Choosing a dog trainer
“What happens when my dog gets it wrong?”
Ask a trainer this question. The answer will tell you what you need to know.
21organizations reviewed
16have rules that ban aversive tools
3have rules that allow them
Where AskPetVet stands
AskPetVet does not recommend balanced or traditional trainers. These trainers use pain, fear, or force alongside rewards, including prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, and leash corrections. These methods can increase fear, frustration, and distress, and they can trigger protective emotions and defensive behavior, such as growling, snapping, or biting. Reward-based training works as well or better, without those risks.
Choose a trainer who uses reward-based methods and who holds a credential from an organization whose rules ban aversive tools.
Christine D. Calder DVM, DACVB
Board-certified veterinary behaviorist
Eight questions worth asking
A good trainer will be happy to answer all of these.
What certifications do you hold?
Look for independent certifying bodies such as IAABC or PPAB, or recognized schools such as the Academy for Dog Trainers, KPA, or VSA. Ask what they had to do to earn it.
What methods do you use?
Ask them directly whether they ever use corrections, leash pops, e-collars, or prong collars.
Can I watch a class first?
A good trainer will be glad to let you watch. If they say no, find someone else.
What do you do when a dog is not responding?
A good answer is that they make the task easier, try a different reward, or check whether the dog is in pain. A poor answer is that they make the correction stronger.
Do you guarantee results?
No trainer can promise how a dog will turn out, and most certifying organizations do not allow their members to make that promise.
What courses have you taken recently?
Research on dog behavior keeps changing. A trainer who keeps studying will update how they work when new evidence comes out.
When would you send a dog to a veterinarian?
Some concerns are medical, not behavioral. A good trainer refers those cases to another qualified trainer, a veterinarian, or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist instead of trying to train through them.
What is your policy on aversive tools?
You want a clear no. If they hesitate, or say it depends on the dog, that is your answer.
Look for the red flags
Use this list when you read a trainer’s website and when you talk to them.
Red flags
- Uses or defends e-collars, prong collars, or choke chains
- Describes themselves as a “balanced” or “traditional” trainer
- Talks about dominance, alpha, or pack leadership
- Guarantees an outcome or a timeline
- Will not let you observe
- Only credential is “years of experience”
- Alpha rolls, scruff shakes, leash pops
- Board-and-train programs that will not tell you what happens while your dog is there
- Blames the dog: stubborn, spiteful, dominant
- Says positive reinforcement is “just bribery”
- Calls themselves a behaviorist without CAAB, ACAAB, or DACVB
Good signs
- Credentials you can verify with the issuing body
- Food, toys, play, and life rewards do the work
- Invites you to watch a class
- Can explain why a method works
- Dogs and people in class look engaged, loose, and happy
- Refers you to a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist when a case calls for it
- Adjusts to the dog in front of them
- Small classes, or enough assistants that every dog gets attention
- Gives you written plans and homework
- Sets goals with you instead of promising results
- Cites the Humane Hierarchy or the LIFE model
- Belongs to an organization that signed the Joint Standards of Practice
Quick check: is this trainer a good fit?
Answer these after you talk with a trainer or visit a class.
Trainer checkup
0 of 8 answered
- They use food, toys, and play as the main rewards.
- They let you watch a class before you sign up.
- They hold a credential from an organization whose rules ban aversive tools.
- They would refer you to your veterinarian if pain or a medical cause is possible.
- They use, sell, or recommend prong, choke, or shock collars.
- They describe themselves as balanced or traditional.
- They talk about dominance, being the alpha, or being the pack leader.
- They guarantee results or a timeline.
Start answeringYour result will appear here.
The Humane Hierarchy
Susan Friedman put behavior methods in order, from the ones that give the dog the most control to the ones that give the dog the least. Start at the top and stop as soon as something works.
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Medical and physical wellness
Check for a health concern first. If a dog is in pain or unwell, training will not fix it.
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Antecedent arrangements
Change the situation so that the behavior you want is the easiest thing for the dog to do.
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Positive reinforcement
Give the dog something they like when they do what you want, so they do it more often.
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Differential reinforcement
Teach the dog a different behavior that gets them the same thing, and reward that one instead.
- Most concerns are solved above this line
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Extinction and negative reinforcement or punishment
These can cause frustration and distress, and they are hard to use well. Never use them without also rewarding a behavior you want.
