Dogs are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, fear, distress, joy, and deep social bonds with humans and other animals. They serve as companions, working partners, and family members in communities worldwide.
Despite this, outdated training and management practices in many regions continue to cause unnecessary suffering. This Declaration establishes a clear, evidence-based global standard to protect dogs from harm, promote humane methods, and guide a worldwide shift toward compassionate care and training. This document will be reviewed quarterly by the committee.
All training and behaviour modification worldwide must be carried out by professionals who hold independently accredited qualifications in canine training or behaviour from universities, colleges, or recognised governing bodies, where the curriculum is grounded in evidence-based, force-free principles. Practitioners must prioritise do-no-harm methods that rely exclusively on positive reinforcement, reward-based approaches, and other humane, non-coercive techniques. They must maintain current knowledge through ongoing professional development in force-free methods and canine welfare science, work strictly within the limits of their qualifications and competence, and refer cases involving medical issues, severe aggression, or complex behaviour problems to a qualified behavioural consultant, veterinary behaviourist or other suitably qualified professional. These evidence-based practices are more effective, safer, and kinder. They build trust, confidence, and reliable behaviour while promoting the dog’s long-term physical and emotional welfare.
Dog guardians, trainers, behaviour professionals, breeders, shelters, veterinarians, regulators, and governments share a collective duty to uphold these standards. This includes providing education, ensuring access to qualified force-free professionals, and driving cultural change away from outdated harmful practices.
These principles apply universally - in homes, training settings, competitions, working roles, shelters, grooming and public spaces, regardless of geography, culture, or purpose.
We call upon individuals, organisations, and governments worldwide to adopt and promote these principles in policies, codes of practice, and public education; support appropriate restrictions on harmful tools; invest in research and resources for humane methods; and share knowledge across borders to monitor and advance progress.
Organisations and individuals are invited to endorse this Global Declaration. By doing so, we unite in a shared commitment to protect dogs from harm and ensure they are trained with compassion and respect everywhere.
Please note: This is a living document and may be updated to reflect ICLACs position.
I endorse the Global Declaration on the Protection of Dogs from Harm and the Promotion of Humane Training. I agree with its principles and commit to promoting humane, positive reinforcement training while rejecting aversive methods that cause harm.
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