Dear Colleagues, 

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is currently reviewing its position on the use of aversive tools in dog training, including electronic training collars. As the leading credentialing organization for dog training professionals, it is our responsibility to move the industry forward in ways that protect consumers, respect animal welfare, and support the ability of professionals to work effectively.

Earlier this year, we assembled a group of subject matter experts from within the dog training and behavior industry, to help us evaluate the organization's current position, perform a review of relevant research studies, and share their perspectives across a wide range of real-world scenarios and experiences. We also want to understand the perspective and knowledge of the broader professional community to be sure our policies reflect the current state of education, experience, professional practices, and professional challenges to serving clients that exist within our industry today.

We have developed an industrywide survey designed to inform any potential updates to CCPDT policies. We are asking all dog training and behavior professionals to participate. The survey takes an estimated 8 minutes to complete and will remain open through November 30, 2022.

A professional is considered someone who provides paid services to consumers, such as group or private instruction, behavior consultation, day training, or board and train programs; shelter enrichment and training to increase adoptability; or professional mentoring/education in dog training and behavior. Veterinary Behaviorists, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists, and Registered Veterinary Technicians with a behavior specialty are also encouraged to take this survey. 

This survey is not designed for consumers of dog training services, dog walkers, daycare attendants, kennel attendants, or volunteers. All responses are confidential. A third party will analyze and report survey results to the committee. Thank you for your time and effort, as we seek to serve you and our community.

Sincerely, 

Bradley Phifer, CPDT-KSA CBCC-KA

Executive Director