Advancing Global Dog Welfare through Evidence-Based Legislation
International Canine Legislation Action Committee
Our primary mission is to secure a worldwide ban on aversive tools and training methods — including shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, and any techniques that rely on fear, pain, or intimidation — while promoting positive reinforcement and force-free methods as the international standard.
Through strategic advocacy, coalition-building, scientific education, and legislative action, ICLAC works to create a future where dogs are treated with compassion and respect, supported by laws that reflect modern understanding of canine behaviour and welfare.
"Together, we can protect dogs from harm and promote kinder, more effective training everywhere."
Join our growing Facebook community: Our private Facebook group already has over 600 members — including professionals, dog lovers, pet parents, rescue centres, vets, scientists, and highly credentialed behaviourists. This is currently our main discussion and networking space.
Our Secure Virtual Structure
How our structure works: Hundreds, and eventually thousands, of dedicated Members will provide the strong grassroots support that powers the International Advisory Board of professionals and the main Committee. Members play an active role by signing petitions, sharing expertise, participating in campaigns, and helping drive real legislative change. Everyone involved receives support through our secure virtual offices, resources, and collaborative tools.
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All roles shown are examples as we actively recruit committed individuals.
Anyone who expresses interest will be contacted by email with further information.
Members Area Live 88 members
National, Regional, and State Representatives
International Advisory Board
Main Committee
Adopting the
Hierarchy of Dog Needs®
as a Core Belief
We are very pleased to announce that the Hierarchy of Dog Needs®, developed by Linda Michaels, will now serve as a foundational framework for ICLAC.
This model beautifully captures what dogs truly require for their physical and emotional well-being. It places essential needs, such as safety, emotional security, enrichment and proper nutrition, as the foundation, with higher levels addressing social connection, play, and cognitive enhancements, including best practices in training.
It aligns perfectly with our commitment to humane, force-free, and compassionate dog care. We fully endorse and believe in this approach. It provides clear, practical guidance that puts the dog’s perspective and welfare first, and we are proud to make it a central part of our philosophy.
A special thank you to Linda Michaels MA for creating such an influential and dog-centred model. We are grateful for her contributions to the field and delighted to promote her work within our community.
We encourage everyone to explore it and consider how it can inform your own interactions with dogs.
Available in 17 languages:
Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Hierarchy of Dog Needs®
Members Area
National, Regional, and State Representatives
International Advisory Board
Main Committee Virtual Office