Body of Knowledge is the collected wisdom, experience, processes and facts that both inform a profession and provide the solid foundation for which continuous improvements and innovation can occur.
Dog Works Training Company’s Body of Knowledge consists of the information, knowledge and functional skills we have identified that all dog trainers should posses.
The Body of Knowledge is built on the foundation of the six core competencies as outlined by the Association for Pet Dog Trainers.
5. Business
Animal Control and Regulation
Develop a familiarity with and understanding of state and local laws and ordinances that pertain to the control and regulation of dogs in order to:
- Consider implications on the profession of dog trainers and the dog training business
- Provide sound recommendations to clients
- Inform clients of the responsibilities
Knowledge Of:
- Animal Welfare Act and its legislative and regulatory history
- Animal control agencies and jurisdictions
- Key personnel titles and contact information
- Legislative titles and chapters pertaining but not limited to:
- Licensing, permits, identification, collaring, leashing
- Definitions and regulations of ownership, number limits, care, custody, control, and transfer
- Vaccinations, bites, quarantine vicious dogs, liability
- Interstate transport, boarding, licensing releasing agencies
- Puppy lemon laws, breeding restrictions, and regulations
- Spay/neuter regulations
- Regulations and requirements of pets supplements (animal foods/feeds and animal drugs)
- Breed-specific legislation
- APDT model law
- Animal law terminology
Skills In:
- Locating and acquiring correct and relevant laws, regulations, and ordinances
- Finding local legal professionals
- Analytical thining
- Assessing situations
- Identifying key issues
- Attention to detail
- Research
- Establishing an ongoing research schedule
- Explaining concepts and laws
Animal Cruelty and Neglect
Develop a familiarity with and understanding of local, state, and federal laws and regulations that pertain to animal cruelty and neglect in order to:
- Consider implications on the profession of dog trainers and a dog training business
- Provide sound recommendations to clients
- Inform clients of their rights and responsibilities
- Act as an advocate for animals as needed
Knowledge Of:
- Local, state, and federal animal control agencies and jurisdictions
- Local and state animal cruelty personnel, titles, and contact information
- Local, state, and federal reporting structure
- Local, state, and federal Legislative Titles and Chapters pertaining to but not limited to:
- Cruelty, neglect, abuse, abandonment
- Mandatory reporting
- Animal fighting, hoarding, tethering/anti-tethering
- Animal law terminology
Skills In:
- Analytical thinking
- Assessing situations
- Identifying key issues
- Attention to detail
- Explaining concepts and laws
Business Regulations
Develop a familiarity with and understanding of applicable local, state, and federal business regulations in order to develop compliant business standard operating procedures.
Knowledge Of:
- Required legal documents to start and operate a business
- Legal implications as a result of non-com[appliance with the required business statues
- Structure and key elements of a standard operating procedure
- Client and non-compete contracts
- Insurance such as business, liability, health disability, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance
- Compliance assurance protocols
- Local, state, and federal regulations affecting your business include but are not limited to:
- Rabies and infectious disease regulatory requirements and protocol reporting procedures
- Business operating licenses and permits
- Zoning and conditional use process
- Types of legal vendors and selection criteria
- Project management techniques
Skills In:
- Writing
- Attention to Detail
- Complying with protocols
- Training staff
- Identifying resources
- Organizing effective meetings
- Identifying key issues
- Neogition
- Documentation
- Communication (written and verbal)
- Applying project management techniques
Code of Ethics
Research and develop a code of ethics for your business in order to minimize liability.
Knowledge Of:
- Structure and key elements of a code of ethics
- APDT code of professional conduct and responsibilities
- Other related organizations and codes of ethics
- Animal law terminology
Skills In:
- Writing
- Attention to detail
- Clarifying values