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Positive punishment
Experienced trainers do not need to use this. Studies link it to more fear, frustration, and distress, more defensive behavior, shutting down, and avoiding the handler.
Friedman argues that it is not enough to ask whether a method works. You also have to ask how much control it leaves the dog over what happens to them. Friedman et al. (2021), Vet Clin Exot Anim 24, 1–16.
Three frameworks
These three sets of initials show up on trainer websites. They do not mean the same thing.
MPLIE
FoundationalMost positive, least intrusive, effective · Friedman, 2008
This is the hierarchy shown above. It asks whether a method works and how much control it takes away from the dog. Punishment sits at the bottom because it takes away the most control, and experienced trainers do not need to use it.
LIMA
Dropped, Nov 2025Least intrusive, minimally aversive · Lindsay, 2005
Many organizations used LIMA for years and have now dropped it. Fernandez (2024) gave four reasons:
- It was written to help trainers choose which painful tools to use, not to stop using them. Lindsay recommended prong collars in the original book.
- The word “intrusive” has no clear definition, so trainers can read it however they like.
- It tells trainers what to avoid, but not what to do instead.
- It allows painful tools as a “last resort,” and the trainer decides when that point has been reached.
Fernandez (2024), J Vet Behav 71, 63–68.
LIFE
Proposed replacementLeast inhibitive, functionally effective · Fernandez, 2024
- Least inhibitive. Give the dog as many real choices as you can. Taking away a dog’s options limits them too, even when no painful tools are used.
- Functionally. Work out what the dog gets out of the behavior, then teach a different behavior that gets them the same thing.
- Effective. A method has only worked if the dog is also doing well during and after the training, not just behaving differently.
What changed in November 2025
- IAABC, KPA, APDT International, and the IAABC Foundation issued a Joint Standards of Practice built on the Five Domains model. It drops LIMA and bans positive punishment outright, with no last-resort clause.
- CCPDT left the coalition. Its separate code still lists prong collars and e-collars as training equipment and permits escalation with documented justification.
- This means a CPDT-KA certificate on its own no longer tells you what tools a trainer uses, so you need to ask. A trainer who also holds a credential from IAABC, KPA, PPG, or the Academy for Dog Trainers has to follow those stricter rules.
Positive and negative do not mean good and bad
They mean adding and subtracting. Reinforcement makes a behavior more likely, and punishment makes it less likely.
Something is added
Something is taken away
Behavior increases
Positive reinforcementGiving the dog a treat when they sit.
Negative reinforcementPulling on the leash and letting go once the dog moves.
Behavior decreases
Positive punishmentShouting at a dog, jerking the leash, or using a shock collar. This is the one that force-free trainers refuse to use.
Negative punishmentTurning away and ignoring the dog when they jump up.
Negative reinforcement is not the same as reward-based training. For a dog to feel relief when something stops, something unpleasant had to be happening first.
Words you will hear
Balanced and traditional training
Terms some trainers use for mixing rewards with punishment, or for relying mainly on corrections. In practice, both mean using pain, fear, or force, such as prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, and leash corrections. AskPetVet does not recommend balanced or traditional trainers.
Functional assessment (the ABCs)
A way of working out why a dog does something. A stands for antecedent, which is what happened right before. B is the behavior itself. C is the consequence, which is what the dog got or got away from. Every good behavior plan starts by answering those three questions.
Five Domains model
A way of checking on an animal’s welfare by looking at five things: food and water, health, the space they live in, how they get to interact with other animals and people, and how they feel overall. The 2025 Joint Standards of Practice are built on this model.
Agency, choice, and control
Choice means the dog has more than one good option. Control means the dog can do something and reliably get the result they expect. Agency means the dog can use that control to work through a problem. The Joint Standards of Practice ask trainers to give animals all three whenever it is safe to do so.
Force-free
The strictest standard, used by the Pet Professional Guild. No shock, no prong, no choke, no pain, no fear, and no force, with no exceptions. LIMA allowed trainers to use those tools as a last resort, so the two are not the same.
Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP)
A shared set of rules signed by IAABC, APDT International, the IAABC Foundation, and Karen Pryor Academy in November 2025. It drops LIMA, bans punishment-based methods, and requires trainers to give animals choice and control. CCPDT has not signed it.
Credential vs. membership
A credential such as CPDT-KA, CDBC, or PCT-A means the trainer passed an exam and had their skills assessed. Membership can mean nothing more than paying a fee and agreeing to a set of principles. Only a credential tells you the trainer’s skills were tested.
