The lack of regulations to become a dog trainer in BC has caused the BC SPCA to create its own trainer-accreditation program, AnimalKind.
“Really, anyone can call themselves a trainer,” explained Nicole Fenwick, Manager of Research and Standards at the BC SPCA, “there are no real regulations in the province or in Canada.”
“There are lots of different training programs available, however, they don’t all conform or follow the science that is involved in animal learning and animal behaviour,” she explained.
This means that there are a lot of trainers that are safer than others, as some base their teachings on scientifically proven and safe methods.
According to Fenwick, the lack of necessary training for dog trainers in BC can have some harmful impacts on four-legged British Columbians.
“Unfortunately there is a lot of incorrect information on the internet available such as dominant training and using punishment-based methods which can harm the bond between the guardian of the dog and the dog,” explained Fenwick.
She explained that because of this, new dog owners often have no way of telling legitimate dog trainers from the less accurate and more harmful trainers.
The BC SPCA has given two training services in Prince George AnimalKind accreditation, Cassie Young Dog Training and Sit Pretty Pet Services.