Singapore launches new dog trainer accreditation scheme

SINGAPORE: The Animal & Veterinary Services (AVS) on Saturday (Dec 10) launched a new accreditation scheme for pet dog trainers in Singapore, to boost a change absent from traditional punishment-centered education towards extra rewards-centered methods. 

The AVS-Accredited Certified Puppy Trainer (ACDT) Plan will replace the current Panel for the Accreditation of Canine Trainers plan as the competency benchmark for pet trainers.

ACDT is voluntary but provides doggy owners obtain to trainers who can much better guideline them in handling their pets’ behaviour – and in a “humane” way, stated AVS in a push release issued Saturday.

The new plan will only recognise certifications from 4 independent animal conduct and instruction organisations, which were being selected centered on requirements these as staying science and proof-centered, possessing sound governance as well as adaptability to the area context, stated AVS.

The 4 bodies are:

• Worldwide Association of Animal Habits Consultants (IAABC)
• Certification Council for Skilled Puppy Trainers (CCPDT)
• Animal Behaviour Society (Stomach muscles)
• American Higher education of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

Having just one of these certifications will be certain that that canine trainers have to have a simple being familiar with of science-primarily based instruction approaches and doggy welfare and conduct be fully commited to ethical education ways and satisfy international expectations of competency, claimed AVS.

Senior Minister of Condition for National Advancement Tan Kiat How mentioned the new plan “indicators a obvious shift in the direction of harmless and powerful education methods that are grounded in science, making sure that the welfare of canines is safeguarded through the teaching”.

“Accredited trainers will also be needed to comply with codes of carry out established by their certifying bodies,” he extra.

“We encourage trainers to be accredited, to not only establish your specialist competencies, but also preserve up to date on the most current science in the field of animal training.”

The ACDT is a merchandise of stakeholder engagements, aim group conversations and community session about the final two a long time.

“Pet dog trainers agreed that the recent accreditation plan necessary to be reviewed to enhance expectations, and stakeholders also shared that internationally recognised certification schemes could be utilised as a benchmark for accreditation,” said AVS.

“Intercontinental gurus also highlighted that coaching techniques ought to be science-based mostly, humane, and that punishment-based mostly coaching solutions ought to be averted.”

Pet trainers accredited less than the present plan will carry on to be recognised as AVS-accredited right until Dec 10, 2024. Following that, they will be removed from the checklist of AVS-accredited canine trainers if they do not meet the new conditions.

Dog trainers will also need to renew their certifications with their certifying entire body each and every three to five years, by acquiring continuing schooling units. The stricter requirement serves to be certain that trainers keep up to day with the hottest solutions, mentioned AVS.

The checklist of accredited dog trainers can be uncovered on AVS’ web site.