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Adhering to Friends of Frank’s Code of Ethics, your dog’s welfare is guaranteed to be prioritised by a team committed to the sole use of force-free and fear-free techniques.
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Understanding canine communication greatly decreases the chance of conflict, minimising any potential stress for your dog. The Friends of Frank team have been individually coached in canine body-language to ensure your dog’s signals are accurately interpreted across services.
Code of Ethics:
On behalf of Friends of Frank , the below Code of Ethics is strictly adhered to across all available services.
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The welfare and wellbeing of every dog remains priority, in all scenarios and circumstances, from the initial booking through to when they are reunited with their parent(s).
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Any concerns regarding the health, behaviour, or welfare of your dog, will be reported to you at the first appropriate opportunity.
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Notes on your dog's individual needs are kept: this includes, your contact details; your dog’s identity; the address of your registered veterinary practice; known health conditions injuries and allergies; relevant behaviour notes, such as fears/phobias, your dog’s motivators. and play style; as well as individual requests granted).
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All Friends of Frank team members are coached in canine body-language and communication –to reduce the chance of conflict and frustration by ensuring your dog’s signals are consistently observed and understood.
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Force-free, science-based approaches are compulsory, to guarantee force-free and fear-free practice. This strictly forbids forceful, controlling and/or punishment-based ‘techniques’, to ensure outdated methods of behaviour management are avoided in all contexts.
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Aversive equipment is prohibited by all Friends of Frank services.
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In instances where physical restraint and/or handling procedures are necessary for your dog’s physical safety, the least invasive approach will be employed to safeguard your dog – to ensure your dog’s wellbeing is equally protected.
Equipment and management:
Equipment used:
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Fixed length leads
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Standard collar with buckle (martingale collars are permitted for sighthounds)
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Standard, fitted harness (non-adjustable)
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Muzzles - muzzles are force-free and can help manage unwanted behaviour on walks, and keep other dogs safe. A muzzle may be recommended for if your dog has a bite history; coprophagia (poo-eating); is a picnic-thief; or to protect wildlife!
*Ideally, muzzles should only be used as a management strategy in conjunction with training!
Coercive, punitive techniques and/or aversive equipment are never used.
Aversive equipment includes, but is not limit to:
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Slip leads / Figure of eight leads
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Prong, Shock, or e-collars
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Halti head-harnesses
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Harnesses designed to reduce lead-pulling
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Half choke collars
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Choke chain collars
Any equipment could be deemed aversive, depending on the individual dog’s perception and experience of it, therefore the list in in-exhaustive.
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If you are unsure whether the equipment you use is aversive, please get in touch for a private conversation, before booking.
After a private conversation, if the piece of equipment is considered aversive, under no circumstances will it be used or tolerated across any Friends of Frank service.
An alternative will be provided in its place.
Negative reinforcement will not be used or tolerated under any circumstances.
All Friends of Frank services aim to create a fear-free environment where dogs are able to communicate their needs without the risk of aversive consequences.
Giving a dog the opportunity to make autonomous choices and express their emotions increases wellbeing, boosts confidence. This maximises the opportunity for both play and learning!
Refraining from negative reinforcement avoids forcing a dog to comply to nonconsensual situations. Negative reinforcement includes: lead jerking; pinning or 'alpha rolling'; forcing a dog into a sit position; raising a hand/towering over a dog to intimidate them. ​
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