Standards of Practice
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants' Standards of Practice promote ethical, science-based, and humane approaches to animal behavior consulting and training. They provide guidance for IAABC members while advancing professionalism, animal welfare, and positive outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.
Joint Standards of Practice
Since 2018, the Joint Standards of Practice (JSOP) has brought together leading organizations in animal behavior and training to promote science-based, humane, and ethical practices across the profession.
The 2025 update reflects our evolving understanding of learning and behavior while reaffirming our commitment to professional integrity, animal welfare, and evidence-based practices.
To date the Joint Standards of Practice are endorsed by the IAABC, APDT International, Karen Pryor Academy, Assistance Dogs International, Grisha Stewart Academy, Science Matters, Understand Horses, Victoria Stilwell Academy, the Toronto Humane Society, Peaceable Paws, Melena DiMartini, Animal Training Academy, Carefree Companion, Good Dog Academy, Canine Behavior College, Academy of Pet Careers, Atlas Service Dogs, The Phenix Advocacy Center for +R Canine Professional sand the IAABC Foundation.
Procedure Selection
Animal behavior consulting and training should follow a thoughtful, systematic approach that identifies target behaviors, understands why they occur, and selects procedures that support learner success while protecting welfare.
- Understanding the Learner: Consider an animal's physical and emotional well-being, environment, safety, health, learning history, and opportunities for choice and control when developing behavior plans.
- Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement should be the primary training strategy because it promotes learning while minimizing unwanted side effects.
- Aversive Methods: The IAABC opposes the intentional use of methods involving pain, fear, or intimidation and expects members to avoid shock and other punishment-based interventions.
Shock in Animal Behavior and Training
In February 2025, the IAABC incorporated its previous shock collar addendum into the broader Standards of Practice to present a unified position on humane training.
The IAABC strongly opposes the intentional use of aversive stimuli and requires members to refrain from using shock in training or behavior modification.
When clients are already using shock devices, members are expected to help transition them toward humane, evidence-based alternatives while minimizing negative effects on the learner.
Questions?
If you have questions about the IAABC Standards of Practice, please contact us. We're happy to help.