🐾 About The Ethical Dog Trainers Network

Meet The People Behind The Ethical Dog Trainers Network

We’re Ellen and James, the husband-and-wife team behind The Ethical Dog Trainers Network. As passionate dog owners ourselves, we know just how important it is to find support that feels both trustworthy and compassionate when you need help with your dog.

Through our experience within the dog industry, we saw first-hand how confusing and overwhelming it can be for owners trying to choose the right trainer for their dog. We also share a huge love for spending time outdoors with our own dogs, whether that’s exploring woodland walks, beaches, or the beautiful countryside — something that continually reminds us just how important the relationship between dogs and their humans really is.

We created The Ethical Dog Trainers Network to make that process easier — helping connect dog owners with ethical, welfare-led trainers who use kind, modern training methods.

Our goal is simple: to build a supportive network that helps owners feel less alone while also giving ethical dog trainers a stronger voice within the industry.

Finding the right dog trainer shouldn’t feel like a gamble.

Yet in an unregulated industry, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer — regardless of their experience, qualifications, or training methods.

At The Ethical Dog Trainers Network, we’re here to change that.

💚 Our Mission

Our mission is simple:

To make ethical, kind and reward-based dog training more accessible to dog owners everywhere.

We believe every dog deserves training that builds confidence, trust and a strong bond — not fear or punishment.

🐶 What Makes Us Different?

We carefully select the trainers within our network.

Every trainer:

• Uses kind and ethical methods

• Demonstrates a commitment to recognised ethical, force-free training standards

• Is committed to ongoing learning and high standards

This means you can feel confident knowing you and your dog are in safe, knowledgeable hands.

🎯 A Personalised Approach

We don’t just give you a list of trainers.

Instead, we take the time to understand:

• Your dog

• Your challenges

• Your goals

Then we match you with a trainer who is best suited to your individual needs.

Because no two dogs — or owners — are the same.

🤝 Supporting Both Owners & Trainers

We’re not just here for dog owners.

We also support ethical trainers by:

• Connecting them with the right clients

• Reducing competition from unqualified trainers

• Helping raise standards across the industry

Together, we’re building a stronger, kinder dog training community.

🌿 A Better Future for Dogs

We believe dog training should be built on:

• Trust

• Understanding

• Compassion

By choosing an ethical trainer, you’re not just improving your own dog’s life — you’re supporting a movement towards better welfare for all dogs.

Our Standards

✨ Our Standards

At The Ethical Dog Trainers Network, everything we do is guided by one simple principle:

Dogs deserve kind, ethical and humane training.

Our standards exist to ensure that every trainer within our network shares this belief — and is committed to supporting both dogs and their owners in a compassionate, effective and responsible way.

💚 A Welfare-First Approach

The wellbeing of the dog is always the priority.

We only work with trainers who are committed to methods that build confidence, trust and understanding — never fear, pain or intimidation.

Training should strengthen the relationship between dog and owner, not damage it.

🐾 Ethical, Reward-Based Methods

All trainers within our network are expected to use reward-based, force-free training approaches.

This means:

• Encouraging desired behaviours through positive reinforcement

• Supporting dogs in a way that feels safe and clear

• Avoiding methods that rely on punishment, fear or discomfort

We believe this is not only more humane, but also more effective in creating lasting behavioural change.

🌿 Recognised Ethical Standards

We promote training approaches that are widely recognised within the ethical dog training community, including those supported by organisations such as Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training.

However, inclusion in our network is based on a trainer’s commitment to these principles, rather than affiliation with any specific organisation.

🌱 Commitment to Learning and Growth

Dog training is an evolving field, and we value trainers who continue to learn, reflect and grow.

We expect trainers in our network to:

• Stay open to new knowledge and developments

• Reflect on their practice and approach

• Strive to provide the best possible support to both dogs and their owners

🤝 Professionalism and Integrity

We believe trust is essential.

Trainers within our network are expected to:

• Communicate clearly and honestly

• Treat clients with respect and empathy

• Work within their areas of knowledge and experience

• Prioritise the needs of both dog and owner

🔍 Carefully Selected Trainers

We take care when selecting trainers to join our network.

Our focus is on their approach, values and commitment to ethical training, ensuring alignment with the standards we stand for.

We aim to create a network that dog owners can feel confident turning to when seeking support.

🐶 Supporting Better Outcomes for Dogs and Owners

Our goal is not just to connect people with trainers — but to help create positive, lasting change.

By promoting ethical training and supporting trainers who share these values, we hope to make it easier for dog owners to access the kind of help their dogs truly deserve.

✨ A Shared Standard

Being part of The Ethical Dog Trainers Network means being part of something bigger — a collective commitment to improving the lives of dogs through kind, thoughtful and ethical training.

💛 Because every dog deserves to feel safe, understood and supported