In the UK animal trainers, training instructors and behaviourists are not regulated by government. This means that anyone – whatever their training, learning or experience – can call themselves an animal trainer or a behaviourist.
Some trainers, instructors and behaviourists belong to organisations who assess their skills and knowledge. Others do not. All the trainers, instructors and behaviourists listed here are assessed by their organisations to be sure that they meet the standards set by the ABTC.
The easy way for you to know as an owner that a trainer, instructor or behaviourist is using up to date methods and keeps up to date with their own understanding is to look for members of ABTC organisations. Outdated methods which have been shown to be harmful to the welfare of your pet are not used by ABTC trainers, instructors or behaviourists.
The ABTC requires trainers, instructors and behaviourists to use science-based methods and to keep up to date with current thinking based on the latest research evidence.
ABTC trainers, instructors and behaviourists have been assessed as having the knowledge and skills to be competent and humane in their work with animals and their owners.
Information for Dogs
DOG SAFETY
Following the recent coverage of dog bite incidents towards children, the CFSG (Canine and Feline Sector Group) have put together information on keeping children safe.
Please look on CFSG’s website for infographics and further information
FIREWORKS
ABTC member PDSA have some some good information for pets leading up to, and during the firework season – including some suggestions for a play list which might help. Click on the link here
ABTC member APBC has a useful information sheet for dogs. Click on the link here
ABTC member FABC has a useful information sheet for dogs, cats and small pets. Click on the link here
The Dogs Trust
Why do they do it and what can you do? Many dogs show unwanted behaviour, whether they have come from rescue or not, but why does this happen and what can you do about it? All dogs are individuals and have different genetics and experiences that will shape how they turn out and interact with their owners, other people, dogs and animals – so it’s really hard, if not impossible to generalise about them. However, there are some common factors that could create problems in dogs, so we will describe these problems in this factsheet ….
Click here to read more about Dog Behaviour Problems from ABTC Member Dogs Trust
Puppy School
As Gwen Bailey of Puppy School says ‘“Problems are never successfully solved by force and domination; intelligent thought and knowledge finds a solution that works for all”. Puppy School has some good information about puppies on their website
RSPCA
‘Dogs and children can be great friends and having a dog can help children develop kindness, understanding and respect for living things.’ RSPCA has some good resources, including a ‘top tips’ video about keeping children safe and dogs happy here
ABTC Member FABC have videos on dogs here and articles here
ABTC Member APBC have videos on dogs here and articles here
Ethical Dog Training
As part of our ongoing work to promote humane practice in the training and behaviour therapy of animals we have prepared a statement detailing our position on ethical dog training. Download Ethical Dog Training Leaflet
HOT WEATHER
ABTC member organisations have useful information about keeping your pet safe. Please look on
Dogs Trust here
RSPCA have advice here
HELPING YOUR DOG COPE WITH BEING ON THEIR OWN
ABTC member Puppy School has a useful video about helping your dog cope with being on their own.
Click on the link here to take you to their YouTube channel.
How to help your Dog cope with being on their own click here
Information for Cats
ABTC member International Cat Care have lots of useful information for owners. Click on the link here
ABTC member Cats Protection has information for new cat owners and some common behaviour problems which can be found in the behaviour guide created by Cats Protection. It can be found here
Cats Protection have a FREE online learning course called Understanding Feline Origins. It can be accessed here
ABTC Member FABC have videos on cats here and articles here
ABTC Member APBC have videos on cats here and articles here
ABTC member International Cat Care: Having a baby is a time of big change as you adapt to the seemingly huge needs of a very small new human. It is often all consuming and you worry about everything. As with all things, a bit of planning and thinking ahead can make a lot of difference and also give you some peace of mind. Important advice is available at: Cats and Babies
HOT WEATHER
ABTC member organisation Cats Protection have some useful information about keeping your cat safe here
FIREWORKS
ABTC member PDSA has some some good information for pets leading up to, and during the firework season – including some suggestions for a play list which might help. Click on the link here
ABTC member FABC has a useful information sheet for dogs, cats and small pets. Click on the link here
ABTC member APBC have an information sheet about preparing your cat for fireworks. Click here for the link
Information for Equids
Equine
International Society for Equitation Science has Position statements on the use/misuse of leadership and dominance concepts in horse training and other horse topics here
Donkeys
ABTC Member The Donkey Sanctuary has useful information for owners here
The Donkey Sanctuary also offers courses here for owners and professionals
ABTC Member FABC have videos on equids here and articles here
ABTC Member APBC have videos on equids here and articles here
Information for Dogs, Cats, Equids and Other Animals
ABTC does not agree with aversives being used to train animals. Here is a list of some of the equipment and methods which are deemed Aversive, by ABTC, and should not be used in training animals. NB This list is not exhaustive, but is indicative.
How to help your PARROT cope with being on their own click here
ABTC member APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) have some top-tips for rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, parrots, reptiles and horses here
ABTC member FABC (Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians) have articles on different animals including one on rabbits and another on parrot flight training and recall here
APGAW (All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare) have some good information for Rabbits, including the Rabbit Good Practice Code. Details can be found here
Many ABTC members have interesting articles and resources on a wide range of animals that we share our lives with.
