Code of Ethics Videos

At the PDTE we are aware of the negative effects constant commands can have on dogs’ wellbeing. This is why we allow them to make their own choices whenever possible. This way, they can act out their natural behaviours, but also begin to conquer fears at their own pace, thereby gaining a sense of agency that will help them feel safer in the world. We encourage sniffing, walking slowly, watching the world go by, digging, rolling on the ground and doing other dog stuff. We listen when they say no and we don’t force them into situations that make them uncomfortable. Giving our dogs choices allows us to build a relationship based on love, mutual respect and trust. #pdte #petdogtrainersofeurope

When communication becomes control – connection is lost. Sometimes, the tools we use in training can cause harm — even when it’s not our intention. And our dogs are the ones who feel this most deeply. These tools can inflict pain, limit movement, restrict airways, and pinch nerves — leading to stress, broken trust, and insecurity. That’s why small choices can make the biggest changes. Everything changes when we choose connection, communication and collaboration over control. Choosing kindness over punishment builds trust — the foundation of every true partnership. Because every step taken in kindness brings us closer together.

Dogs are social beings who depend on us, their guardians. It is our responsibility to build a relationship of trust and safety with them. Punishment harms that relationship, is proven to be less effective for learning, and can cause or worsen behavioural issues. Punishment can be physical, but also psychological - such as raising our voice, ignoring a dog in need, putting them in timeout, or using intimidating body language like towering over them or staring them down. There are far better ways to communicate, teach, and set boundaries. We can use a stopping hand signal to show something is off-limits, turn our body slightly if we don’t want a dog jumping up, and prevent difficult situations by asking them to move away from temptations or avoiding overwhelming places. We can set boundaries while also respecting our dogs’ boundaries and feelings. Without using punishment. Our dogs deserve to live free from psychological punishment.

It may seem like nothing… but to them, it means everything. When we care for dogs, we want to focus on what truly matters to them. Some dogs need a coat in winter. Others don’t. It’s not just a coat — for this dog, it’s the difference between shivering and feeling comfortable. We choose a well-fitted coat, one that doesn’t restrict movement and is easy to put on. But what about dressing dogs up “for fun”? Costumes, headbands, dyed fur — is it really for them, or for us? If it brings no benefit to the dog, it might just cause stress or discomfort. Free movement is essential for all species. We offer dogs opportunities to explore, without forcing or luring them into activities. We adapt walks and exercise to each dog’s condition. A puppy or a senior can’t keep up with a fit adult. A dog with arthritis shouldn’t have to climb or jump. It’s our job to adjust, not theirs. Extra weight may not seem like much… But it puts real strain on their body: heart, joints, and breath. When we talk about “training,” we ask: what really matters to the dog? Safety. Comfort. The freedom to express natural behaviors. And the more dogs feel safe and understood, the less “training” they truly need. Every small choice we make matters — for their comfort, their health, and their dignity.

Caring for our dogs means noticing the small, everyday things that support their wellbeing, and giving them real choices based on their age, physical condition, and emotional state. But care is more than feeding and walking. It’s about warmth, security, and understanding every dog who shares their life with us. It means knowing the species, respecting each dog’s individuality, and adapting as they change. Dogs mature, their needs shift, and when we adjust our care to those changes, we truly support their wellbeing and strengthen a relationship built on respect, trust, and empathy.

Oftentimes, the equipment used for dogs is more about convenience for the human. But if we stop and put ourselves in their paws, we might make different choices. Many commonly used tools are restrictive, limiting movement through pressure or pain, and removing agency and choice. When we look at the dog’s anatomy, it becomes clear what we should avoid. Nothing should cause pain, no electric shocks, no tightening around fragile areas like the neck or abdomen. Equipment must not interfere with natural movement. The shoulders and shoulder blades are the pivot of the front legs so they should be able to move freely.. We also need to consider where the leash is attached. Equipment on the head can impact the neck and spine, and any front attachment designed to unbalance a dog when he pulls has physical consequences. Dogs communicate with their entire body, posture, movement, facial expression. When movement is restricted, expression is restricted. When expression is restricted, communication is blocked. And when communication is blocked, behaviour changes. What looks like compliance can sometimes be an emotional shutdown. We commit to protecting the dog’s voice, because behaviour is communication, and every dog deserves agency, choice, and to be heard.

