Code of Ethics

Preamble

The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, Inc. was founded to elevate the standards of dog obedience instructing. Mutually to aid both dog and human in the solution of the many problems of the profession and to designate certain members as having attained certain skills and knowledge. Acknowledging these facts, the members are pledged to maintain a high level of trust and integrity in the practice of their skill.

This Code of Ethics should not be recognized in passive observance, but as a set of dynamic principles guiding the members’ conduct and way of life in obedience instructing. It is the instructor’s duty to practice this profession according to this Code of Ethics.

As a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DOG OBEDIENCE INSTRUCTORS, INC.,

I shall remember that to my community and all with whom I come in contact in dog obedience work, I typify dog obedience. It is my duty to keep the ideal high.

I will always strive to better the understanding of dog obedience, proving it a work and profession worthy of respect and admiration. Always will I advocate training by such methods that will serve the best interests of the dog and the owner.

I will support NADOI’s position that the humaneness of equipment and training methods is dependent upon the skill and knowledge of individual trainers. I recognize that NADOI does not support guidelines or standards which seek to limit or prohibit the use of specific equipment or training methods.

I will work towards improved methods of instruction for all breeds of dogs. At all times in my association with people and in my work with dogs will I conduct myself in a professional manner. I will never conduct myself in such a manner that will bring discredit to this Association or to the profession.

I will work to train persons as competent instructors for dog obedience training and toward this end will always freely exchange ideas, methods, and techniques in connection with dog obedience instruction.

I will not publicly criticize other instructors or their training methods. This includes expressly or implicitly criticizing other trainers in my advertising or promotional material.