Dog training is a science, but the industry is (as yet) unregulated with no licensing requirements or regulatory oversight. This makes it difficult to know what to look for.
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CPDT-KA® indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and has at least 300 hours of dog training experience.
What is LIMA?
LIMA requires that trainers and behavior consultants use the “least intrusive, minimally aversive technique likely to succeed in achieving a training (or behavior change) objective with minimal risk of producing aversive side affects.”
The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT), Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), supports a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach to behavior modification and training.
https://m.iaabc.org/joint-standards-of-practice/
The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) requires all members must adhere to a strict code of conduct and understand Force-Free to mean that:
no shock, no prong, no choke and no pain, no fear, no force are ever employed in the training, behavior modification, care, or management of any pet.