DogSmith Dog Training professionals recognize that it is the right and responsibility of every individual to advance their welfare. DogSmith clients have freedom of choice and do this voluntarily when they have adequate disclosure of information regarding the services to be provided and an appropriate understanding of the circumstances and the expected results. Clients have ethical and legal rights to this information (Welfel p 157 2009).
Clients in the companion animal behavior consulting and training relationship have the full responsibility for their animals. Professionals must fully disclose all aspects of the professional client relationship in terms of confidentiality, role of each partner in the relationship, the cost of services, payment methods, cancellation and reimbursement terms and liability and indemnity policies (O’Heare 2009).
The companion animal and behavior professional also has to consider the vulnerability of the animal and its inability to offer informed consent. Contained within the disclosure process there must be statements regarding conflicts of interest concerned with the animal’s welfare, the behavior change methods to be employed and the parameters of confidentiality and privilege relating to local and state animal controls, ordinances and laws (O’Heare 2009). The DogSmith Dog Training Professionals give full disclose of information and the client is informed that they have the complete right to question or decline any treatment recommended by the professional at anytime during the professional relationship
O’Heare, J. (2009) Professional Ethics 106 2009, CASI,
O’Heare, J (2009) AABP A Guide to the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals’ professional practice guidelines
Welfel, E.R, (2009) Ethics in Counseling and Psychotherapy. Fourth Edition. Brookes Cole USA.