CANZ update
Recommend trainers with confidence: part II Fiona Esam, CANZ Welfare and Operations Officer We all have some patients who could do with a good trainer: the staffy who drags you around the clinic by the lead; the terrier owner with legs covered in scratches from their dog jumping up; the schnauzer who just won’t stop barking. It’s easy enough to tell owners they should enrol their dog with a trainer, but who exactly should you recommend? There is an ever-growing body of literature suggesting that trainers who use aversive methodologies should be avoided (Fernandes et al. 2017, de Castro et al. 2020, Masson et al. 2018). Use of aversive-based training can be harmful to animals both physically and mentally, damage the bond and trust between owner and pet, and can even make behaviour problems worse rather than better. By contrast, a trainer who fosters the human-animal bond through use of reward-based, or Least Invasive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) principles can produce a happy dog and a happy client. Multiple scientific studies have shown that LIMA/reward-based training is as effective, if not more effective, than aversive training. But how can you tell if a trainer uses aversive techniques? Recent research (Skyner et al. 2020) shows that nearly 21% of trainers in New Zealand still use a mixture of aversive and reward-based training. With aversive equipment such as shock collars, which are banned in many other countries, still legal in New Zealand, veterinarians are naturally cautious to not recommend a trainer that may be harmful to their patient. Companion Animals NZ is proud to announce a major step forward for Kiwi vets to identify welfare-friendly trainers. CANZ has recently welcomed the Association of Pet Dog Trainers New Zealand (APDTNZ) Trainer Endorsement Programme (TEP) into their stable of accredited organisations. “Welcoming APDTNZ aboard is a milestone for CANZ Accreditation. As the largest organisation representing dog trainers in New Zealand, they offer an excellent pathway for trainers to show that they are putting animal Contact: manager@companionanimals.nz
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welfare first,” says Companion Animals New Zealand General Manager David Lloyd. If a trainer is CANZ Accredited, what does this mean? l Humane methods: The trainer will use humane training methods based on an understanding of the way animals learn. These trainers will not use aversive techniques or equipment e.g. shock, choke, prong or citronella collars. l Scope of practice: The trainer has clear understanding of their area of expertise and limitations, and seeks qualified professional advice, e.g. from a veterinarian, as necessary. l Ethical communication: The trainer is committed to clear and honest communication with clients. l Continuing education: The trainer undertakes appropriate CPD on an annual basis to maintain, develop and enhance their skills. l Assessed: The trainer has undergone a robust assessment process to gain accreditation. CANZ accreditation cannot be gained simply by paying a membership fee. Skyner et al. (2020) showed that 59% of New Zealand trainers were interested in gaining accreditation from a national accreditation body. Now that there is an accessible, domestic pathway for trainers to do so, CANZ anticipates significant uptake of the scheme, but needs your help to make the programme a success. A major motivator for trainers to become accredited is demand for CANZ-accredited trainers from responsible companion animal owners. Therefore, getting the word out about CANZ accreditation to owners is vital. This is where companion animal veterinarians can help. By recommending CANZ-accredited trainers wherever possible, not only are you ensuring the best for your patients and clients, but you are helping to grow the accreditation scheme as a whole. See Table 1 for a list of accredited organisation
and the training they are accredited to provide. Want to recommend a CANZ Accredited trainer in your area? Check out our directory at www.companionanimals.nz/ canz-accredited-professionals.
References
Skyner LJ, Cameron KE, Dale A, Walker JK. The need for a national accreditation programme for professionals working in the field of animal training and behavioural modification in New Zealand. Animals 10, 1111, 2020 Fernandes JG, Olsson IAS, de Castro ACV. Do aversive-based training methods actually compromise dog welfare?: a literature review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 196, 1–12, 2017 de Castro ACV, Fuchs D, Morello GM, Pastur S, de Sousa L, Olsson IAS. Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PloS One 15, e0225023, 2020 Masson S, de la Vega S, Gazzano A, Mariti C, Da Graça Pereira G, Halsberghe C, Leyvraz AM, McPeake K, Schoening B. Electronic training devices: discussion on the pros and cons of their use in dogs as a basis for the position statement of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 25, 71–5, 2018 l
Table 1. CANZ-accredited organisation Accredited organisations Association of Pet Dog Trainers (NZ-based) International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants Pet Professional Accreditation Board
Accredited for Animal Training (Dog), Animal Training Instructor (Dog) Animal Behaviour Consultant Animal Training, Animal Training Instructor, Animal Behaviour Consultant
Companion Quarterly: Official Newsletter of the Companion Animal Veterinarians Branch of the NZVA | Volume 32 No 3 | September 2021
