A second Squamish-based trainer has received BC SPCA’s AnimalKind accreditation.
Sea to Sky Canine Training is the latest company to receive the SPCA nod.
"I am passionate about dogs,” said Laura McAlduff, owner of Sea to Sky Canine Training in a news release. “But more than that, I am passionate about the human-animal relationship and our ability to understand and live with pets as our best friends. For me, this starts with humane education and compassion.”
Paw In Hand received the accreditation last year.
The BC SPCA launched the AnimalKind program for dog training companies in January 2019.
To be chosen, the businesses have to support humane standards.
Trainers have to use positive, reward-based methods, and SPCA representatives check that trainers meet the standards.
“The demand for dog trainers is growing. The problem is that dog training is completely unregulated in B.C.,” said Nicole Fenwick, manager, research and standards for the BC SPCA in the news release. “Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, regardless of their education, knowledge or experience. This can make it hard for dog guardians to know whether the trainer they chose will use humane, effective training methods instead of outdated techniques that cause fear and pain to their dogs.”
Maren Bruun, from Paw In Hand, the first accredited trainer from Squamish said she understands that owners want quick-fix methods, but that isn't always the best way to go for the pet.
"They want the undesirable or unsafe behaviour to be stopped as soon as possible. If this is done in forceful, fear-inducing or confrontational methods, it can have detrimental effects. The AnimalKind program guarantees that such dangerous methods are not used by its accredited trainers," said Bruun, in the release.
There are now 20 AnimalKind accredited training businesses in B.C.
The SPCA launched the first set of AnimalKind standards – for pest control companies – in 2018.
Learn more about AnimalKind accreditation at animalkind.ca/dogtraining.