Differential reinforcement
Rewarding one behavior while not rewarding another. In practice, this usually means teaching a dog something you would rather they did and rewarding that instead of the behavior you want to stop.
Extinction
Stopping whatever has been rewarding a behavior so the dog gives it up. It is difficult to do well. Dogs often try harder for a while before they stop, and that can lead to frustration, so it should always be paired with rewarding a behavior you do want.
Why some of these are here. We list organizations whose rules allow aversive tools so you can recognize their credentials, not because we recommend them. AskPetVet does not recommend balanced or traditional trainers. An organization’s rules set the minimum standard, so always ask the individual trainer what methods and tools they use.
Tool rules
Type
21 organizations
Credentialing bodies
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
CPDT-KA / CPDT-KSA / CBCC-KA
Dog training and behavior
Position on aversive tools
As of Nov 2025, CCPDT left the Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP) coalition and now has its own separate code. Their glossary explicitly lists prong collars, slip collars, and electronic training collars as “training equipment,” meaning they are permitted. Section 2.1.e states certificants should “minimize the use of and replace punishment-based training strategies,” but Section 2.1.e.iii.1 allows punishment-based strategies when “reinforcement-based training strategies have proven ineffective,” provided it is done in accordance with their Prohibited Practices Policy. Bans shock collars only for puppies under 1 year. Prohibits flooding, alpha rolls, food or water deprivation, and startle tools. This is the most permissive major credentialing body regarding aversive tools. Many CPDT-KA holders are reward-based trainers, so ask the individual trainer.What the credential requires
CPDT-KA: 300 hours of dog training experience in 3 years, 18 or older, high school diploma, attestation from an approved professional, and a passing score on a 200-question exam. CPDT-KSA: hold the CPDT-KA and submit a video skills assessment. CBCC-KA: 300 hours of behavior consulting experience and a passing score on a behavior-specific exam.Continuing education
36 CEUs every 3 years (CPDT-KA/KSA) or every 5 years (CBCC-KA). Can recertify by retaking the exam instead.Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics (Nov 2025, standalone and no longer part of JSOP)
Four core principles: prioritize well-being, commit to growth, be honest and accountable, and demonstrate respect and empathy. Uses a “Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures” that prioritizes reinforcement but allows escalation to punishment-based strategies with documented justification. CCPDT left the JSOP coalition and now operates under its own separate ethics code. Formal complaint and disciplinary process with potential credential revocation.International Association of Canine Professionals
CDT (Certified Dog Trainer)
Dog training
Position on aversive tools
IACP does not ban aversive tools. It runs a “Prong Collar Knowledge Assessed Trainer Listing” and follows proposed laws that would ban training tools, such as one under consideration in Northern Ireland. Many balanced and traditional trainers belong to IACP. If a trainer lists IACP or CDT, ask directly which tools and methods they use.What the credential requires
CDT: a three-part process with an application, an exam portfolio of written case reports and client feedback, and client references for each case study. The portfolio is reviewed by a panel of peers and must be submitted within 6 months.Continuing education
IACP certifications are renewed through a continuing education (CEU) renewal process.IACP membership standards
IACP’s credential reviews a trainer’s case reports, but its rules allow tools that cause pain, frustration, and fear. AskPetVet does not recommend balanced or traditional trainers.International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants
CDBC, CCBC, CEBC, CPBC, CABC, ADT, AET, and shelter credentials
Behavior consulting and training for dogs, cats, horses, and parrots
Position on aversive tools
As of Nov 2025, IAABC is a signatory of the new Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP) coalition, with APDT International, the IAABC Foundation, and KPA. CCPDT is no longer a member. The JSOP explicitly bans positive-punishment-based strategies, management that significantly restricts movement or choice, intentional deprivation of food, water, or social interaction, and any tools designed to cause or functionally resulting in fear, pain, or startle. It requires that animals be offered choice, control, and agency. It includes a harm-reduction provision: professionals may work with clients already using aversive tools, provided they do not introduce those methods and actively transition to humane alternatives.What the credential requires
Behavior consultant credentials: Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), Certified Equine Behavior Consultant (CEBC), and Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC). The CDBC requires 500 hours of documented behavior consulting experience, extensive education in animal behavior, and a writing-intensive exam with case studies reviewed by a panel. Members with three or more species certifications receive the Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC). Training credentials: Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT), Accredited Equine Trainer (AET), and Accredited Shelter Trainer, Dog (AST-D). Shelter credentials: Certified Shelter Behavior, Dog (CSB-D) and Cat (CSB-C).Continuing education
