The Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce Report: What It Means for Dog Trainers
On 24 September 2026, Defra published the report of the Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce. Ministers first convened the taskforce in 2022, bringing together representatives from the police, local authorities, the veterinary profession, animal welfare charities and the training and behaviour sector. Its report makes 20 recommendations across four areas: data, enforcement, education and communications, and training.
The context is serious. The report notes a 77% increase in hospital admissions relating to dog bites or strikes in England between 2010-11 and 2024-25, from 6,097 to 10,787, while the UK dog population has grown by 35% since 2011.
What the report says about dog trainers
For anyone who trains dogs professionally, the training section is the one to read. The taskforce is clear about the problem:
"Anybody can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist as the title is not underpinned by mandatory professional standards or codes of conduct."
It adds that "owners have no externally vetted guarantee of quality". It judged that industry self-regulation "was not working", and that existing assurance schemes had led to "fragmentation and confusion for consumers".
Recommendation 18 is to "further explore options for regulating dog trainers and behaviourists, and take forward best options". The first step, marked as a priority, is to "instigate an evidence-gathering exercise on the options for regulating dog trainers and behaviourists", which could be led by government or the animal welfare sector.
Of the options it discussed, the taskforce favoured government-set standards, possibly assessed and enforced by UKAS-accredited organisations. It said any regime would need "close consultation with the wider sector" to set minimum standards of competence and acceptable training methods, while making sure the cost of regulation does not burden owners or reduce access to training and behaviour support. It also suggested a transition period, or grandfathering, for existing trainers.
What it says about e-collars
The report makes no recommendation on e-collars. It does note that there is "no agreement on what constitutes acceptable training practice", giving electric shock collars as an example, that they are already banned in Wales, and that the government has committed to consult on a ban in England.
NAPET's view
We agree with the central finding. Owners should be able to tell whether a trainer is competent and accountable. That is why NAPET exists.
Standards should be built on evidence. Competence, accountability and welfare outcomes should decide who is fit to practise. The report is right that this needs consultation across the whole sector, including trainers who use remote training aids.
Professional instruction matters. In our 2026 owner survey, 96% of respondents reported receiving professional instruction specifically relating to e-collar use. The respondents were self-selected and the outcomes are owner reported, but it shows why the standard of that instruction matters.
Our position on owner use, clarified 12 October 2026. NAPET supports regulation rather than a blanket ban. Following case-specific assessment and documented professional instruction, owners who have confirmed that they understand and accept the agreed guidelines may use an e-collar independently, without a professional being physically present. Use must remain within the agreed training plan, welfare safeguards and review arrangements, and be lawful in the relevant jurisdiction. See our revised response and clarification. This clarifies the January wording; it is not a new submission to Government.
We want to help. When the evidence-gathering exercise begins, NAPET intends to contribute, drawing on our Code of Conduct and on what owners and trainers tell us.
Other headlines
Defra has said it "will not be introducing a new dog licensing scheme".
Recommendation 8: consider legal requirements for professional dog walkers.
Recommendation 9: a statutory duty for local authorities to provide a dog control service for low level dog control issues.
Better recording of dog bite and dog control data, including a statutory recording duty for enforcement authorities.
What happens next
The minister, Baroness Hayman of Ullock, says the government is "carefully considering the recommendations alongside the wider programme of work already underway". A Defra spokesperson said: "Any next steps will be set out in due course." The taskforce has recommended that it continues to meet to drive delivery.
We will follow this closely and share what it means for trainers and owners. If you are a trainer, register your interest in NAPET accreditation. If you would like updates, join NAPET free.