Not all harnesses are created equal. Some cause pain, rubbing under the armpits or restricting the dog’s movement. Some are heavy, some put pressure on the neck or belly. Sometimes, even a good harness is not fitted correctly. This can cause physical and psychological damage to the dog. A well-fitting harness is lightweight. It allows free movement of the front legs. It sits fully on the chest, so if the dog pulls, pressure is distributed evenly over the breastbone and ribs. It stays in place even during movement and it is designed so the leash is clipped at the back of the harness. Dogs need to be able to use their bodies to move and explore freely. It’s their only way of communicating with the world. Using a well-fitting harness allows them to do that safely and comfortably. Walks are safer with a harness. All dogs deserve equipment that supports their comfort, health and wellbeing.

In ethical dog training, every choice we make matters — even the lead. A short lead limits natural movement and increases tension for both dog and human. Using double leads or front clips can create conflicting pressure and confusion. Even how we hold the lead matters — gripping tightly or letting it drag reduces connection. These habits can turn a simple walk into a source of stress instead of communication. The good news? Small changes make a big difference. A long lead allows natural movement, choice and exploration while keeping connection. We hold the lead softly, palms up, using both hands — it’s not about control, it’s all about conversation. Clipping to the back of a well-fitted harness supports balance and comfort. Choosing both clip and lead that suit the dog’s size allows them to move freely and confidently. When we handle the lead with empathy, everything changes. The dog feels safe, the tension disappears and communication flows. That’s ethical connection — trust, balance and harmony on every walk.

Not all activity supports wellbeing. Repetitive games and high-intensity activities can place significant strain on both dogs bodies and minds. This may increase stress, overheating and physical wear, affecting behaviour and emotional balance. Dogs do not need constant adrenaline to feel fulfilled. They need agency, choice, feeling safe and the freedom to explore naturally. Sniffing, treat searches, enrichment and discovering new places support both emotional and physical wellbeing. Nose work and calm exploration help dogs feel balanced, confident and more connected to the world around them. These simple moments allow dogs to relax, process their environment and simply be dogs. When we protect both mind and body, everything changes. That is ethical practice, supporting wellbeing throughout dogs’ lives.

What do you think dogs really need to know? Sit? Wait? Heel? We may have been taught that obedience is the way to go. But what do dogs actually tell us, when we take the time to observe them? Dogs don't naturally sit a lot, especially in situations we may ask them to. Asking dogs to sit constantly, on walks, before meals and in every social situation, is about our convenience, not theirs. Many obedience exercises also place considerable strain on dogs’ joints and muscles. When overused, they can negatively affect the musculoskeletal system. Learning to navigate our world can be done without obedience. We can give information using our body language without demanding compliance. We can live in harmony with our dogs without controlling every moment. Observe. Rethink. And ask ourselves: who is this training really for?

The PDTE Code of Ethics asks us to consider each dog’s age, health, and individual preferences. A young dog runs with ease, an older dog may rest and observe, and a puppy tires quickly. A dog full of energy isn’t always enjoying the experience — sometimes they’re overwhelmed.” Science is helping us see dogs more clearly than ever. We know they naturally spend much of their day resting, conserving energy, simply being dogs. So when we constantly fill their lives with activities, exercise and stimulation — whose needs are we really meeting? Are the right conditions in place? A yawn, lying down, lagging behind, THIS IS communication. We also need to recognise the difference between stress and overarousal. A dog that looks busy and exited, or “full of energy” isn’t always enjoying the experience. Instead of asking ‘Is the dog doing what we expect?’ ask: ‘Is this activity right for this dog?’ Get that right and the dogs learn better, we train better and we care better.

When dogs feel safe, they don’t need to hide how they feel. They should not need to perform for us to be valued. Sometimes, dogs are placed into situations that look impressive to people, but feel overwhelming to them. Busy events, crowded spaces, group photographs, dogs standing close together with little choice to move away… Dogs may stay quiet when stressed, but quiet does not always mean comfortable. Signs of discomfort can be subtle: looking away, lip licking, yawning, sniffing the ground, becoming still or trying to create space. Ethical training is not about proving how much dogs can tolerate. It is about listening to how they feel. At the PDTE, we discourage activities and events that may create unnecessary stress or place dogs in situations that do not reflect natural canine behaviour.