36 CEUs every 3 years. A wide variety of activities count, including webinars, courses, mentorship, publications, and teaching.Joint Standards of Practice and Professional Code of Ethics (JSOP, Nov 2025: IAABC, APDT Intl, IAABC-F, KPA)
The Nov 2025 JSOP drops LIMA terminology entirely. Built on the Five Domains Model (Mellor et al., 2020). Section 3.2.A clearly bans techniques relying on fear, pain, distress, or harm. Section 3.1.D.ii requires agency, choice, and control for animals. Formal ethics complaint process (Principle VIII) with potential credential revocation.Guild and credentialing
Pet Professional Guild / Pet Professional Accreditation Board
CTT-A / PCT-A / PCBC-A
Training, behavior, and force-free pet care
Position on aversive tools
Absolute and explicit ban: “No shock, no prong, no choke, no pain, no fear, no force.” This is non-negotiable with no exceptions, including “what if” or “last resort” scenarios.What the credential requires
Three levels. All require an application, an online proctored knowledge exam, and a video-based skill assessment. PCBC-A also requires four written case studies. Independent of any training school. Must agree to the PPG Guiding Principles. Applicants have 6 months to complete all requirements.Continuing education
CE is encouraged but not currently a formal renewal requirement for PPAB credentials. PPG membership requires ongoing adherence to the Guiding Principles.Guiding Principles, Code of Ethical Conduct, and Ethics Inquiry Procedure
“Informed by Science, Guided by Empathy, Governed by Ethics.” Formal complaint process with investigation and possible sanctions, suspension, or termination. Members are vetted on application, and their websites and social media are checked for philosophy alignment.Trainer associations
Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT International)
Membership (not a credential)
Professional association for dog trainers
Position on aversive tools
APDT International signed the Nov 2025 Joint Standards of Practice, which ban positive-punishment-based strategies and tools that cause fear, pain, or startle.What the credential requires
Membership requires paying dues and agreeing to the association’s standards. It does not test a trainer’s knowledge or skills. A trainer who lists APDT membership may or may not also hold a credential, so ask.Continuing education
Not a credentialing body, so there is no CE requirement tied to a credential.Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP signatory, Nov 2025)
A good example of the difference between membership and a credential: members agree to the JSOP, but membership alone does not mean a trainer’s skills were tested.Schools
The Academy for Dog Trainers (Jean Donaldson)
Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC)
Dog training and behavior counseling
Position on aversive tools
The program exclusively teaches reward-based methods without the use of force, pain, or intimidation. The Academy explicitly opposes LIMA, stating: “The Academy does not support LIMA or similar hierarchies because it has become clear in both the literature and clinical settings that aversive stimuli are never necessary, are inhumane, and very often side effect-laden.” Aversive stimuli, including shock collars, prong collars, and all interventions designed to frighten, startle, or intimidate, are prohibited.What the credential requires
Rigorous 2-year academic program covering learning theory, ethology, behavior modification, and practical skills. There are multiple assessment points, and students must pass each level before advancing. Graduates earn the CTC credential. Website: academyfordogtrainers.comContinuing education
No formal CE requirement after graduation for maintaining the CTC credential.Mission and Philosophy position statement (explicitly anti-LIMA)
Philosophy: “dogs have the right to be trained without aversive stimuli, to feel safe, have rich lives and to engage in normal dog behavior.” Recognized by AVSAB. Website: academyfordogtrainers.comKaren Pryor Academy (KPA)
KPA-CTP / KPA-DTP
Training and veterinary cooperative care
Position on aversive tools
The 2024 KPA Code of Conduct explicitly states: “the use of tools such as shock collars and prong collars is not allowed.” Section 3.2 states: “punishment is not part of the appropriate solution for addressing behavior problems, aligning with the Position Statement on Humane Dog Training issued by the AVSAB.” KPA is also a signatory of the Nov 2025 JSOP. If KPA-CTPs have difficulty finding a positive reinforcement solution, they must seek advice from colleagues or refer to a more experienced trainer or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist rather than escalate to aversives.What the credential requires
KPA-CTP: intensive 6-month program covering clicker training, positive reinforcement, behavioral shaping, and teaching skills. There are assessments at multiple program levels, and students must pass before advancing. KPA-DTP (Dog Trainer Professional): advanced credentialing program building on the CTP foundation.Continuing education
CE is required to maintain KPA credentials. KPA-CTP holders must continue professional development by reading relevant material, attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, and pursuing other educational opportunities (per the 2024 KPA Code of Conduct).KPA CTP Code of Conduct (March 2024) and JSOP signatory (Nov 2025)
