Animal Behaviour and Training Council FAQ

Why has the council been launched?

The council has been launched to co-ordinate the much needed regulation of those engaged in the behaviour modification of animals.

What does it hope to achieve?

The council has a number of purposes, details of which can be found on the website www.abtcouncil.org.uk. At the moment, anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviour expert regardless of their training or experience. This can lead to poor practice risking animal welfare and the safety of those who implement the advice. The Council aims to set standards for the knowledge and skills required to be a recognised, accredited or certified professional.

Why do you think there is a need for a regulatory council now?

In recent years more and more people have turned an interest in their pets into a money-making business. This has fuelled the demands for regulation. Calls for the formation of such a Council started as far back as 2004 and talks between professional bodies over the last two years have finally come to fruition.

Is membership to the council register voluntary? How much does it cost?

Without specific legislation, membership of the Council is voluntary. However, we believe that in many ways industry self-regulation is a better option than enforced control. Membership is only open to approved professional organisations and their trained members will appear on the Council's register.

There is a nominal fee of £200 per year to professional organisations which goes towards the running costs of the Council. It is important that this is not seen as just another ‘money making scheme'.

What will that money be spent on specifically?

Any income will be used to cover overheads such as web design and website hosting, printing and insurance with future costs anticipated for the Council's own accreditation. There will be no profits for distribution and much of the work that has gone into creating the Council has been given voluntarily.

Why should people sign up to be accredited?

Individuals will now have the opportunity to show the public that they have undergone specific training and reached the professional standards required by the Council. Currently, pet owners have no indication whether their chosen trainer or behaviourist has received any kind of training or is implementing approved methods. We believe that the formation of the council is a great step forward for animal welfare.

Do you think dogs are being put in danger by some practicing trainers?

There are some practicing trainers and behaviourists who use methods and techniques which can cause pain and fear and may compromise welfare. These methods are not only unacceptable but unnecessary. Long term changes in behaviour can be achieved through use of reward based methods which the Council strongly advocates.

Can you prosecute trainers or behaviourists who are putting animals in danger?

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 introduced a duty of care on those responsible for animals to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the needs of an animal are met. An animal's needs include protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease. Training or behaviour modification that breaches this important duty can give rise to an offence irrespective of whether or not the animal is considered to have suffered. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 also makes provision for those who subject animals to treatment which results in the animal being caused unnecessary suffering.

How does the council relate to the Dog Welfare Campaign?

The dog welfare campaign was launched last year to advise owners of the possible dangers of using training techniques that can cause pain and fear. This was supported by a large number of animal welfare, behaviour, training and veterinary organisations some of which are also represented on the Council. The campaign and the Council share a common goal which is to ensure that those people who train or treat behaviour problems are appropriately qualified to do so in a way which protects welfare.

Why does my organisation not appear on the list of members?

The initial group of organisations was drawn up from those attending the series of meetings chaired by the Companion Animal Welfare Council. These meetings were open to anyone. Currently we are only able to take applications for membership from professional organisations that represent practitioners with suitable qualifications and experience. We may be in a position to accept applications from Dog Clubs, Societies and Associations in the future and this is something to be addressed over the coming year.

What standards have been applied until now?

Until now any standards have been those decided upon by each of the many individual organisations and they range from little more than paying a membership fee to a requirement for a high level of education and a long period of supervised experience.