Force-free trainers
The following trainers feel constrained to train according to our code of conduct and support our position paper.
If a trainer transgresses the code of conduct verifiable, the entry will be removed from the list.
Here you can find trainers from:
and also :
Come back to english version after visiting the french version of the page. Infos français
Come back to english version after visiting the german version of the page
Come back to english version after visiting the german version of the page
Come back to english version after visiting the german version of the page
Checklists - How to find a good dog trainer:
Marc Bekoff: Choose a dog trainer as carful as you would a surgeon
Victoria Stillwell: How to find a good dog trainer
NY Times: How to find a qualified dog trainer
Code of conduct of the initiative for force-free dog training
We expect a kind approach to the dog, based on modern learning theory and ‘canine science’.
We do not have to perform as an ‘alpha’ or as a ‘pack leader’. Instead, we have to know how dogs learn and how they express themselves through their body language. Using this knowledge, and with
empathy and experience, a good trainer will guide each dog and owner team according to their individual needs. A trainer is aware that a dog does not learn well when he is intimidated,
pressured or made to feel fearful. Furthermore, this treatment can inadvertently lead to negative associations. The trainer will therefore always work in a non-aversive manner i.e. neither
intimidating the dog psychologically nor causing him physical pain or discomfort.
The following are explicitly not allowed:
- lead jerks/lead impulses
- prodding either with a finger or with a foot/hissing
- forcing the dog on to his back/turning him over
- hitting and kicking
- imitating bites with the hands
- psychological intimidation (e.g. threatening the dog by bending over him, staring him in the eyes, shouting or growling at him)
- the use of check-chain collars
- prong collars
- working with fright tools, such as rattle-cans and throwing-chains, or by spraying water
- Spray collars (whether they use air, water, chemicals, or an acoustic stimulus)
- groin straps
- everything which frightens the dog or causes pain or discomfort.
Helpful tools
- food
- toys
- friendly body contact (e.g. stroking the dog)
- voice (motivating, praising)
- clicker, target
- food dummy
- harness
- lead, long-line
Competent dog trainers…
- have a professional qualification and educate themselves through continual professional development programmes
- are acquainted with canine health issues which can cause unwanted behaviour
- work with vets to exclude possible underlying health issues
- work with dogs and their owners using praise and rewards
- build the training on the foundation of shared successes
- treat people and dogs respectfully
Are you a force-free dog trainer and you’d like to be part of this list?
Please visit the contact/join page and fill out the formula
Photo: Monika Oberli