Code of Conduct

The welfare of the dogs I work with is of the upmost importance. I will conduct myself honestly, professionally and compassionately and perform the services I provide within the guidelines of this code.

1. Do no harm. This is an ethical principle that has guided medical professionals for centuries and is also my underpinning principle. I oppose to the use of techniques and equipment that harm or scare a dog purposefully.

2. I will combine positive reinforcement training techniques with an understanding of natural dog behaviour to educate owners, with the aim of achieving as far as possible, well socialised, well behaved dogs and good citizens on both ends of the leash. I will use and advocate training methods that rely on eliciting and reinforcing desired behaviours, inhibiting or discouraging unwanted or potentially dangerous behaviours with an acceptable level of ‘punishment’, and minimising what many may call ‘aversive’ techniques.

3. I will develop my skills and knowledge by keeping myself informed of advances in the field of canine behaviour, sensibly evaluating developing theories and training methods, and promoting them in a manner that will best serve my clients.

4.  When designing training and behavioural modification programs, I will take into account the physical and psychological well being of my client and the individual dog(s). I will also endeavour to include responsible caring ownership into their training.

5. I may guarantee in general, satisfaction with my services, however I can not promising specific training outcomes or results. I can determine and recognise my own professional limits and abilities, be open and honest with clients and where necessary refer clients to another practitioners who may be able to further support them.

6. Privacy policy and the data protection act; I do not disclose any information pertaining to my clients or their dog without the client's written permission.

7. I should at all times be aware that the client has called me in as a professional and should conduct my behaviour with tact and sympathy and strive to become people orientated in my dealings with clients.

8. I respect the views and independence of other dog trainers and behaviour practitioners, and will not publicly decry their conduct, methods or opinions unless the conduct, method or opinions could be considered as abuse.

9. I shall at all times conduct my work considering the health and safety of myself, my client and the welfare of their dog. I shall also consider my health and safety responsibilities to the general public and maintain a valid public liability and/or professional indemnity insurance policy.

10. This code of conduct is a living document and will be developed to reflect adaptive dog training methods.

Family Dogs collects and processes personal information about you when you engage their services. This is essential for them to carry out the service effectively and fulfill their regulatory obligations. Family Dogs uses personal information collected for internal record keeping, completion of correspondence with you and implementation of services. The choice of how much information you provide is always in your control, however, certain information may be required in order for them to provide a service. Family Dogs will not distribute your personal information to third parties other than referring veterinarians unless we have your permission to do so or are required to by law or regulation.

If you believe that any information of yours in Family Dogs' possession is incorrect, or if you wish to cease corresponding with them or for them to remove your information from their system, please contact them and they will take the necessary steps subject to legal regulation - within 28 days of receipt.