Why does AnimalKind only endorse certain trainer qualifications?
There are many schools, certifications and designations for dog trainers and it is hard to know what they all mean. Science has shown that reward-based training methods are more effective and better for dogs than methods that cause pain or fear, yet these harmful methods continue to be used and taught in some dog trainer schools. AnimalKind will not endorse dog trainer schools or certification programs that allow new dog trainers to use aversive training methods.
The dog trainer schools and certifications that make a trainer eligible for accreditation have met a set of criteria which are listed in the AnimalKind standards.