01/10/2026
The Government’s Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce Report marks an important moment for the future of dog training and behaviour in the UK.
And it highlights the work the ABTC has been doing for more than a decade to establish robust professional standards.
The Taskforce has recognised the importance of improving standards within the sector. Recommendation 18 calls for further exploration of options to regulate dog trainers and behaviourists.
For the ABTC, this represents an important acknowledgement of the need for a professional framework that protects animal welfare, supports dog owners, and ensures practitioners have the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to work effectively with dogs and their families.
The ABTC was established in 2010 following recommendations for the self-regulation of the dog training and behaviour sector.
Since then, we've developed a structured framework for professional competence, including defined knowledge and understanding requirements, practical assessment, continuing professional development, a public register, a code of conduct and procedures for dealing with complaints and disciplinary matters.
These are principles that the Taskforce has identified as important considerations in developing any future approach to regulation.
One of the most significant developments in the ABTC’s work has been the recent UKAS recognition of our processes.
The Taskforce specifically recognises the potential value of UKAS-accredited organisations within a future regulatory framework and identifies the ABTC’s approach as worthy of further consideration.
The ABTC is not simply calling for higher standards. We've already implemented a professional system designed to assess competence, provide accountability, and promote good practice.
Our framework also recognises that professional competence involves more than theoretical knowledge.
ABTC-recognised practitioners are required to demonstrate appropriate practical skills, supported by education, assessment and ongoing professional development.
Our approach is founded on science-led, compassionate and non-punitive methods, with animal welfare at its core.
Our work is supported by leading organisations across the animal welfare sector, including Battersea , Blue Cross UK, Dogs Trust, PDSA, Woodgreen Pets Charity, RSPCA (England & Wales) and the Scottish SPCA, alongside our network of Practitioners, Sponsors, Advisory, Supporting, Assessing and Practitioner Organisations
As Government considers the future regulation of dog trainers and behaviourists, the ABTC is ready to contribute its experience, professional framework and established standards to that discussion.
We believe the foundations for a professional, accountable and welfare-focused dog training and behaviour sector are already in place. The ABTC has been developing those foundations for over 16 years - and we look forward to helping shape the next stage
