06/13/2022
The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) was founded on the belief that the proper and humane use of effective training tools and techniques creates the most success for each individual dog and owner. The IACP founders built an association where all trainers are welcome, an organization that creates community, allows for collaboration, encourages education, strengthens the relationship between people and their beloved pets, and is inclusive to all tools and methods that enable dogs to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
As is the case in nearly any professional service industry, there is not unanimous agreement across the canine industry on how to best serve our four-legged friends. The IACP believes that professionalism should allow civil discussions of opposing views in the spirit of collaboration and education, keeping the needs of our clients and their dogs at the forefront. Unfortunately, there are organizations in the canine industry that seek to eliminate the use of some effective training tools by redefining Steven Lindsay’s model of Least Invasive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) to fit their organization’s goals.
The IACP recognizes that Steven Lindsay’s original LIMA model does not advocate for the elimination of training tools nor the elimination of any of the four quadrants of operant conditioning theory in dog training. To quote Steven Lindsay in his series, "Applied Dog Behavior and Training", “Despite obvious limitations and risks, aversive procedures are a necessary aspect of dog training and behavior-problem solving that cannot be neglected or substituted for (e.g., by drugs) when competent inhibitory control over highly motivated behavior is being established.” Lindsay insists on the thoughtful use of the four quadrants of operant conditioning theory, including both positive and negative punishment.
When training tools designed for humane application have been proficiently applied by professional trainers without causing undue stress, pain, or injury to dogs, those tools should not be unjustly categorized as only affecting behavior change through fear or pain. The IACP cannot, in good conscience, prohibit the use of any tools that facilitate fair and clear communication between the handler and the dog, including tools which naturally use positive punishment and negative reinforcement such as front-clipped body harnesses, head halters, prong collars, electronic collars (e-collars), martingales, and slip collars.
We believe attempting to force all dog trainers to abandon tools that can be used to effectively and humanely improve a dog’s quality of life is irresponsible, unhealthy, and unfair. Limiting the use of such tools will result in the death of countless dogs who are misunderstood, deemed uncontrollable, and eventually incompatible for human companionship. Ethical dog training can, and should, help dogs to learn to respond appropriately to the stress, pressure, and aversion that exists in the real world. There is no common sense or compassion in any movement that takes away an owner’s ability to provide eloquent, competent, and complete communication with their pet.
The IACP encourages our members to be lifelong learners. We recognize that there is always room for continued learning and growth within this industry and that there is no single training plan that works best for all dogs or all people.
We are better together. Through collaboration across methodologies, the IACP works to improve the lives of more dogs and more owners than we would if we chose to exclude or ignore entire segments of the industry and learning theory. The IACP gladly welcomes all canine professionals who strive to keep the dogs and families we impact In Safe Hands.
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The International Association of Canine Professionals
In Safe Hands
www.canineprofessionals.com
