Code of Practice

This Code of Practice sets out to establish and maintain the minimum standards for conduct when training and aims to ensure ethical, humane, and effective training and behaviour modification practices that prioritise the well-being and rights of dogs. Paws Academy Dog Training only use science-based and force-free methods in their work with dogs. All trainers have a large skill set which to draw upon to ensure that both dog and handler can learn in a fun and engaging way.

Principles

Welfare of the Dog: Prioritising the dog's physical and mental well-being in all training and behaviour modification activities.
Positive Reinforcement: Focusing on rewarding desired behaviours rather than punishing undesired ones.
Informed Consent: Ensuring dog owners are fully informed about the training methods and tools used and obtaining their consent.
Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing education and staying updated with the latest research in dog training and behaviour science. Regularly undertaking Continued Professional Development (CPD’s) annually.
Respect and Empathy: Treating all dogs and their owners with respect and empathy, understanding each dog’s unique needs and circumstances.

Ethics

Non-Harm: Adhering to the principle of "do no harm," avoiding physical or psychological distress to the dog.
Transparency: Being transparent about methods and outcomes and maintaining honest communication with clients.
Confidentiality: Should it be necessary to disclose any information to a third party, consent to disclose this must first be obtained from the client before any information is shared outside of the confidential relationship between the client and Paws Academy. Any disclosure of information must be made only with the client’s written permission unless there are overriding legal, safety, or ethical considerations. This includes information given during a referral process to another professional.
Record Keeping: Confidential records will be kept for clients and written guidance in the form of actions plans and/or general advice will be provided to clients undergoing behavioural modification plans. These will comply will the Data Protection Act and will follow the data protection principles. Information will be used lawfully for limited, stated purposes, in a way that is adequate, relevant and accurate. All records will be kept sage and secure and handled according to the clients’ protection data rights. Records will not be transferred outside Ireland without adequate protection. Clients have a right to see their records upon request.
Professional Conduct: Maintaining professionalism in all interactions and avoiding conflicts of interest. Always act with integrity, and to refrain from criticism of the client and other professionals that could be damaging to client-professional relationship or to the professional standing of others.
Medical Advice: Paws Academy will refrain from giving medical advice, diagnoses or treatment and will refer such questions to an appropriate veterinary practioners.
Discrimination: No discrimination will take place when dealing with clients, colleagues, and the public. No acts will be completed out of prejudice against any person or group, regardless of origin, age, ethnicity, gender, status, sexual orientation, and disability.
Insurances: Paws Academy holds appropriate insurances and professional indemnity.
Animal Rights Respect: Acknowledging and respecting the rights and intrinsic value of animals.

Competencies

Qualifications: Transparency regarding qualifications, experience, competence, achievements and affiliations, details of which are shown on the website and qualifications can be shown directly to clients on request.
Skill in Positive Reinforcement Techniques: Expertise in employing positive reinforcement methods effectively.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to assess and address behavioural issues with tailored strategies.
Communication Skills: Effective communication with both dogs and their owners, adapting to individual needs and learning styles.
Emergency Handling: Preparedness to handle emergencies and provide first aid if needed.
Professional Treatment: Clients will be encouraged to seek other forms of professional treatment if behaviour modification or training is not the more appropriate means of treating the condition or problem. The first consultation is typically undertaken after a preliminary veterinary check to ensure that any behaviour issue does not have a medical cause. If a referral is required, then we will ensure that the client understand the reason for this.

Prohibited Methods/Tools:

Choke Chains: Not to be used due to potential physical harm and stress.
Slip Leads: Avoided for similar reasons as choke chains, especially for training purposes.
Electric Collars: Prohibited due to their punitive nature and potential to cause fear and distress.
Prong Collars: Not employed as they can cause pain and anxiety.
Physical Punishment: Any form of physical punishment or intimidation is strictly forbidden.
Negative Punishment Techniques: Avoiding methods that involve removing something pleasant as a form of punishment.
Shouting or Intimidation: Not to be used as they can cause psychological stress.
Punitive Methods: Any type of training technique (which is not specifically listed above) that will cause harm or further increase stress to the dog.