KPA’s code requires trainers to use “the most positive, least intrusive, effective solution,” create choice and agency for learners, read body language and reduce stress, fear, and discomfort, and avoid punishers. A note at the bottom of the KPA code says it is “modeled on but not identical to the JSOP, which permits KPA to set a higher standard.”Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA)
VSA-DTC (Dog Trainer Course)
Dog training
Position on aversive tools
Only teaches and assesses reward-based training methods. No aversive tools are permitted. VSA is a JSOP signatory and is leading an amendment effort to Section 3.2.A to explicitly list prohibited tools, including shock collars and e-equipment, remote or dog-activated spray collars, anti-bark collars, choke or check chains, and prong collars.What the credential requires
6-month program divided into trimesters with assessments at each level. Students must pass before advancing. Covers positive reinforcement methods, professional skills, and client communication. Website: vsdogtrainingacademy.comContinuing education
No formal CE requirement from VSA after graduation for maintaining the VSA-DTC credential.JSOP signatory (Nov 2025) and VSA force-free philosophy
JSOP signatory. Leading the effort to add explicit tool bans to the JSOP text. Website: vsdogtrainingacademy.comPeaceable Paws (Pat Miller)
PMCT (Pat Miller Certified Trainer), Levels 1–3
Dog training and behavior modification, including fear-related and frustration-related concerns
Position on aversive tools
PMCTs follow the Pet Professional Guild Guiding Principles: no shock, no prong, no choke, no pain, no fear, no force. If a guardian insists on treatment that compromises the animal’s well-being, PMCTs must end the relationship.What the credential requires
Multiple academy levels: Level 1 (Canine Behavior and Training Academy), Level 2 (Behavior Modification, Advanced Studies, Canine Cognition), and Level 3 (Canine Aggression Academy). In-person intern academies with hands-on training. Website: peaceablepaws.comContinuing education
PMCTs must keep CE units up to date for each credential they hold.PMCT Code of Ethical Conduct (follows the PPG Guiding Principles)
Comprehensive code covering personal conduct, business practices, confidentiality, scope of practice, and anti-discrimination. PMCTs must carry professional liability insurance. Website: peaceablepaws.comVocational schools
Animal Behavior College (ABC)
ABCDT (ABC Certified Dog Trainer)
Dog obedience instruction
Position on aversive tools
ABC states its “bias is positive reinforcement” and follows the LIMA approach, but explicitly notes: “Our bias should not be interpreted as a condemnation of other dog training philosophies.” ABC teaches “a variety of animal training methods and ideologies” and does not condemn trainers who use more aversive techniques.What the credential requires
Online coursework plus an in-person externship with a mentor trainer. Covers operant conditioning, learning theory, and dog obedience training. Licensed by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Website: animalbehaviorcollege.comContinuing education
Short continuing education programs are available but not formally required for maintaining the ABCDT credential.ABC training philosophy statement
Not a force-free organization. Caregivers should ask ABCDT-certified trainers specifically about their personal methods and tool use. Website: animalbehaviorcollege.comCATCH Canine Trainers Academy
Certificate in Dog Training and Behavior
Dog training (self-study courses with optional mentorship and workshops)
Position on aversive tools
We could not find a published position on prong collars, shock collars, or other aversive tools. CATCH says its courses are based on CCPDT standards, and CCPDT’s code allows aversive tools. Ask a CATCH graduate directly which tools and methods they use.What the credential requires
Self-study online courses (Core Skills, Basics Pro, and Master Class), with optional mentorship and hands-on workshops. Covers body language, learning theory, handling, safety and equipment, problem solving, and shelter dogs. Graduates receive a Certificate in Dog Training and Behavior from a state-licensed career school.Continuing education
No published CE requirement for the certificate. CATCH courses are approved for CCPDT continuing education units.No published code of ethics found
Ask the individual trainer about their methods and tools, and look for a reward-based credential as well.Veterinary board certified
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Diplomate (DACVB)
Veterinary behavioral medicine
Position on aversive tools
Board-certified veterinary behaviorists advocate reward-based methods. They are subject to veterinary ethics and state licensing. The ACVB website guidance on selecting a trainer recommends against aversive methods.What the credential requires
Must be a DVM. Complete an approved residency in veterinary behavior (typically 3 years) and pass a rigorous board examination. Board-certified veterinary behaviorists can diagnose medical causes of behavior concerns and prescribe medication. This is the highest level of animal behavior credential.Continuing education
Must maintain a veterinary license with state-required CE. ACVB diplomates must also meet ACVB continuing education requirements.Veterinary professional ethics (state licensing) and ACVB standards
