October 7, 2020

Mr. Ron Coughlin, Petco CEO,

We at the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) would like to reach out to you in regards to your statement on the newly implemented policy to no longer carry hand held remote training devices.

Since 1965, NADOI has accepted only the finest, most experienced dog trainers and instructors to become certified members. From its inception, NADOI has welcomed with open arms all types of dog trainers who meet our stringent criterion for membership, and support the humane and educated use of all training equipment.

NADOI embraces diversity in dog training, but we also fully understand and respect that not every individual trainer, training facility, or retail business has the resources, or the preference, to offer all types of equipment and employ staff qualified in their correct and humane use. We do support the right to choose, for dog trainers and dog owners alike.

In our mission statement as well as our Code of Ethics, we also disallow our membership to behave in a hostile and unprofessional fashion toward fellow professionals of opposing ideology.

Therefore, we cannot support the inflammatory, deliberately emotive language in your statement designed to malign one specific tool as a whole. By connection, it accuses all remote collar users of heinous and abusive behavior toward their beloved dogs. This implication is entirely false, as there are many highly effective styles outside of Petco’s personal training philosophy that also prioritize the well being and lifelong happiness of the dog.

NADOI will continue to encourage dog owners to seek out well qualified, compassionate, and effective dog trainers of all kinds to reach their goals and enjoy a happy and harmonious life with their dogs. We believe this can be achieved in many ways, that positive reinforcement techniques are not the opposite of other styles, but rather, are complementary to them. The most humane path to a happy, well trained dog is individual to that dog and its family. We welcome the opportunity to connect with your executives or training staff to discuss NADOI’s mission and values.

With respect,

Clare Reece-Glore, President

(919) 616-5048
crgnc@gmail.com

Kelly Winkie, Communications and Publications