Trainers should provide a safe environment that does not unduly stress dogs or handlers. By doing so, they will increase opportunities for systematic, effective, and humane training.
Professional dog training may be conducted under a wide range of conditions. However, it is easiest for clients to achieve their training goals in a safe, well-managed environment, whether indoors or out.
4.1 Managing the Training Site
Many practices that are primarily intended to ensure safety - for example, arranging dog-handler pairs at a comfortable distance - also make it easier for students to engage fully in class activities. Trainers and instructors should make sure that dogs are kept under control at the training site, even during off-leash training. They should also have a plan for supervising a dog in case the handler is temporarily unable to do so.
Trainers and instructors should do everything possible to ensure the safety of participants, spectators, and the public at large. They may use measures that include, but are not limited to, providing separate spectator areas and developing assessment and management procedures for aggressive behavior.
4.2 Additional Business Practices
Trainers and instructors must comply with all local, state, and federal laws applying to their activities and to the operation of a business. In the event of a dog bite, trainers must comply with all laws regarding the reporting of bites.
Trainers and instructors should draft written policies on such topics as refunds, cancellations, and complaints. These written policies should be made available to staff and to clients. They should inform clients about the risks associated with training dogs and ask them to sign waiver forms acknowledging the risks. They should also carry liability insurance.
Established trainers should encourage the efforts of apprentice trainers who are trying to gain added knowledge and skills. They should treat other professionals in the field with respect, and refrain from disparaging other trainers to clients. If asked about another instructor whose methods they do not agree with, they should answer as neutrally as possible.
Trainers should:
- Manage distractions to prevent them from interfering with learning.
- Maintain an instructor-to-student ratio that gives each student adequate attention.
- Provide sufficient space, safe walking surfaces, well-maintained equipment, and adequate lighting.
- Recommend comfortable, practical clothing for students, such as shoes with good traction.
- Require documentation of vaccines for every dog in a class. Vaccinations and other preventive measures should be up-to-date based on state requirements, written recommendations by the dog's veterinarian, and local conditions.
- Be able to contact emergency medical and veterinary services. Have access to a first aid kit and know how to use it.
- Not train while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or while normal abilities are severely impaired for emotional or other reasons.
