Navigating the Unregulated Industry of Animal Welfare and Dog Behavior

There has been a lot of "talk" of the dog training industry being unregulated. But, what does this really mean? And, how does this impact you as a professional, volunteer, or pet parent?

"Unregulated" can conjure up visions of the Wild West - no laws, no regulations, and no recourse.

In reality, self-regulation has its own way of maintaining structure, ensuring ethical standards, creating a positive balance, and encouraging innovation and progress.

To thrive as an entrepreneur, without the comfort blanket of an organization, it is, arguably, vital to uphold professional values and ethical practices to succeed. Having said that, it is necessary for pet parents, professionals, and others in the industry to expect transparency and ethical standards, not only from dog trainers, but from the industry as a whole.

As much as dog trainers and behaviorists are unregulated professions, it is often overlooked that "regulatory bodies" are also unregulated. But, wait, there are no regulatory bodies 🤔 Correct!

Often organizations position themselves as regulatory bodies with the goal of ensuring professionals maintain high ethical standards. While this mission is commendable, it is important to recognize that they can promote and share ONLY the information they choose, and even their courses and certifications are not sanctioned by a regulatory body.

Additionally, these self-imposed regulatory bodies are not required or obligated to explore any product or business, whereas regulated industries offer portals/streamlined processes for innovative products and practices to come to the forefront. To add one more twist, these organizations may fall into both regulated and non-regulated sectors. For example, veterinarians are highly regulated, yet the profession of Behavioral Veterinarian remains unregulated. The organizations that certify Behavioral Veterinarians (ie - Animal Behavior Society) is unregulated - in fact, they promote reinforcement based training, so the only difference between dog trainers and Behavioral Veterinarians is the ability for the latter to prescribe medications, which is regulated by the Veterinarian sector.

Let’s discuss “scientifically proven”, “peer reviewed”, “case studies”, and “evidence-based”.

In regulated industries, it is required by law to follow the standards created by the industry. For example, if a dentist creates a new process for extracting a tooth, he/she must follow the process enacted by the regulatory body prior to applying the process in their practice. The industry provides an application process and provides a structured process to meet their criteria.

In other words, regulated industries are required to provide avenues to achieve their criteria. Not all submissions will meet these criteria, but the regulated bodies are required to acknowledge all submissions.

In the unregulated realm, there is no such requirement. Organizations, such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, are not obligated to explore, research, acknowledge or share any practices or innovations which they do not want to. Nor do they hold the position to assess, approve or dismiss any product or method without the approval of the owner.

So how are unregulated industries mandated? Good question!

They work in the opposite way.

In unregulated industries, qualitative studies are mandatory - repetitive application leading to evidence-based. Once a product (tangible or intangible) has been applied extensively and refined based on results, it is ready for market, or in many cases (as with CCBT) the process of applying it has proven it to be effective and impactful and is, inherently, on-the-market.

Keep in mind, qualitative studies are science! They scientifically prove a method or tangible product through case studies and application, thus making them evidence-based. Through repeated application, either in controlled or natural settings, surveys, data collections, and documenting results, accounting for variables and factors, assessing outcomes and analyzing the results, the necessary information is acquired to effectively assess and/or adapt the product until final results are solidified.

In regulated industries, it must meet the standards (commonly scientifically proven, peer reviewed and/or published) prior to being applied. Thus, they rely on previous studies, current knowledge, and industry experts to determine the outcome.

Is one process/industry better than the other? Again, good question!

Let’s look at Lobotomy in the ‘80’s. Of course, this practice falls into a highly regulated industry. There was extensive research and scientific studies, as well as papers and peer approval - the criteria was met! In practice, lobotomy failed miserably, to put it lightly.

So, what can we learn from this?

Expecting or demanding that the criteria of one industry is placed into another can have serious negative repercussions. Innovations and progressive practices that are proven beneficial and impactful in unregulated sectors will be suppressed, impacting the lives of professionals and those they seek to help.

Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is scientifically proven through extensive qualitative studies, as well as meeting the advanced criteria of it being teachable to others and applied by others effectively and successfully.

As entrepreneurs, independent contractors, innovators or advocates, it is important to be self-motivated, ethically curious, and creative. To succeed, one must balance acknowledging suggestions and advice provided by industry leaders while robustly embracing the beauty of social entrepreneurship and the benefits of an unregulated industry - in other words; explore, take different paths, and stay true to yourself.

As an influential leader or organization, it is important to be transparent and truthful in the mission, goals and information provided. Use the position wisely - to encourage progress, ethical curiosity, and success while gently guiding and advising.

As a pet parent, explore your options, research and trust your gut.

After four decades of being deeply involved in an unregulated industry, I can say I whole-heartedly embrace it, while remaining cautious of the inherent problems. I have never feared it. It is simply a matter of seeing the full-picture of the benefits and challenges.

This topic has been more deeply explored in many articles. The IAABC most recent journal has a well written paper on this topic focusing on the roles of dog trainers and behaviorists.