Licensed professionals subject to state veterinary practice acts. Uniquely qualified to diagnose medical causes of behavior concerns and prescribe medication. Website: dacvb.orgAcademy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
VTS (Behavior), Veterinary Technician Specialist
Veterinary behavior medicine (technician level)
Position on aversive tools
AVBT’s mission specifies “humanely-based techniques for problem prevention, training, management, and behavior modification.”What the credential requires
Must be a credentialed veterinary technician or nurse. Must demonstrate superior knowledge of scientifically and humanely based techniques in behavior health, prevention, training, management, and behavior modification. Website: avbt.netContinuing education
Must maintain credentialed veterinary technician status and meet CE requirements for the VTS specialty.AVBT Constitution and veterinary technician professional ethics
Specialists demonstrate superior knowledge in humane, science-based behavior techniques and are important members of the veterinary behavior team. Website: avbt.netEuropean College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine
DipECAWBM
Veterinary behavioral medicine (Europe)
Position on aversive tools
The European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE) has taken a strong position against e-collars. Diplomates follow science-based, welfare-focused behavioral medicine.What the credential requires
Must be a veterinarian. Complete an approved residency program in animal welfare and behavioral medicine and pass rigorous European board examinations.Continuing education
Diplomates must maintain veterinary registration and meet the CE requirements of their national veterinary body.European veterinary professional ethics and ECAWBM standards
Diplomates are veterinarians subject to professional ethical codes.Veterinary associations
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Position statement (not a certification body)
Veterinary behavior and training guidance
Position on aversive tools
Unequivocal: “Aversive methods should not be used under any circumstances.” Specifically names e-collars, prong collars, choke chains, leash corrections, and all forms of physical or psychological punishment. No exceptions, even for dogs who growl, snap, or bite.What the credential requires
Not a credentialing body. Membership is open to veterinarians. AVSAB publishes position statements and maintains a behavior consultant directory where members pledge to follow AVSAB guidance.Continuing education
Not applicable. AVSAB is a professional association, not a credentialing body.2021 Position Statement on Humane Dog Training
Recommends only reward-based training for all dog training, including behavior concerns. Does not certify or govern individual trainers. Website: avsab.orgAcademic
Animal Behavior Society
CAAB / ACAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist)
Applied animal behavior
Position on aversive tools
ABS does not have a specific tool-ban policy, but certification requires science-based, humane approaches. The rigorous academic requirements generally align practitioners with evidence-based, reward-focused methods.What the credential requires
CAAB: a doctoral degree in biological or behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior plus 5 years of professional experience, or a DVM plus a 2-year residency and 3 years of experience. ACAAB: a master’s degree with a research-based thesis plus 2 years of professional experience. Website: animalbehaviorsociety.orgContinuing education
Must maintain ABS certification through ongoing professional activity, annual dues, and recertification.ABS Code of Ethics and certification ethical standards
Academic credential requiring doctoral or master’s-level training with a research thesis. Requires professional liability insurance.Certification programs
Fear Free
Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
Fear Free veterinary care, pet care, and training
Position on aversive tools
Only accepts trainers from organizations that teach ethical, humane, positive reinforcement training. The Fear Free Pledge commits professionals to a humane, emotionally protective code of conduct.What the credential requires
Fear Free certifies veterinary professionals and pet professionals, such as trainers, groomers, and pet sitters. All complete online modules and sign the Fear Free Pledge. Trainers have an extra requirement: they must already hold a credential from an approved humane training organization (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, and others).Continuing education
Must maintain an active membership, renewed every year. Ongoing CE modules are available through the Fear Free platform.Fear Free Pledge
All certified professionals sign a pledge committing to humane, emotionally protective care. Trainers must come from approved reward-based training organizations.Low Stress Handling® (Dr. Sophia Yin’s methods)
Low Stress Handling Essentials® / Low Stress Handling® Professional / Feline Low Stress Handling® Professional
Handling, cooperative care, and behavior modification for veterinary and pet professionals
Position on aversive tools
Built entirely on Dr. Sophia Yin’s Low Stress Handling® philosophy. All techniques emphasize reading body language, using high-value reinforcers, and changing the environment, never using force, fear, or intimidation.What the credential requires
