Standards of Practice

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultant's Standards of Practice aims to create an authentic, meaningful, and comprehensive guide that identifies and promotes the best practices in our industry.

FREE & The Pathway to Positive Behavior Change

Notice of Temporary Retraction: On March 19th 2025, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants published an article titled "A New Framework: Introducing FREE and the Pathway to Positive Behavior Change.” Following questions raised about source clarity and content overlap, the article was voluntarily retracted on April 9th, 2025. We intend to revise and resubmit it with proper attribution and explanation of our framework.

Procedure Selection

Animal behavior and training involves the intentional, purposeful application of behavioral contingencies. Trainers and consultants are responsible for ensuring learner success through a systematic approach that identifies a specific target behavior(s), the purpose or function of the behavior(s), and consequences that maintain the behavior.

Understanding the Learner: The IAABC believes it is best practice to consider an animal's well-being when designing interventions. This includes evaluating environment, safety, health, and learning history while offering the learner choice and control.

Positive Reinforcement: This should be the primary strategy used in training. It is associated with the lowest risk of negative side effects such as fear or aggression and emphasizes reinforcing desired behaviors.

Positive Punishment and Use of Aversive Stimuli: The IAABC opposes the intentional use of aversive methods, especially those involving pain, fear, or intimidation. Members must avoid using shock or other punishment-based interventions.

Shock in Animal Behavior and Training

The IAABC adopted a shock collar addendum in June 2020, which has since been sunset as of February 2025 to unify our stance. We clarify:

The IAABC strongly opposes the intentional use of aversive stimuli and requires members to refrain from using shock in any training or behavior modification.

We acknowledge that some clients may already use shock devices. In these cases, members are expected to help transition them away from this approach and mitigate its effects.

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