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Statement:

Association of Pet Dog Trainers’ position on Breed Specific Legislation and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

The APDT (The Association of Pet Dog Trainers) upholds the view that legislation written to prevent dog attacks on people should target those that in most cases are the cause of dog behaviour problems, irresponsible owners.

It is unfair and misguided to legislate on the basis of breed when established scientific research proves that environmental factors are as influential to behaviour as is genetic inheritance.

The APDT believes that an amnesty, giving owners the opportunity to surrender their dogs to be euthanised, is likely to result in the needless execution of many well adjusted pet dogs rather than achieve its aim of preventing further dog attacks or eliminating dangerous dogs.

Educating the public in the responsibilities of dog ownership is vital to prevent dog related incidents from happening and we believe that legislation which targets those who do not take their responsibility seriously would be the course of action necessary to reduce the number of dog attacks in the future.

 

February 2007

 

 

Electric Shock Collars

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the UK’s largest professional pet dog training body, is joining the fight to have the use of electric shock collars banned under the new Animal Welfare Bill.

The APDT has a very strict code of conduct for its members, ensuring that dogs are trained only in a positive and humane way. Electric shock collars are totally at odds with this code, training dogs using pain and fear.

The Kennel Club has been heading the anti-shock collar campaign in the UK, and the APDT is proud to support them in their goal – along with an ever-growing number of professionals and members of the dog-owning public who agree that there is no place in a humane society for such aversive and painful methods of training.

Modern dog training has thankfully progressed far from the days when punishment was the most common method of teaching dogs – in the same way as education has progressed from caning children in schools. The APDT acknowledges that there is no behaviour or training problem in dogs that is best dealt with by delivering an electric shock into a dog’s neck. All problems are best solved using up-to-date reward-based training methods and responsible dog ownership – following the APDT’s motto of “kind, fair and effective”. The APDT further recognises that not only are these collars inhumane, but their use can give rise to far more serious problems than the ones originally being treated – often causing serious aggression or debilitatingly fearful behaviours, as they tap directly into a dog’s natural ‘flight or fight’ response.

A spokesperson for the APDT said “We are totally committed to having these barbaric pieces of equipment consigned to dog training history. It is ur professional opinion that it is totally unacceptable to train dogs using such inhumane devices, and a complete ban should be implemented as soon as possible. Dogs are meant to be man’s best friend – and you don’t cause your best friend pain and fear in the name of education.”

For further information on the APDT’s campaign to have electric shock collars banned contact:

Carolyn Menteith, APDT Media Officer

Telephone: 01932 872069

E-mail: carolyn@dogtalk.co.uk

 

 

Electronic Training Aids Survey

If you are interested in helping with a survey in the use of electronic training aids, please click here.

 

 

 

Mr Carwyn Jones

Minister for Environment, Planning and the Countryside

Welsh Assembly Government

Cardiff Bay

CF99 1NA

 

16th December 2006

 

Dear Minister,

 

On behalf of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) I would like to say how pleased we are to learn of your intention to introduce legislation banning the use of electric shock training devices for companion animals in Wales.

The APDT strongly supports all moves forward to ban these devices and has given its wholehearted support to the kennel club campaign.

In taking this step, your example will hopefully set a precedent for other parts of the UK and we can hope that a nationwide ban will come into effect as a result.

As the message is spread regarding the benefits and effectiveness of reward based training and through your stand, the future looks better for our companion animals.

If there is any way that we can support you in your introduction of the legislation, please contact the APDT office in the first instance and we will be pleased to do what we can to help.

 

Yours sincerely,

Mary Burnside

Chairman APDT