Integrity In the Dog World
In light of some of the recent conversations we’ve been having, an unexpected but kind and supportive email and the general passion for what we do, we wanted to highlight the importance of values and integrity within our world of dogs.
In the world of Dog Training, we believe core values are more than just words, they are the very foundation of everything we do. These values are the driving force behind why we began this journey and why we remain steadfast in our commitment to ethical practices. They shape how we treat our clients, the dogs we work with, and ourselves as professionals. These principles guide every decision we make, including the pivotal choice to leave workplaces, or cut ties with those that no longer align with personal standards, approach to animal welfare, or the integrity of training practices.
As Dog Trainers, our responsibility goes beyond simply teaching dogs new skills. It’s about setting an example, creating a safe space for both animals and humans, and ensuring that our work always adheres to the highest ethical standards. We believe that dog training isn’t just gaining results, it’s about how we achieve those results, and the impact we have on the lives of the animals and humans involved.
When we choose to work with animals, we are entrusted with their well-being, comfort, emotions, and their future. This sacred trust requires us to uphold respect, compassion, and a deep commitment to personal values that align with ethical methods.
The Pillars of Our Work here at A Bark Above:
Respect - We treat everyone with dignity, ensuring a positive and supportive environment for both dogs and their owners.
Trust - We are committed to ongoing learning and provide trustworthy, ethical, and effective training methods backed by science and evolving research.
Openness - We foster transparent communication and create a welcoming, non-judgmental space for all.
Kindness - We use science-backed, fear free and reward-based methods to train with kindness, and understanding.
Compassion - We approach each dog and owner with patience, understanding, and empathy to support their unique journey and needs.
Innovation - We strive to set standards in the industry through continuous education and improvement while providing a holistic approach.
For us, upholding our core values is not negotiable. We believe it is essential to prioritise animal welfare, ethical practices, and the continuous learning of both trainers and clients. For the sake of the dogs we train, the welfare of future animals, and the integrity of our profession, we stand firm in our commitment to these values and ongoing learning!
In a world where the welfare of animals can sometimes be overlooked in favour of quick results, we believe it is vital to keep our standards high. By focusing on respect, trust, openness, kindness, compassion, and innovation, we are ensuring that every dog we work with receives the care, understanding and training they deserve. These values are not just words; they are a promise we make to every dog, every owner, and ourselves!
Ultimately, it’s not just about teaching dogs; it’s about delving into the why and how behind their behaviours and understanding the deeper reasons that drive them. Our mission is to create a better world for animals, and the people who love them. This is why we stand firmly by our values and why we will continue striving for positive change and exceptional standards within the industry. As we move forward with new developments, we look forward to sharing how these values will continue to shape our future and elevate the world of dog training.