Three Things to Know
The largely unregulated nature of dog training in many Western countries often leaves pet owners confused, struggling to navigate the diverse qualifications and methodologies employed by trainers. To gain insight into the dog training landscape in British Columbia, Canada, researchers examined websites and social media profiles of relevant businesses.
The study identified over 230 active businesses, with a promising 72% adopting reward-based training approaches. Notably, reward-based trainers were more likely to hold credentials and clearly display their qualifications.
However, a significant 30% of businesses lacked readily available information on trainer credentials. Furthermore, providers utilizing aversive-based training methods were more inclined to offer boarding and board-and-train services. This disparity highlights the importance of careful selection for dog guardians and those advising them, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting of service providers.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners
Understanding the dog training landscape is crucial for a broad spectrum of dog welfare advocates, including trainers, shelters, and veterinarians. This study revealed several key trends that warrant careful consideration:
- the strong correlation between professional credentials and the use of reward-based training, underscoring the importance of recommending qualified professionals;
- the heightened risk associated with individuals claiming “master trainer” status, who are more likely to employ aversive methods; and
- the necessity for rigorous vetting of boarding and board-and-train services.
Dog welfare advocates should proactively share these insights with dog guardians seeking guidance and maintain a readily accessible list of trusted, credentialed trainers.
The Full Picture
Dogs perform diverse roles in human society, necessitating training for obedience, work, and behavior management. While scientific evidence strongly supports reward-based approaches for optimal training success and animal welfare, dog training remains largely unregulated in many Western countries. This results in inconsistent methods, variable trainer qualifications, and may ultimately deepen behavioural issues and even damage owner well-being. It is also particularly problematic for shelters, where behavioral issues are a leading cause of dog relinquishment. Misleading online information and a lack of transparency regarding training methodologies further complicate guardians’ ability to select appropriate trainers.
This study, “Characteristics of dog training companies and their services in British Columbia, Canada”, examined publicly available data from dog training businesses in British Columbia. Funded by the BC SPCA, this research aimed to evaluate the province’s accreditation program and provide insights into the challenges faced by dog guardians.
Study Methods
The study collected data from the websites and social media pages of dog training businesses, focusing on key aspects such as the number of trainers, the gender and certifications of the lead trainer, training methodology, training modes and types, and additional services offered. Data collection occurred between March and June 2023.
Study Results
A total of 281 dog training businesses were identified, with 234 (83%) confirmed as active in 2023. Most businesses (72%) appeared to be led by a single trainer, and 96% listed at least the first name of one trainer. In terms of gender, 81% of businesses appeared to be led by women, 13% by men, and 6% had unclear or mixed-gender leadership.
Credentials and Methodology
Trainer qualifications were absent in 31% of businesses, though some claimed to be “certified” without specifying credentials. The most common certifications included CCPDT (26%), KPA (16%), and IAABC (7%), with 44% listing multiple credentials.
Regarding training methodology, 72% of businesses used reward-based methods, 15% used aversive-based methods, and 13% did not specify. The results are significantly higher than findings from the UK, highlighting a positive trend given the known welfare concerns of aversive-based training. The higher proportion of businesses that explicitly identified their training methods could help dog guardians make informed choices.
Trainers utilizing reward-based methods were more likely to possess and display credentials, aligning with previous findings that they also tend to support national accreditation. Conversely, those employing aversive-based techniques were more prone to self-identify as “Master Trainers”.
Services Offered
The most common training mode was in-person individual sessions (86%), followed by in-person group classes (64%). Online training was offered by 34% in private sessions and 4% in group settings. Board-and-train services were provided by 16%, and 19% offered day training.
Most businesses (88%) provided basic training, and 68% addressed behavioral challenges such as fear and aggression. Separation anxiety training was offered by 6%, dog sports training by 40%, and service/therapy dog training by 5%. Additionally, 24% of businesses offered other services like boarding (10%), daycare (9%), and dog walking (10%).
In addition, reward-based businesses were more likely to offer online private training and separation anxiety training, while aversive-based businesses were more likely to offer board-and-train and boarding. As such, dog guardians and professionals advising them should critically assess trainer credentials and methods, particularly for board-and-train services.
Conclusion
The study provides a snapshot of the dog training landscape in B.C., with 72% of businesses using reward-based methods. This data serves as a benchmark for future studies and can guide animal welfare initiatives aimed at promoting ethical training practices.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Owned Dogs > Offering Better Care > Training & Socialization
Year of Publication:
2025
External Link:
Camila Cavalli, Chris Dunnett, Nicole Fenwick, Characteristics of dog training companies and their services in British Columbia, Canada, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Volume 77, 2025, Pages 30-41, ISSN 1558-7878, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2024.12.002