Code of Ethics for Helpers? - Page 1

Myself and some friends have been concerned about some of the extreme training methods that go on in Schutzhund training. We have been encouraging the organizations to adopt a certified helper code of ethics. Our concern is that one of these days someone will file a complaint (whether warranted or not) and PETA or some other "do good" organization will ban our sport, along with the concern that abusive training is still going on in plain view in some places. A good trainer does not have to resort to abuse. While abuse is defined differently in some people's minds, making it somewhat hard to address specifically, we believe having something, even if it is just in general terms, will help defend our organizations from being accused of condoning such methods. This is not only a schutzhund problem as seen in this article: http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/dogtraining/ While this particular trainer is not associated with our sport, it does draw public attention to the subject and can easily get carried over to our sport. It is great to know that the WDA NOW HAS a code of ethics in place for all of their helpers to sign! http://www.gsdca-wda.org/forms/Certified%20Helper%20Code%20of%20Ethics.pdf Even though it is in vague terms it is still something to fall back upon if a helper from that organization gets caught in abuse by the public. If you agree with this we strongly encourage you to submit your concern to USCA DVG and the AWDF to help with the cause to protect our sport. Thanks for your time, Debby ebinezer052899@yahoo.com castlebrookshepherds.net

Maybe we should have a code of ethics for eveyone competing in the sport. Many horse organizations have a code of ethics that you agree to when you become a member. Each organization has their own penalties, including fines and suspension, for violations.

Interesting Anika. Please feel free for anyone to voice an opinion.

As you stated, perceptions of abuse vary considerably. There are those who consider normal proper use of corrections to be abuse, while others write off truly abusive practices as OK. It would be helpful if you were to specify the practices of concern so that others can form an opinion. Best Wishes, Jonah

jdh, I do understand what you are getting at, but I think they should have something in place for things that are obvious extremes. Could be for helpers AND all participants, as suggested in Anika's post. I know the AKC has a whole handbook for dealing with misconduct. I know one of the things thay talk about is if a family, after seeing an incident, would be deterred from participating in the sport. Somewhere (may not be the same publication) I also read about being against any training that might cause permanant injury to the dog. This is fairly broad and allows plenty of leeway. I know some people may not think fasting a dog for a day is OK, but it's not going to cause permanent injury. Sure, you can get arguments for and against many "methods", but I think there could be a way to still allow for personal styles used appropriately for the different dogs, but still covering our backsides in case one of our members (handlers, helper, whoever) goes overboard. At least the organization has a position in place, and while we're at it, the clubs should have something like this too. Looks like the WDA saw the need. The article about the Chicago trainer should be a wake up call.....She's not the only one overusing multiple e collars. She's now facing fines and jail time. We have to have some common sense and responsibility in what we do.

I just looked at the WDA code of ethics on the website, but it looks like it only deals with 1. no controled substances 2. no alcoholic beverages 3. not to attend if illegal substances are present 4. must conduct oneself in a manner not prej. to sport 5. may not accept gratuity Is this an old form that maybe is in the process of being changed to include the stuff mentioned above? Also, wouldn't it be more the handlers responsiblity to insure that training equipment be used correctly?