Three certifications: Low Stress Handling® Essentials Certification (5 courses), Low Stress Handling® Professional Certification (7 courses), and Feline Low Stress Handling® Professional Certification (4 courses). These replace the earlier Silver-level certification. Open to veterinary teams, groomers, trainers, shelter and rescue staff, pet sitters, and other pet professionals.Continuing education
The certification courses count as continuing education. Veterinary professionals can take them through the VIN Behavior Academy on Veterinary Information Network®, Inc. (VIN) and VSPN CE. Non-veterinary professionals can take them through cattledogpublishing.com.Ten General Handling Principles
A widely respected method focused on reducing fear, stress, and discomfort during handling, veterinary visits, grooming, and daily care. The feline certification focuses on the specific needs of cats.Regulatory
Animal Behaviour and Training Council (UK)
Registered ATI / Behaviour Technician / CAB
Training and behavior (UK regulatory body)
Position on aversive tools
“Training and behaviour programmes must not be based on positive punishment or the creation of anxiety or fear.” Actively campaigns for a ban on shock collars in England.What the credential requires
Assessment through an ABTC-recognized practitioner organization. Multiple levels: Animal Training Instructor (ATI), Animal Behaviour Technician, and Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB).Continuing education
Registered practitioners must submit annual CPD (continuing professional development) records to keep their registration.Code of Professional Conduct for Practitioners
Practitioners declare: “Above all, my constant endeavour will be to ensure the welfare of animals committed to my care.” Methods must be science-led, compassionate, and non-punitive.Educational
Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., Behavior Works
Living and Learning with Animals (LLA) Certificate
Applied behavior analysis (multi-species)
Position on aversive tools
The Humane Hierarchy ranks behavior change procedures from least to most intrusive, with positive punishment last and rarely if ever necessary. Friedman’s core principle is that effectiveness is not enough, because intrusiveness matters. Punishment carries four documented side effects: increased defensive behavior, generalized fear, apathy, and escape or avoidance.What the credential requires
Complete the LLA professional course in Applied Behavior Analysis, which covers functional behavior assessment (ABCs), contingency management, errorless learning, and the Humane Hierarchy.Continuing education
No formal CE requirement after course completion.Humane Hierarchy / “Most Positive, Least Intrusive, Effective” framework
Proposed the ethical standard that behavior change interventions must be both effective and minimally intrusive, defined as the degree to which learners control their own outcomes.Regional accreditation
Companion Animals New Zealand
CANZ-ABC / CANZ-ATI
Behavior and training (New Zealand)
Position on aversive tools
Accreditation requires adherence to reward-based methods aligned with New Zealand animal welfare legislation.What the credential requires
Regional accreditation requiring adherence to New Zealand animal welfare standards and demonstrated skill in reward-based training methods through assessment.Continuing education
Accredited practitioners must continue professional development to keep their registration.CANZ accreditation standards and welfare code
Regional accreditation requiring ethical behavioral management aligned with New Zealand animal welfare standards.Compare the organizations
Organizations are sorted by their tool rules. “Bans all aversives” means the organization does not allow painful or frightening tools at all, with no last-resort exception. A ✗ means the organization’s published rules do not ban it.
| Organization | Exam | CE | Bans e‑collars | Bans prong | Bans all aversives | Dues only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAABC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| PPG / PPAB | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| APDT International | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes |
| Academy for Dog Trainers | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| Karen Pryor Academy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| Victoria Stilwell Academy | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| Peaceable Paws | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| AVSAB | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes |
| ACVB | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| AVBT | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| DipECAWBM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| Fear Free | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| Low Stress Handling® | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| ABTC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| Susan G. Friedman (LLA) | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| CANZ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
| CATCH | ? | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | No |
| ABS | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | No |
| CCPDT | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | No |
| IACP | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | No |
| Animal Behavior College | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | No |
Rules ban all aversive toolsNo published tool banRules allow aversive tools? Not published