Dog training in Tasmania

10 Nov 2023

The following information has kindly been prepared by Dr Katrina Ward (BVSc MANZCVS BMA) to assist veterinarians in areas of concern in Tasmania for the training of dogs.

Behaviour problems are a leading cause of euthanasia in young dogs in Australia (RSPCA Report on Animal Outcomes 2021-2022.pdf) and extremely regrettably, some of our veterinary advice may be contributing to this statistic.

As Veterinarians, we should be providing the best scientifically proven advice on all aspects of medicine and health- including animal mental health and preventative medicine. As professionals, we need to be current in our knowledge and this must include training and behaviour, as explained in these AVA policies:

  1. The use of punishment and negative reinforcement in dog training 
  2. AVA Statement of principles – animal welfare and ethics

The animal training industry is unregulated. There are people who call themselves “experts” and “behaviourists” or “trainers” without any degree, research, nor educational investiture in the subject, nor commitment to ethical standards. The effects of inappropriate and unscrupulous training methods on some dogs are often catastrophic. Yet it is preventable.

Provision of the best and mentally safest options to your clients is essential. If you are unsure, please seek advice and guidance with behavioural medicine and training theory from colleagues working in this space. Search for trainers in your area that have completed Certificate IV in dog behaviour and training or refer to Veterinary Behaviourists.

Let your clients know of these locality searches that offer certified trainers:

The following advice is also very relevant: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Positive-Veterinary-Care-Position-Statement-download.pdf

Advice can be found at these references on why the use of punishment and the application of “dominance theory” is inappropriate: