Information
A lot of ABTC member organisations have useful information on their websites. You will find some useful information on these links:
Aversives – methods and equipment
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.
Looking for help from a Trainer, Training Instructor or Behaviourist?
If you are looking for help with training or behaviour issues you can find a practitioner in the ABTC Practitioner Directory
In the UK animal trainers, training instructors and behaviourists (practitioners) 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 practitioners 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 as having the knowledge and skills to be competent and humane in their work with animals and owners, meet the standards set by the ABTC, and are required to keep up to date with current thinking based on the latest research evidence.
The easy way for you to know that a practitioner 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 Outdated methods, which have been shown to be harmful to the welfare of your pet, are not used by practitioners listed in the ABTC directory.
Use the filters to enter the species, the type of practitioner you are looking for and the county that you live in. Click on ‘apply filters’ and you will be shown a list of appropriate people with their contact details. You can also use the filter to find practitioners who belong to the various Practitioner Organisations.
If you are not sure which practitioner you need, please look here for guidance.
