ABOUT IICE

Code of Conduct & Ethics

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The International Institute for Canine Ethics (IICE) Code of Conduct and Ethics is central to the running of this membership. Welfare and ethical conduct towards not only the dogs but also the dog guardians supported by any member of IICE must strictly adhere to this code.

In addition, as an approved assessing organisation for the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), all IICE members are required to uphold and comply with the ABTC Code of Professional Conduct. This ensures consistency with national professional standards for animal training and behaviour practitioners.

Any deviation from these guidelines, including breaches of the IICE or ABTC Code of Conduct, may result in disciplinary action, including potential removal from IICE membership and withdrawal of ABTC recognition.

Introduction

The guidance within this code is relevant not only to the members of IICE but also to anyone involved in the registration process, inclusive of assessment for both practical and written applications to join the membership.

This code of conduct sets out standards and values which canine professionals in the membership are expected to follow.

Ethical Principles and Core Values

The core values and ethical principles included in the International Institute for Canine Ethics include:

  • Dedication to Continued Professional Development and staying up to date with dog related scientific advances.

  • Commitment of kindness and genuine respect to dogs, guardians, and fellow canine professionals.

  • Honesty and Integrity.

  • Obedience to the law including animal welfare laws and standards.

  • Professional competence and education within positive reinforcement, science-based dog training.

  • Respect for animal rights and animal welfare.

  • Respect for others, canine and human.

  • Responsibility and Accountability.

  • Trustworthiness.

Professional Member Responsibilities

The following professional responsibilities are to be adhered to by the founder of this organisation and all members, including members involved in assessment of applications to join the membership.

Dog Training and Behaviour - Practice Responsibilities

  • Animal welfare is first and foremost in any dog training activity carried out by the IICE and every member of the IICE membership.

  • No member will train a dog using force, fear, or punitive, correction-based methods to train a dog. Dog training methods will be welfare based, ethical, science-based and positive reinforcement driven.

  • No member will use or endorse the use of any equipment that causes physical, emotional or psychological discomfort to a dog under their guidance, or as advice to people training dogs under their guidance.

  • Check, prong, electric, or anti bark collars, including citronella (this list is non-exhaustive) will not be used by members of this organisation nor endorsed for them to be used elsewhere.

  • Anti-pull harnesses (of any type) that cause physical, emotional and psychological discomfort will not be used or advised to be used by the IICE or used/endorsed by anyone on the membership.

  • Methods based on the idea of dominance or non-benevolent leadership are not endorsed by the IICE and will not be used by anyone on the register.

  • IICE, anyone involved on the assessment team and anyone who joins the register will treat dogs with respect and incorporate canine welfare and science led methods into all their practical work with dogs.

  • All professionals on this register will be aware of their own professional limitations and be prepared to refer a dog showing behaviour concerns beyond their skillset to a different qualified professional, who has been proven to operate equally positive and non-punitive methods and maintain high canine welfare standards at all times.

  • No equipment will be recommended, provided or sold to clients which would not directly benefit the animal in their care.

Animal Welfare Standards

The International Institute for Canine Ethics works with its instructors, assessors, examiners, verifiers, quality assurers and learners to ensure that live animals are properly looked after where they are involved with IICE training, qualifications, and or assessment activities.

This requires more than simply protecting them from cruelty. We need to meet their needs for food, water and living space, protect them from disease, and create a healthy and stress-free environment for them.

This guidance applies to learners and IICE instructors, assessors, examiners, verifiers and quality assurers. Anyone who has care of an animal must provide for its needs. These needs include:

  • The need for a suitable environment (including appropriate accommodation or shelter and a comfortable resting area)

  • A suitable diet, which should be adequate to maintain full health and vigour

  • The ability to exhibit normal behaviour, this could be met by providing sufficient space, appropriate facilities as well as the company of the animal's own kind

  • The need to be protected from suffering, injury and disease. Animals should be protected from fear and distress by providing conditions which avoid mental suffering. Problems should be diagnosed quickly, and appropriate treatment should be provided for sick or injured animals. Where necessary this treatment should be by a veterinary surgeon.

The IICE ensures that where live animals form part of any training, qualification or assessment activities then the following principles will apply:

  • Ensure instructors/assessors are appropriately trained and have skills in delivering provision with live animals

  • Risk assessments are carried out

  • Ensure the welfare of the animal is prioritised creating a good quality environment and appropriate food for the animals

  • The actions of the training or assessment should not have any adverse effects on the behaviour of the animal

  • There should be no cruel or abusive practices

  • No animal will ever be forced or encouraged to do something against its will

  • In cases where learners will be working hands-on with the animal(s), full supervision, guidance and training must be given. The learner must have demonstrated that they are capable of performing necessary tasks with care and competence before commencing training or assessment with animals

  • Unauthorised or improper interaction with animals will not be tolerated

  • Ensure learners, instructors, assessors, examiners, verifiers and quality assurers are fully aware of IICE policy and principles

  • All supporting materials reflect the policy principles

Code of Conduct Acknowledgement

By joining the International Institute for Canine Ethics (IICE) it s acknowledged that:

  • We have read the entire code of conduct and understand your responsibilities related to it.

  • We have had the opportunity to ask questions to clarify any unclear aspects of the code.

  • We agree to abide by its principles.

  • We agree to report to the company any violations of the code.

  • We agree to cooperate in any investigations of violations of the code.

  • We acknowledge that removal from the register may occur if a member violates this code of conduct.

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