responsibility to the Profession
4.1 Trainers/behavior consultants are respectful
of colleagues and other professionals and do not
condemn the character of their professional acts, nor
engage in public commentary, including commentary
in public presentations, written media or on websites,
internet discussion lists or social media, that is
disrespectful, derisive or inflammatory. This includes
cyberbullying, that is, the use of electronic media
for deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior against
colleagues.
4.2 Professional trainers/behavior consultants
maintain adequate professional liability insurance
coverage.
Principle V: Financial Arrangements &
Truthful Representation of Services
5.1 Prior to entering into the professional relationship,
Trainers/behavior consultants clearly disclose and
explain to clients all financial arrangements and fees
related to professional services.
5.2 Trainers/behavior consultants represent facts
truthfully to clients, third party payors and students
regarding services rendered.
Principle VI: Advertising
6.1 Trainers/behavior consultants accurately repre-
sent their competencies, education, training, and
experience relevant to their practice of training and
behavior.
6.2 Trainers/behavior consultants do not use titles
that could mislead the public concerning the identity,
responsibility, source, and status of those practicing
under that name.
6.3 Trainers/behavior consultants correct, wherever
possible, false, misleading, or inaccurate information
and representations made by others concerning the
consultant’s qualifications, services, or products.
6.4 Trainers/behavior consultants do not represent
themselves as providing specialized services unless
they have the appropriate education, training, or
experience.
6.5 Trainers/behavior consultants refrain from making
misrepresentations regarding marketing and logos
for which the practitioner is no longer eligible, and
remove logos and claims of certification when no
longer maintained by the practitioner.
6.6 Trainers/behavior consultants agree to use the
most current logos, and follow recommended usage
of said marketing materials.
6.7 Trainers / behavior consultants shall not commit
business fraud, plagiarism or copyright infringement,
misuse or misappropriation of logos, trademarks,
theft of intellectual property, slander or libel.
Standards of Practice
Amended July 10, 2018
The Standards of Practice provide a framework of
principles to convey a collective principle of pro-
fessionalism, skills and values in positive reinforce-
ment-based training. As members / certificants (col-
lectively referred to as “members”), each individual
member will undertake the following:
• To understand and promote Least Intrusive, Minimally
Aversive (LIMA) training and behavior work.
• To continue professional development by reading
relevant material; attending conferences, workshops
and seminars; and pursuing other educational
opportunities.
• To review and understand source material and aca-
demic texts for information.
• To abstain from representing training and behavioral
information as scientific, unless the information is
derived from peer-reviewed and published research.
• To refrain from offering guarantees regarding the
outcome of training and behavior work.
• To always maintain professionalism through:
- Providing your services honestly
- Treating animals and clients respectfully
- Valuing and preserving the privacy of clients
- Maintaining professionalism with colleagues and
other professionals
_______ Please initial that you have read and agree to abide by the Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Practice.
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers
2365 Harrodsburg Rd., Suite A325, Lexington, KY 40504
Phone: 1-800-PET-DOGS (1-800-738-3647) | Fax: 864-331-0767 | www.apdt.com
click to sign
signature
click to edit
![]()
