Preamble

Core Principles

1. Trust and Integrity: Members are committed to maintaining a high level of trust and integrity in their conduct while dog training.
2. Continuous Improvement: Members will actively seek to improve their skills and knowledge through ongoing education and open exchange of ideas with peers.
3. Humane Methods: Members will use humane methods and will always advocate for training practices that prioritize effective training and the best interests of both the dog and the owner. Members acknowledge that the humaneness of equipment and training methods is dependent upon the skill and knowledge of the individual trainer.
4. Minimal Compulsion: Members will use the least amount of force necessary to achieve the desired results, recognizing that individual circumstances may require varying degrees of guidance. The degree of force necessary to achieve the desired result in one dog may not necessarily be the same in another dog.
5. Limitations on Tools and Techniques: Members recognize that NADOI does not support guidelines or standards that seek to limit or prohibit the use of specific equipment or training methods.
6. Public Image: Members will consider the public image of obedience training and act in a manner that promotes the safety and well-being of all involved, keeping in mind the desired goal of a happy, willing, and responsive dog.
7. Animal Welfare: Conviction of any charge of inhumane treatment or animal cruelty will result in the immediate revocation of all certifications and expulsion from the organization.
8. Ethical Standards: Violation of any part of this Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the organization.
   
   

Member Responsibilities

1. Association Representation: All members will follow established guidelines for promoting their association with the organization and will support its goals in word and in action. They will represent NADOI in a positive and professional manner, upholding its principles.
2. Knowledge Sharing: All members will share knowledge and experience with others and seek help from others when needed.
3. Respect for Colleagues: All members will refrain from publicly criticizing other instructors or their training methods.
   
   

Additional Responsibilities of Certified Members

1. Professional Demeanor: Certified Members will conduct themselves with tact and courtesy, both in speech and appearance.
2. Client Focus: Certified members will prioritize the needs of their clients and their dogs, tailoring their training methods to each individual case.
3. Professional Limitations: Certified members will recognize their own limitations and seek help from others when necessary.
4. Breed Awareness: Certified members will make every effort to familiarize themselves with breed characteristics and trainability to better serve the needs of their clients.

By adhering to this Code of Ethics, members pledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in the field of dog obedience training and instruction.

Updated and approved by the Board of Directors
November 26, 2024