Pet wellbeing brand Pet Remedy has spoken out about growing concerns surrounding unregulated dog trainers and behaviourists in the UK, warning that many pet owners are unknowingly turning to unqualified individuals giving outdated or even dangerous advice.
They say that unlike professions such as veterinary medicine, the dog training and behaviour industry currently has no legal regulation. This means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist, regardless of their level of education or experience, a situation experts from the Devon-based, veterinary-led brand say is putting both dogs and their owners at risk.
Andrew Hale, Behaviour Consultant for Pet Remedy, said: “This is a serious welfare issue. Many loving owners simply don’t realise that dog training is an unregulated field. They assume that a trainer advertising online or on social media must be qualified, when sadly that’s not always the case. Choosing the wrong person can lead to long-term emotional and behavioural damage for dogs.”
To help pet owners make informed decisions, Pet Remedy has published a professional partners map of reputable animal care businesses who have signed the company’s ethical pledge: https://petremedy.co.uk/partners/
The company says owners should always ask about a trainer’s education and qualifications, noting that dog trainers and behaviourists are very different roles. Trainers typically teach useful life skills such as recall, loose lead walking and confidence building, while behaviourists are trained to assess and support more complex behavioural issues such as aggression, anxiety or reactivity.
According to Pet Remedy’s advice, a qualified dog behaviourist should hold at least a Level 5 qualification in dog behaviour, with many now educated to Level 6 or higher. Owners are also encouraged to look for accreditation from recognised bodies such as the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter or the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, as this adds extra accountability.
The company further warns owners to be wary of anyone promoting “dominance-based” training methods or using aversive tools such as shock collars, choke chains or punishment techniques. These approaches, it says, are outdated, can cause pain and fear, and have no place in modern, evidence-based dog training.
Instead, owners should look for transparency and compassion, trainers who openly share their credentials, clearly describe their methods, and prioritise emotional wellbeing. Reputable professionals will also be insured and happy to answer questions before taking on clients.
As part of its drive to bring an ethical framework to the UK animal care industry, Pet Remedy has introduced the Pet Remedy Pledge, a commitment signed by trainers, behaviourists, groomers, walkers, breeders and other companion animal professionals who wish to be promoted by the brand.
All Pet Remedy Professional Partners pledge never to use or endorse methods or tools designed to cause pain, fear, or intimidation, including shock collars, prong collars, or choke chains. They commit to working under a “Do No Harm” philosophy, supporting the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and prioritising every animal’s emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.
By signing the pledge, professionals become part of a growing network of like-minded animal experts who believe in humane, science-based handling and education. Depending on their level of involvement, partners can join as Affiliate, Commercial, or Corporate Partners, gaining access to exclusive resources, training, promotions, and marketing support, as well as being listed on the Pet Remedy website as trusted professionals.
Andrew Hale added: “The Pet Remedy Pledge isn’t just a statement, it’s a movement. By uniting ethical trainers and carers under one compassionate standard, we can give pet owners the confidence to make choices that genuinely protect their animals’ wellbeing.”
Pet Remedy is also a proud supporter of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter, reinforcing its commitment to advancing education, transparency and welfare across the pet care sector.
Dog owners looking for trusted professionals, or animal care workers wishing to sign the pledge, can find more information at www.petremedy.co.uk