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Code of Ethics

As a member of APDT Australia Inc. I shall:

  • Perform services to the best of my ability within the guidelines of this Code of Ethics.
  • Employ only humane, dog-friendly techniques in the training of dogs.
  • Actively reject the use of harsh, physical, psychological, coercive and aversive methods in the training of dogs (including the use of electric shock collars and/or pinch/prong collars).
  • Make the welfare of the dog of primary importance.
  • Be honest and trustworthy.
  • Treat all dogs with respect.
  • Do no harm.
  • Promote responsible dog ownership.
  • Actively pursue ongoing education in order to provide a service based upon sound scientific principles and current best practice.
  • Promote a positive human/canine relationship between owner and dog.
  • Work at developing and applying positive methods of dog training.
  • Provide a service of the highest standard within the limit of my skill, knowledge and ability.
  • Respect the confidentiality and privacy of clients.
  • Not advertise myself as a member of APDT Australia Inc. without prior approval of the Association.
  • Not represent myself as a spokesperson for APDT Australia Inc. without prior approval of the Association.

Committee Code of Ethics

APDT Australia Inc committee has adopted the following Code of Ethics for committee members. Committee nominees must agree to abide by them before election.

As a member of APDT Australia Inc committee I agree to:

  • Act in good faith, honestly and in the best interests of the Association.
  • Act on the member's behalf. While the outcomes of committee decisions may not always be right, they must always be honest and in the Association's best interest. A committee member's duty is to act in the Association's interest.
  • Exercise my powers and discharge my duties with due care and diligence.
  • Exercise all powers for the benefit of the Association. The welfare of the Association is paramount.
  • Avoid conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest must be made clear to the committee as soon as possible.
  • Abide by my statutory duty and not make improper use of information pertaining to the Association.
  • Abide by my statutory duty and not make improper use of the position I hold on the committee.

Prong Collars

Letter sent to local governments and animal welfare organisations
Letter on Prong Collars (pdf - 530Kb)

Australian Veterinary Association

Stance on Shock and Prong Collars

Letter to POCTA (pdf - 53Kb)

UK Article on TV Dog Trainers

Anti Dominance Article (pdf - 292Kb)

American Veterinary Science of Animal Behaviour Position Statements

Punishment (pdf - 2.6Mb)
Dominance (pdf - 2.6Mb)

The Bateson Report

The Bateson Report (pdf - 2.4Mb)

The Bateson Report Letter

The Bateson Report Letter (doc - 32.5Kb)

ACAC Report Media Release

ACAC Media Release (pdf - 102Kb)
ACAC suggested Article (pdf - 17Kb)

RSPCA Australia Discussion Paper on Puppy Farms

RSPCA Puppy Farm Discussion Paper (pdf - 2.6Mb)

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