Launch of new Dog Training Standards Workgroup co-led by AVS and SPCA

- Builds on existing efforts to raise the standards of the dog training industry

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) are co-chairs of a new Dog Training Standards Workgroup. Comprising dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups, and representatives from working dog units, the workgroup builds upon existing efforts to raise the standards of the dog training industry and will look at developing proposals and implementation plans to raise public awareness and adoption of dog training using the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach. The Workgroup will also review positions on the use of various training devices, including shock and prong collars, as well as develop regulatory frameworks for the use of such training devices. This also adds onto AVS’ overall efforts to raise animal health and welfare standards within the pet sector.

AVS formed the Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup (RAWG) in 2020, which looked at raising standards for the rehoming and adoption of free-roaming dogs in Singapore. Since then, RAWG had launched two sets of guidelines in January 2022 – Guidelines on Dog Rehoming and Adoption Practices, and Guidelines on Dog Training and Behaviour Rehabilitation. These guidelines serve as tools for the public to improve existing rehoming and adoption practices and encourage better welfare for dogs during training. This was followed by the launch of the AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer (ACDT) Scheme in December 2022, which provides pet owners with more options for a professional to consult on dog training or complicated behaviour problems in their pet dog. To date, over 40 trainers have come on board for the AVS-ACDT scheme.

Diverse views regarding use of dog training devices

Devices used in dog training range from rewards-based or neutral devices (e.g., clickers, whistles) to punishment-based or aversive devices (e.g., shock collars, prong collars). Shock collars are a type of electronic collar that deliver electric shocks / stimuli through contact points on the dog’s neck while prong collars are collars with prongs, teeth, or blunted open ends turned towards the dog’s neck.

In April 2023, focus group discussions with multiple stakeholder groups, including dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups, representatives from working dog units, and pet owners, were conducted to better understand the views of stakeholders regarding the use and regulation of dog training devices (i.e., arguments for and against the use of such collars and how they should be regulated).  

Studies have provided evidence that rewards-based training methods may be just as effective or more effective in training the same behaviours without the associated risks and should always be considered first before moving onto more aversive training methods.

During the focus group discussions, participants shared that public information was lacking regarding the risks of improper use of shock and prong collars, as well as the appropriate alternative training methods available. There was consensus on the need to educate and raise awareness on the risks of shock and prong collar use, and to promote less aversive training methods. Some trainers and pet owners also acknowledged that there were certain circumstances that could warrant the use of such devices and stressed the importance of their proper use to safeguard welfare.

New Dog Training Standards Workgroup

AVS is committed to approaching the regulation of shock collars with careful consideration and thorough preparation to ensure that there is a well-informed, effective, and feasible regulatory framework, backed by science, put in place.

The new Dog Training Standards Workgroup, co-led by AVS and SPCA, comprising key stakeholders, including dog trainers, veterinarians, and animal welfare groups, and representatives from working dog units, will study the following key areas:

·       Educating the public on the risks of using aversive training devices, which will help people to make more informed choices about their training methods

·       Developing proposals and implementation plans to raise public awareness and adoption of the LIMA training approach, which guides trainers or handlers to consider less aversive training approaches first

·       Studying and reviewing international standards and positions on the use of various training devices, including shock and prong collars

·       Developing plans and approaches for training standards, Codes of Welfare, and the regulation of the use of training devices

In addition, to further inform our regulatory framework for the use of training devices, AVS is also benchmarking against the practices adopted in other countries, where there are a wide range of regulatory regimes adopted. Most countries today do not have specific legislation regarding the use of such devices. For countries that do adopt regulatory regimes, these range from banning their use or permitting it under prescribed conditions. Regulatory regimes may even vary within countries, with states within a country adopting different regimes, such as in Australia. AVS continues to gather insights from counterparts overseas on the enforcement of the use of such devices.

AVS is also reviewing existing scientific research to gain a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of using such training devices.

To highlight the risk of using such training devices to the general public, AVS has also started engaging pet shops and e-commerce platforms to discourage their sale and publish warnings through notices and advisories.  

The community has a role to play

The formation of the new Workgroup was announced by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and National Development, during an AVS public seminar on insights on canine aggression. The invited speaker, Dr Jim Crosby, is a canine aggression and behaviour expert who has professionally trained dogs and addressed canine behaviour problems since 1999. The seminar was attended by around 200 attendees, including dog trainers, pet owners, members of the veterinary profession, and animal welfare groups.

AVS will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and the public to increase awareness about the benefits of rewards-based training methods, the LIMA approach and up to date science-based training approaches through seminars, workshops, and webinars.

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