Think about a given day you go out and about and live your life. you may not be consciously aware of it, but you are running into many (many!) regulated and monitored systems. Some better then others (and holy moly, don’t get me started on the current administration that is tearing these regulations down every single day!!). but if you live in the united states like I do, things like our air and water are regulated. The food you eat is checked and monitored (well, it should be and used to be more stringently). Those are obvious ones you actually might think about, or rather it becomes big time news when some part of this system breaks down. But think about other things in your day that may not be really aware of.
On my mornings dog walk, I’m walking by a few shops – a nail salon, a coffee shop, a hipster brunch spot, a super friendly corner store, a small independent gym, a new craft store (it literally just opened and I’m curious) and a donut shop. All these places need to have permits and business licenses, the food industry has a myriad of rules and regulations and cleaning and handling guides. The hipster brunch spot is also currently working with my county on their permit for outdoor seating. That nail salon, every one of those nail techs have to complete their schooling and licensing and obtain a certain amount of hours and tests to keep their license. That gym states they hav a certified personal trainer on staff. hmm… is that like a certified dog trainer? I had to look it up. In California, you don’t need a license to be a personal trainer. Well, join the club gym bros, our industry is unregulated too. fuck. That massage therapist you employ at this location does need a license! and many hours of schooling (thank goodness!)
So yea, that’s just a small taste of some regulations and industry standards currently in the US (well, specifically California as of february 2026, this country isn’t doing so hot, so I imagine this will break down further). Don’t you think that’s a bit messed up though that there are these random industries that anyone can just call themselves a professional and start charging money?
Don’t you think that’s a bit messed up though that there are these random industries that anyone can just call themselves a professional and start charging money?
Like I laugh at this, imagine me being your person fitness trainer?! ha! Lets just say we’d do a few laps to the coffee shop and the corner store in my training. But no one could stop me from putting up a sign and saying I’m a personal trainer. That should horrify you. and why it horrifies me is that there are so many people calling themselves dog trainers. because they wanted to. because they thought it would be easy. because they know people love and care deeply for their dog and will spend good hard earned money on them. People can be really good at marketing and not so good at the actual thing they claim to be good at. Their expertise? ha! Let me guess, their bio reads something like “I grew up with dogs and have dogs my whole life!”. congratulations, I have had teeth in my mouth since a wee little thing, based on this qualification, I should be a dentist. It’s simply asinine.
there should be some base line of standards, Ethics board oversight, educational requirement, something.
So yes, I do wish there was oversight. I wish there was some base line of standards. some ethics board over sight. some mandatory educational component. I know there are real challenges and obstacles in our current messed up capitalist society that would be good ethical people would be left out because of this. I wish I could change the systems from the inside out. Education and information of sound ethics should be widely available. I know the researchers and people putting this education together also need to be supported too. Again, I wish I had a way of changing the entire system. What I do know though is that our current system is terrible, full of charlatans and flooded with abusive people that get off on hurting animals – and then collect money from the guardians of the animals they just abused. It’s a really messed up system.
So do that with that as you want. It was a rant day today, and I didn’t even know it. Maybe I need to go out and touch grass.
But for real, there are legit ethical professionals out there. Let me help you find them!
As you know, I love being a part of the dog community that has a standard of ethics, genuinely want to help dogs and support their people, and don’t ever want to hurt your dog. I can’t believe that is even controversial. I’ll give you the short version of what to look for, as I imagine this will be a longer post soon enough. For one, always feel free to reach out to me directly. Even if you think I may not be the right person for you, I’d love to help you find that professional. Some good general listing sites you can look for help include IAABC, Pet Professional Guild, KPA-CPT and GoDogPro.com. When you are looking for a professional, ask them what qualifications they have, educational background, and methods they use. They should be very upfront and very willing to give you all this information without any vagueness.
