The Code of Practice sets out the principles governing both the professional conduct and training practices to which all The Kennel Club Accredited Instructors members agree to abide.
A. Code of conduct – members shall:
- Act with integrity, in a professional courteous manner befitting membership of their club, business, The Kennel Club and the Accredited Instructors scheme
- Exercise professional judgement, skill and care to the best of their ability
- Respect confidentiality, personal rights and expectations of all, as individuals
- Not unfairly elicit trade or clientele to the detriment of others, be diplomatic in discussions to avoid criticising or condemning advice given/methods used by other clubs/instructors, especially where those in question will not have the opportunity to justify their actions
- Ensure adequate awareness of legal, health and safety issues, including having appropriate insurance
- Only use designated letters of The Kennel Club when appropriately qualified to do so
B. Training practices - members should:
- Be conversant with/promote The Kennel Club Canine Code and aspects of responsible dog ownership
- Be able to work in the best interest of the individual dog and handler(s)/owner(s)
- Promote and use suitable and motivational methods consistent with principles of kindness, fairness and good welfare
- Not use or promote any aversive training methods or techniques
- Not use electric shock collars, similarly coercive electric equipment, pinch or prong collars
- Take every reasonable care to control activities which may cause injury or aggression to or by dogs
- Have an understanding of dog behaviour and mechanisms of learning
- Have an understanding of the human skills of learning, communication and counselling
- Be able to advise on the choice, maintenance and safe and humane use of appropriate training equipment
- Be able to teach to the level of their experience and recognise their limitations and consequences of advice given
- Be willing to keep up to date with relevant developments, to improve their own skills and to expand their knowledge
C. Complaints and grievances:
- Arising from non-adherence to this code should be referred to The Kennel Club
- Made in respect of conduct that is discreditable or prejudicial to the interests of the canine world, is covered by The Kennel Club's Rule A11
The Kennel Club's policies and The Kennel Club's General Code of Ethics
Members are reminded of their responsibility to abide by, and where appropriate, to guide others to appreciate the principles of all The Kennel Club's policies, campaigns, relevant guidelines/regulations and The Kennel Club General Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics applies to everyone who has agreed to be subject to the jurisdiction of The Kennel Club. They, whether they are an owner, keeper or are in temporary charge of a dog for any purpose, accept their responsibility under the code. The code of ethics covers aspects of welfare, nuisance, control, hygiene and attention to veterinary care. It also covers aspects of providing accurate information on breed/individual dog characteristics, breeding, selling and homing of puppies/dogs.
Please note: for full details of the Accredited Instructors scheme regulations, please refer to The Kennel Club Year Book (M Regulations), published annually.